Suya refer to West African shish kebabs, roasted skewered meat or meat on sticks, but with a particularly African twist - the use of a peanut-spice rub. It is believed that Suya originated with the Hausa people and nowadays, they are popular all over Nigeria. In big cities and small towns, the Suya vendors at their pits or grills are at the center of the action, and they are busy from mid-morning until late at night cooking or grilling Suya. Suya are usually made with beef, sometimes chicken or veal or liver and beef on sticks. They can be made with just meat, ground peanuts, and cayenne pepper, but more elaborate spice mixtures are also used. Any other spices or spice mixtures can also be added if desired. Suya is pronounced as "sooya"