By

Ayanda Ibukunoluwa Abigael

From street corners to campuses, beske wara soya or awara has taken the rise among Ilorin metropolis, which is widely sold in markets, neighborhoods, campuses and roadside shops.

Hundreds , if not thousands of people in Ilorin depend on this fried coagulated soy milk and considered it a staple snack or protein substitute and it’s enjoyed by students , workers, traders and most residents due to it’s spicy taste, availability and affordability.

While many praise it for being cheap and substitute for protein, beske has become the community talking point because others considered it not healthy enough for consumption due to the way some vendors prepares it, the dirty environment around where it’s being made or storing it in open trays which exposed it to flies and dust despite its delicious taste.

Beske, made out of soaked, peeled then blended and cooked into  paste, soybean. Cut into preferred size and shape then deep fry into golden brown color which is then served with a generous amount of pepper and onions. Has slowly become not only the symbol of Ilorin’s street food identity but also becoming comfort, culture and a generally accepted food in the community bringing people together with one spicy bite at a time.

There is no how you would walk to any busy road in Ilorin today(Tanke, Oke-Odo, Taiwo road, Sango, Oja oba, Oko Erin, and some  small neighborhood streets), there is a certainty that you will see a beske vendor surrounded by lovers of it!. Part of the city’s rhythm is the aroma of freshly fried coagulated soybean sprinkled with pepper and onions.

Many women in Ilorin sees Beske selling as their major source of income. Depending on their location areas  and customer flow, some vendors makes weekly profits of #15,000 to #20,000.

This growing profit and customer turnover has encouraged many women to join the business, making Beske an economic lifeline for many households within Ilorin metropolis.

Residents have been advised by nutritionist to enjoy beske in moderation. Advising that, though soybeans are cholesterol free, plant based source of protein, minerals, and omega six fatty acids. The process of making it and the type of oil being used will determine how healthy consuming the Beske can be.

It is usually recommend to buy from consistently clean vendors, beske fried in very dark and over used oil should be avoided, beske consumption shouldn’t be much at night and it should be combined with fruits or water during the day.

One thing that is crystal clear is that Beske will be among Ilorin metropolis for a lifetime, you will know you’re home when welcome by the spicy aroma of freshly fried beske in the city and corners of Ilorin.

In the city which is over packed with fast foods, beske still stands out as a reminder of Ilorin rich street food  tradition and snacks, and it has woven itself into the fabrics of the community lifestyle.

Beske will continue to be a delicious, and spicy snack if processed in a healthy environment and consume moderately.