By Mercy IyeneAbasi Etim
Although Bokku promised to sell sliced bread, this reporter is yet to get hands on a pre-sliced loaf. Why? Because Bokku Mart claims the bread needs a full hour to cool down before it can be sliced.
Yet, if you’ve ever been on the hunt for that perfect slice, you’ve probably noticed something else: the moment those golden loaves come out of the oven, they vanish—snatched up by eager customers. With demand so high, it seems Bokku, a brand of neighbourhood supermarket owned by Atreos Limited rarely have the time (or perhaps the willingness) to slice the bread before it flies off the shelves.
With slightly cheaper 900g loaves, Bokku’s fierce competition with Jendol and other local but big bakers is evident, with many saying Bokku bread and the mart are taking the lead – especially with its fair discount on other grocery items.
Since September 2022 when the company began operation, the brand has become the go-to bread for many Lagosians – making it a household name. But beyond the popularity, there’s a glaring issue: the taste inconsistency. Bokku Bread doesn’t taste the same across its branches!
Is this deliberate, or are we dealing with a brand that can’t maintain consistency?
Let’s take a closer look at the differences across some locations within Lagos:
Egbeda: Known for its rich, buttery flavor, the Bokku Bread here melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s almost as if the bakers have mastered the art of crafting the perfect loaf, and it’s become a fan favorite for many according EveryDayLagos checks.
Idimu: The taste here is a blend of nostalgia with a hint of something new. It’s not too sweet, not too rich—just different enough to make you wonder why Bokku can’t seem to stick to one recipe.
Shasha: Just a few kilometers away, the bread takes on a different character. It’s slightly sweeter, which isn’t necessarily bad. Regulars here told EveryDayLagos that they love the sweetness, but if you’re expecting the buttery goodness of Egbeda, you might be in for a surprise as it literally falls flat.
Iyana-Ipaja: Known for its dense, hearty loaves, Bokku Bread at Iyana-Ipaja delivers a more filling experience, but with a more savory, less flavorful profile. Customers who like a heavier bite might appreciate it, but it’s certainly not what you’d expect from the famous Egbeda branch.
Alimosho: Over in Alimosho, Bokku Bread seems to be experimenting with a slightly crustier exterior. While some might enjoy the crunch, others have found it too hard compared to the usual soft, pillowy bread Bokku is known for.
Dopemu: And then there’s Dopemu, where the bread carries a different taste. It’s unexpected and might even catch you off guard if you’re used to Bokku’s typically mild, neutral flavor. It leaves you asking whether this is an intentional twist or just a slip-up.
Akowonjo: Things get even more confusing at the Mic-con bus stop, Akowonjo branch. The bread here is light, almost like pounded yam. It lacks the depth found in Bokku loaves elsewhere. Frankly, it tastes like a little sorrow.
With all these variations, it’s hard to say whether Bokku is deliberately creating a different experience for customers depending on the branch or if there’s a lack of quality control across their locations. Consistency is key when it comes to building a trusted brand, and customers expect the same experience no matter where they buy their bread.
Is it the water? The ovens? Or are the bakers doing something different behind the scenes? Whatever the cause, Bokku’s ever-changing taste can be stressful because you may have to stick to a particular store even if it’s inconvenient or far from your current location. 
Have you noticed this inconsistency at your local branch? And if you’re still holding out for a sliced loaf, has your patience paid off?
So, where do you stand on the Bokku Bread debate? Are you loyal to Egbeda’s buttery richness, have you experienced Akowonjo’s disappointment, or perhaps Iyana-Ipaja’s hearty loaves? Share your thoughts, and let’s discuss why this beloved brand might have some explaining to do. Bokku Bread may be delicious, but can we count on it to be the same tomorrow?
