What is mallam sile tea shop such a popular place

Sile's sold many different types of beverages, and it was a place where people could meet up and talk about things.

"Come evening, the shop was crowded with the street’s young men and women, who gossiped and talked about the "laytes’ neus" in town. Some came to the shop just to meet their loved ones. During the shop’s peak hours-from eight in the evening until around midnight-one could hardly hear oneself talk because of the boisterous chattering that went on."