3 famous Bole spots in Port Harcourt

There is something undeniably special about Port Harcourt’s love affair with bole, roasted plantain paired with spicy pepper sauce, fish, and all the smoky goodness that defines the city’s street food culture. It is more than just a meal; it is a lifestyle, a social experience, and a taste of home.

Ask anyone in Port Harcourt where to find the best bole, and be ready for an argument — the good kind. Everyone has their “go-to” spot, and loyalty runs deep. But no matter which camp you belong to, one thing’s certain: no one does bole like Port Harcourt.

Here are three famous bole spots in Port Harcourt that have turned a simple street food into a full-blown city experience.

Maleesky Special

Maleesky Special, located on Ibeto Road in the old township area of Port Harcourt, is one of the city’s well-known spots for bole and fish. The setup is straightforward, and the focus is on getting the basics right — evenly roasted plantain, well-seasoned fish, and pepper sauce that delivers steady heat. With a 4.3-star rating on Google, the spot has built a solid reputation among locals for freshness and quick service. It caters to a wide range of customers, offering event catering, home and office service, and home delivery. The menu is simple and comes in packs. Options include bole, roasted fish, and a potato mix with vegetables. Customers can choose between the singles pack, couple pack, and family pack, depending on portion preference.

Elekahia Bole Joint

Elekahia, a housing estate located around Circular Road in Rumuola, has built a quiet reputation as one of Port Harcourt’s main bole hubs. The area is dotted with small grills and family-run spots that have become go-to places for people who want their roasted plantain done just right. Among the popular names here is Martha Bole Elekahia, known for its steady crowd and simple but complete menu. Customers can choose from bole, roasted yam, croaker fish, fish tail, ugba, fish middle, and fish head — all served with spicy sauce that ties it together. Also within the estate is Chioma Bole, it has grown popular for its well-roasted plantain and fish, with many reviews praising its flavour. The menu mirrors what you’d expect from a classic Port Harcourt bole joint — bole, roasted fish, roasted yam, ugba, croaker fish, and fish. Goodluck Bole and Blessed Bole also add to the list of trusted favourites within the estate.

House of Bole

Located by By Airforce Junction, 1 Ken Saro-Wiwa Rd, off Aba Road, Rumuola, House of Bole is one of the city’s more structured bole spots. With a 4.3-star rating on Google, it has become a regular choice for people who want the familiar taste of roasted plantain and fish served in a more organised setting. The menu goes beyond the usual bole and roasted fish to include roasted yam, potatoes, chicken, turkey, and chips — giving customers a mix of traditional and modern options. Prices range from about ₦4,500 for a starter pack to around ₦30,000 for a large tray, depending on the choice of fish and sides. The spot is also known for its good packaging and parking space, which makes it convenient for takeaway and small gatherings. House of Bole blends street-food flavour with restaurant-style presentation.