In the bustling heart of Downtown Providence, a new West African restaurant helmed by a celebrated chef has quickly become the talk of the town. With a first location in Boston, the second iteration of Suya Joint moved into 320 Westminster Street in December. Fueled by a passion for sharing the flavors and culture of her homeland, chef Cecelia Lizotte invites guests to embark on a culinary journey to Nigeria, where her love for food and cooking was first ignited.
“Food is such a powerful way to connect people,” says Lizotte. “I want Suya Joint to be a place where guests not only enjoy amazing food but also learn about the culture and history behind it.”
As a young girl growing up in the sleepy village of Qua’an Pan in Plateau State, Nigeria, Lizotte was surrounded by the sights, smells, and tastes of West African cuisine, spending hours working alongside her grandmother in the kitchen of her small restaurant, which served as the village’s communal heart.
“It was a small, rustic place, a true ‘joint’ in the old Nigerian tradition,” recalls Lizotte fondly. “The smiles, the laughter, and the camaraderie that were the fruits of my grandmother’s labor still fill me with warm memories. Seeing the way people would flock to the restaurant every day when the food was ready was my first inspiration that led me down the path to where I am today. I dreamed of creating the same experience elsewhere.”
After moving to the United States in 1999, Lizotte opened her first location as a catering business in the Roslindale area of Boston in 2012. A growing fanbase for her cooking led to the original Suya Joint expanding and moving to a larger location in Roxbury in 2016. “As demand grew, I turned my business into a full-service restaurant,” she says. “Along the way, I faced challenges, but my passion for sharing Nigerian cuisine kept me motivated. And my team’s dedication and support also played a significant role in our success.”
Lizotte’s dedication to her craft has also earned her widespread acclaim. In 2023, Suya Joint was declared Best West African Restaurant by Boston Magazine, and just last year, Lizotte was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast. “It’s an incredible honor,” says Lizotte. “It’s heartwarming to see our community embracing West African cuisine with such enthusiasm. It validates our mission and inspires us to keep moving forward.”
Her decision to expand into Rhode Island was inspired by its capital city’s diverse community and dynamic culinary landscape. “I spent a lot of time searching for the right location,” she says. “When I saw the Westminster space, I knew it was perfect. Providence has such a vibrant food scene, and I hope to become a staple in the community.” The new location is both a personal milestone and a step toward a larger goal for Lizotte. More than just a restaurant, she envisions Suya Joint being a cultural hub where patrons can gather, celebrate, and experience the warmth of Nigerian hospitality.
The menu is a rich tapestry of classic West African staples, from the rich, savory depths of Egusi Soup to the steamy warmth of jollof rice and the smoky heat of the restaurant’s namesake Beef Suya – grilled meat skewers. To ensure authenticity, several key ingredients are imported directly from Nigeria, including ogbono (wild mango seed) and kuli-kuli (spiced peanut cakes), a beloved family recipe that has been a staple in Nigerian households for generations.
“Nigerian food is all about bold spices and layered flavors,” Lizotte explains. “We use ingredients like ginger and turmeric not only for their taste but also for their health benefits. These spices are anti-inflammatory and great for digestion.” The menu is also designed to consider all different diners, offering a variety of dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, so everyone will always feel welcome at the table. As Lizotte would say, “Come for the food, stay for the love.”
320 Westminster Street • 401-388-4952
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