Shawarma Wahala in Ipaja: Viral Review Sparks Outrage After Customer Receives ‘Extra Hot Dog’ in the Most Unexpected Way

A seemingly ordinary food order has exploded into one of the most talked-about online moments of the week after a customer’s review of an Ipaja shawarma spot surfaced on social media, leaving Nigerians laughing, outraged, and deeply confused all at once. The incident, shared by X user @Darkchocolaitel, began as a simple food hunt on delivery platform Chowdeck but has now turned into a statewide conversation about customer service, food standards, and the unpredictable comedy of Lagos fast-food culture.

According to her post, she had been browsing shawarma spots around Ipaja on Chowdeck when she came across one that caught her interest. Curious, she went through the reviews—and what she found was so unexpected that it instantly went viral. One particular customer had left a review describing a bizarre experience that perfectly captures the chaotic charm of Lagos eateries. The reviewer explained that they requested “extra hot dog” inside their shawarma, only for the vendor to hand them the extra hot dog separately, almost like an afterthought. Instead of receiving a properly wrapped shawarma with the additional ingredient mixed in, the customer was allegedly given the shawarma in one hand and the hot dog in the other, leaving the entire internet to ask: “But how?”

The review, dated February 2, 2025, struck a nerve with thousands of Nigerians who are all too familiar with the unpredictable nature of ordering food from certain Lagos spots. As the screenshot spread, reactions poured in, ranging from bursts of laughter to genuine frustration over the quality of service customers often endure. Some users joked that the vendor must have believed the “extra hot dog” was a side order. Others questioned whether the staff simply lacked training—or if this was a new era of “do-it-yourself shawarma assembly.”

Within hours, the original post began gaining traction, with people recounting their own foodie horrors. From shawarmas filled with cabbage overload to orders arriving without chicken, without cream, or even without the shawarma itself, the viral review opened the floodgates of shared frustration. It became clear that many Lagosians have come to accept these mishaps as part of everyday life—even when they’re not supposed to be.

But beyond the humor, the incident sparked deeper conversations about the restaurant ecosystem in bustling neighborhoods like Ipaja, Egbeda, and Abule-Egba, where small food businesses pop up rapidly, competing to attract customers but sometimes struggling with consistency and quality control. For many, the review highlighted the urgent need for improved standards in customer service, staff training, and general attention to detail. Food delivery has become a lifeline for busy workers and students in Lagos, and experiences like these, though laughable, point to a larger issue: customers deserve better, especially when they are paying premium prices for convenience.

Some social media users were quick to defend the vendor, suggesting the entire thing might have been a misunderstanding or the result of a rushed staff member working under pressure. After all, Lagos eateries often deal with overwhelming order volume, and mistakes—though comical—do happen. However, others argued that a simple oversight shouldn’t excuse what they described as a lack of basic professionalism. “How do you remove the ‘extra’ from the context?” one user wrote. “Who told them the customer wanted to hold it like suya?”

As the debate intensified, Chowdeck shoppers became increasingly cautious, with some joking that they would now read reviews “like WAEC exam instructions” before placing orders. Many praised @Darkchocolaitel for drawing attention to the matter, saying they’ve had similar experiences but didn’t know whether to speak out or just silently delete the app. Her tweet, which began with a light-hearted note about simply checking shawarma spots, has now grown into an accidental exposé of the more chaotic side of the Lagos food delivery scene.

The Ipaja shawarma vendor at the center of the storm has not released any statement, and attempts to locate their online presence have reportedly yielded little. Some curious Nigerians have begun playing detective, trying to identify the shop responsible for the review, while others warned against turning it into a witch hunt. “It’s just another day in Lagos,” one commenter wrote. “At least they didn’t forget the hot dog entirely. Progress.”

What makes the story resonate so deeply is the ridiculous relatability of it all. Every Lagos resident knows that food orders can be an adventure, especially in areas where small businesses struggle to maintain structure. Yet, the fact that someone could pay for extra ingredients only to be forced into a “DIY shawarma” moment is what pushed this particular review into comedic legend. In a country where inflation is forcing many people to cut back on eating out, the least customers expect is to get exactly what they ordered—inside the food, not handed to them like a party favor.

Interestingly, the incident has also sparked renewed conversations about the reliability of user reviews on food apps. While reviews are essential tools for customers, some shoppers admitted that they often ignore them—until moments like this remind them why they matter. Many users now say they will double-check reviews diligently before trusting any nearby shawarma spot, especially if they are in Lagos Mainland neighborhoods where food quality varies widely.

The humorous uproar has continued to ripple across social platforms, with memes, reenactments, and funny skits already gaining traction. Content creators have wasted no time turning the incident into exaggerated skits showing waiters handing out ingredients one by one—shawarma here, sausage there, and cream in a separate nylon bag. The absurdity of the situation has proved irresistible to an online audience always hungry for comedic relief.

But beneath the jokes and memes lies a real appeal from everyday customers: Nigerian food vendors must do better. Whether it’s a high-end restaurant in Victoria Island or a small shawarma spot in Ipaja, there is growing demand for accountability and consistency. Customers want to know that when they order extra anything—hot dog, chicken, cream, or veggies—it arrives properly assembled, not distributed like puzzle pieces.

For now, the viral shawarma review remains one of the most hilariously chaotic stories on Nigerian social media this week. It perfectly captures the essence of Lagos life—unpredictable, dramatic, and always capable of turning the most ordinary moment into a nationwide conversation. As the laughter continues, many Nigerians hope that food vendors are paying attention, not only for the memes but for the much-needed improvements the industry deserves.

Whether this incident inspires a wave of better customer service or simply joins the long list of unforgettable Lagos foodie stories, one thing is clear: no one will ever look at the phrase “extra hot dog” the same way again.