Food In Ghana

A Personal Guide to Ghanaian Cuisine: A Delicious Journey through West Africa

If you’re like me, a large part of the travel experience is about sinking your teeth into a country’s culinary heritage, absorbing the explosion of flavours, textures, and ingredients. Today, we’re going to embark on a culinary exploration of Ghana, a gem in the heart of West Africa. With a fascinating mix of traditional and modern dishes, it’s a place where food is not just sustenance, but a celebration of culture, history, and community.

Introduction to Ghanaian Cuisine

Ghanaian cuisine is vibrant, flavourful and diverse, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and abundant resources. From the coastal areas to the northern savannah, the food is as varied as the landscapes, influenced by a myriad of ethnic groups, including the Ashanti, Ewe, Fante, Ga, and Dagomba. The basis of many dishes is usually a starchy staple, paired with a variety of sauces and soups, with ingredients ranging from fresh seafood to tropical fruits, a variety of tubers, legumes, and an array of spices.

Must-Try Traditional Dishes

Jollof Rice

No trip to Ghana would be complete without trying Jollof Rice. This one-pot rice dish is a staple across West Africa, with each country boasting its own unique version. In Ghana, Jollof Rice is typically made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, often accompanied by chunks of meat, fish, or vegetables. It’s hearty, comforting and absolutely packed with flavours.

Banku and Tilapia

Banku and grilled tilapia is a classic pairing, especially popular along the coastal areas. Banku is a fermented corn and cassava dough, with a slightly sour taste that beautifully complements the fresh, succulent grilled tilapia. It’s often served with hot pepper sauce and a side of fresh okro soup.

Fufu and Soup

Fufu is another staple in Ghana, made by pounding a mix of boiled cassava and plantains into a dough-like consistency. It’s typically served with a rich, hearty soup, such as groundnut (peanut) soup, palm nut soup or light soup, with meat or fish. It’s a truly hands-on meal, as tradition encourages you to use your right hand to tear off pieces of fufu and dunk them into the soup.

Street Food Delights

Ghana’s street food culture is bustling, offering a quick and cheap way to try a variety of local flavours. Keep your senses alert for these must-try bites.

Kelewele

Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian snack, typically sold by street vendors in the evening. It’s made by dicing ripe plantains, marinating them in a mixture of spices like ginger, chili, and nutmeg, then deep frying until they’re caramelized and crispy. Perfectly sweet, spicy, and crunchy, they’re a treat you can’t resist.

Waakye

Waakye (pronounced ‘wah-chay’) is a fulfilling breakfast option, and a staple street food in Ghana. It’s a beautiful medley of rice and beans, often served with an accompaniment of spaghetti, boiled eggs, fried plantains, and shito (a spicy sauce). Hearty and nutritious, it’s a perfect start to your day.

Red Red

A popular street food, Red Red is a hearty Ghanaian stew made from black-eyed peas, palm oil, and a variety of spices. Its distinct red colour is from the palm oil and ripe plantains are often fried and served alongside it. This dish is high in protein, full of flavor, and can be made with fish or vegetarian.

Regional Delicacies

As you travel through Ghana, you’ll find regional specialities worth exploring. Here are a few:

Tuo Zaafi (Northern Ghana)

In Northern Ghana, a must-try is Tuo Zaafi, a smooth, soft dough made from corn or millet flour. It’s similar to Banku or Fufu but is lighter and less sticky. It’s usually served with a green vegetable sauce made from jute leaves, known as Ayoyo soup, which is both delicious and highly nutritious.

Kenkey and Shito (Accra)

In the capital city, Accra, make sure you try Kenkey, a sour, fermented corn dough wrapped in corn leaves and boiled. It’s typically served with hot and spicy Shito, a black pepper sauce, and grilled fish or fried fish. It’s a coastal delicacy you can’t miss!

Ghanaian Beverages

No culinary journey is complete without sipping on some local beverages. Let’s dive in!

Palm Wine

Palm wine is a sweet, fermented sap tapped from palm trees, a traditional drink that plays a vital role in many social and religious ceremonies. It can be enjoyed fresh (when it’s sweetest) or after fermentation, when it becomes stronger and slightly sour.

Sobolo

Sobolo, also known as Bissap in other parts of West Africa, is a refreshing drink made from hibiscus petals. It’s often flavoured with ginger and pineapple and sweetened with sugar. With its deep red color, sweet and tart flavour, and cooling effect, it’s the perfect thirst quencher in Ghana’s tropical heat.

Desserts and Sweets

Boiled Yams with Peanut Butter

This may sound unusual, but boiled yams with peanut butter are a typical dessert in Ghana. The yams are boiled until they are soft, then served warm with a generous spoonful of peanut butter. It’s a satisfyingly sweet and creamy finish to a meal.

Nkate Cake (Peanut Brittle)

Nkate Cake, or peanut brittle, is a common street snack. It’s made from roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar, resulting in a crunchy and sweet delight. It’s perfect for a quick energy boost during your Ghanaian adventures.

Final Thoughts

From savoury stews to sweet treats, Ghanaian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavours that is reflective of its vibrant culture and hospitable spirit. So, the next time you find yourself in this beautiful country, immerse yourself in the local food scene and let your taste buds lead the way. As they say in Ghana, “Etor mi wɔ akyi” – the meal is ready behind me.