Food in Ghana

Ghana, a vibrant West African nation, beckons travelers with its colorful culture, historic landmarks, and diverse culinary landscape. Ghanaian cuisine is a flavorful fusion of indigenous ingredients, traditional techniques, and influences from both colonial and neighboring cultures. As a visitor, exploring the local food scene is a must to truly experience the country's cultural heritage. This guide will introduce you to the must-try dishes and culinary customs that are essential to making your trip to Ghana a gastronomic adventure.

Ghanaian Dishes

Fufu

Fufu is a staple dish in Ghana, often served with a rich, spicy soup or stew. Made by boiling starchy ingredients like cassava and plantains, the mixture is then pounded into a smooth, sticky dough. It's typically eaten with your hands by pinching off a piece and dipping it into an accompanying soup, such as light soup with goat meat or groundnut soup.

Jollof Rice

This iconic West African dish has a revered place in Ghanaian cuisine. Jollof rice is a one-pot dish consisting of rice cooked in a tomato sauce with onions, spices, and sometimes chili peppers, giving it a distinctive red color. It's often accompanied by vegetables, beans, or meat such as chicken, beef, or fish.

Banku and Tilapia

Banku is a fermented corn and cassava dough, served with grilled tilapia. The fish is marinated in spices and then grilled to perfection. This dish is typically eaten with your fingers and served with a side of spicy pepper sauce or shito, a black pepper sauce.

Kenkey and Fried Fish

Similar to banku, kenkey is also made from fermented corn, but it is usually more sour and firmer in texture. It's often served with fried fish and a spicy sauce. Kenkey is a popular street food and is commonly eaten as a lunchtime meal.

Waakye

Waakye is a traditional dish made from rice and beans, usually black-eyed peas or cow beans. It is cooked with red sorghum leaves which give it a unique color and flavor. Waakye is often served with other sides such as spaghetti, fried plantains, avocado, or boiled eggs, and topped with a spicy shito sauce.

Red Red

A popular Ghanaian bean stew made with black-eyed peas, palm oil, and tomato sauce, Red Red gets its name from the red color imparted by the palm oil and tomatoes. It's typically served with fried plantains and is known for being both delicious and filling.

Groundnut Soup

This rich and hearty soup is made with ground peanuts, giving it a creamy texture and nutty flavor. It's often accompanied by a variety of meats, such as goat, chicken, or beef, and is traditionally served with fufu or rice balls.

Omo Tuo

Omo Tuo, or rice balls, is a Sunday special in many Ghanaian homes. The rice is cooked until very soft, then pounded until it becomes sticky and is formed into balls. It's typically served with groundnut soup or palm nut soup.

Kelewele

A popular Ghanaian snack, Kelewele is made by frying plantain pieces that have been seasoned with spices like ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt. It's sweet, spicy, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Palm Nut Soup

Extracted from the fruit of the palm tree, palm nut soup is a rich and flavorful soup that is a staple in Ghanaian cuisine. It often includes ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of meats, and is typically served with fufu or omo tuo.

Kontomire Stew

Made from cocoyam leaves, kontomire stew is a nutritious dish that often includes smoked fish, meat, or mushrooms, seasoned with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It's commonly eaten with boiled yams, plantains, or fufu.

Shoko

Shoko is a Ghanaian beef and spinach stew with a tomato base, flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. It's a simple but hearty dish that is often served with rice or banku.

Ampesi

Ampesi is a term used to describe boiled yams, plantains, or cassava, typically served with a variety of sauces or stews, such as kontomire or tomato-based stews. It's a fulfilling meal that highlights the natural flavors of the tubers.

Ghanaian Desserts

Boiled Plantains and Peanut Butter Soup

A sweet and savory dessert, boiled plantains are often paired with a rich peanut butter soup, creating a unique and satisfying end to a meal.

Bofrot

Bofrot is a Ghanaian doughnut that is sweet, fluffy, and deep-fried to golden perfection. It's a popular street food and often enjoyed as a snack or a quick breakfast treat.

Kuli Kuli

A crunchy snack made from ground peanuts, Kuli Kuli is shaped into small cylinders or balls and deep-fried. It's a protein-rich treat that's great for snacking on the go.

Akatele (or Akradu)

Also known as black-eyed pea cake, Akatele is a sweet, bean-based pastry that's steamed and often flavored with vanilla or nutmeg. It's a traditional dessert that's both nutritious and delicious.

Nkatie Cake

Nkatie cake, or peanut brittle, is a sweet and crunchy snack made from roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar. It's a simple yet addictive treat that's perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.