Frequently asked questions
Welcome to the SPJ kitchen. If you have questions about how we capture the smoke, how we ship your meals, or how to heat them up, you are in the right place.
📦 Shipping & Delivery
How does the food stay frozen during transit?
We don't take chances with your food. We partner with eGourmet, a premium cold-chain fulfillment expert, to pack every order. Your meals are shipped in custom-insulated coolers packed with the precise amount of dry ice needed for the journey. By the time it reaches your doorstep, it will be rock-solid and ready for your freezer.
When will my order ship?
To ensure your jollof never gets stuck in a warehouse over the weekend, we only ship orders *Monday through Wednesday*. If you place your order late Wednesday or later in the week, it will be secured for the following Monday's batch. You will receive a tracking number the moment your cooler leaves our facility.
Do you ship everywhere?
We currently ship our small-batch jollof and plantains nationwide across the contiguous United States, bringing the taste of a Lagos party straight from our Seattle kitchen to your dining table.
What should I do with the dry ice when my package arrives?
Leave any remaining dry ice in the cooler and place it outside or in a well-ventilated area until it completely sublimates (evaporates). *Never touch dry ice with your bare hands.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated based on your location and the items in your order. You will always know the shipping price before you purchase.
🔥 The Food & Flavor
Is the Jollof actually spicy?
Our jollof is exceptionally flavorful, not aggressively spicy. We focus entirely on the deep, savory richness and the signature "bottom-pot" smoke that defines authentic Nigerian party jollof. While we use traditional scotch bonnet peppers to build a complex flavor profile, we balance them carefully with our rich tomato and red bell pepper base to ensure the dish is mild, warming, and enjoyable for everyone. It is all about the savory depth and the smoke, rather than the burn.
Do you use liquid smoke or artificial flavoring?
Absolutely not. You cannot fake the true "bottom-pot" flavor. We achieve our signature smoke the traditional way: by cooking in small, wide pans over high heat. We let the bottom layer naturally catch and char, allowing the steam to infuse every single grain with real, authentic smoke.
Will the plantains (Dodo) get mushy after being frozen?
We solved the soggy plantain problem. Our Dodo is harvested at peak ripeness and flash-fried to caramelize the natural sugars. We then immediately flash-freeze them to lock in their structural integrity, ensuring they heat up sweet, tender, and perfectly textured.
Are your meals vegan or gluten-free?
Our Signature Smoky Party Jollof is entirely *gluten-free. However, to achieve the deep, savory umami flavor authentic to a true Lagos party, we cook our rice in a rich, slow-simmered chicken broth, which means the jollof is *not vegan*. Our Sweet Dodo (plantains), on the other hand, is 100% vegan and gluten-free.
❄️ Storage & Preparation
How long do the meals last in the freezer?
Because we flash-freeze our batches immediately after cooking to lock in the freshness and the smoke, your SPJ meals will stay perfectly delicious and texturally intact in your freezer for up to *12 months*.
How do I heat up my SPJ meals?
We designed SPJ for maximum convenience without sacrificing the craft. You can go from frozen to plated in minutes.
The Quick Way (Microwave): Peel back one corner of the protective film just enough to let the steam vent. Microwave on HIGH for 4-6 minutes (depending on your microwave's wattage). Let it sit for 1 minute, then completely peel back the film, fluff the jollof with a fork, and serve.
The Chef's Way (Oven): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Completely peel back and remove the film from the tray. Cover the tray tightly with aluminum foil to trap the moisture and the smoke, then bake for 25-30 minutes until heated all the way through.
Can I thaw it in the fridge before heating?
While you can let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight to slightly reduce heating times, it is not required. Our packaging and recipes are fully optimized to be heated straight from the freezer for those busy nights when you need a premium meal fast.
Still have questions? We’d love to hear from you. Drop our team a line at hello@spjfoods.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we step away from the pans.