There are 100s of Ghanaian dishes exclusive to the numerous tribes and ethnic groups in the country, this article focuses on the top dishes that are commonly found in Ghana and enjoyed by almost everyone.
Aside producing cocoa, timbre, gold, oil and many other resources for the world, Ghana is also globally known for its unique culture and lifestyle. Traveling to Ghana has finally become a for many in the diaspora, for long the West African country has been recognised as the gate way to Africa.
The country’s rich culture do not dwell on fashion and its people alone, the locally made Ghanaian food is one that will fill your belly and have your tongue asking for more. The locally made Ghanaian meals are similar to that of Nigeria and some parts of Africa as well.
In this post we will look at 5 popular Ghanaian dishes you should definitely try on your visit.
1. Waakye
Waakye is originally known as “Shinkafa De Wake” in Hausa, meaning “rice and beans”. Waakye is prepared normally with rice and beans boiled together with dried millet stalk leaves.
Where can I buy Waakye in Ghana?
You can buy waakye mostly from popular spots in town or order via delivery apps like Glovo and Bolt Food, some serve in packs but best served in green leaves.
What sides should I have on my Waakye?
A sizeable count of fried plantain, spaghetti, vegetables and gari (granular flour obtained from cassava). You can eat your waakye with meat, fish, egg or all of them depending on how you like it. Don’t forget to ask for “wele” when you order.
2. Kenkey
Kenkey is made out of ground corn and usually served with pepper sauce and fried fish, soup or stew. Kenkey is heavy and just a single ball can take you out the whole day.
There are various types of Kenkey in Ghana based on various tribes and there preferred way of preparing it but I recommend the Ga Kenkey which is prepared by the people of Accra.
What do I eat my Kenkey with?
Kenkey can be served with fried or grilled fish with hot sauce and some vegetables, others also prefer corned beef or fried egg on the side. You can also enjoy your Kenkey with the local Ghanaian okro stew or soup with chunks meat and fish.
3. Tuo Zaafi
Tuo Zaafi hails from the northern part of Ghana. It is made out of grains and accompanied with nutritious rare herbs dominated soup and a lot of meat.
4. Fufu
Fufu is largely associated with the Akans in Ghana but currently enjoyed by everyone. Fufu is usually prepared by pounding cooked cassava and plantain together and serving with soup, meat or fish.
In Ghana, this is mostly enjoyed on holidays with family or with friends.
What should I eat my Fufu with?
Fufu is mostly served with goat meat and light soup with some grinded ginger on the side with pieces of boiled okro.
Where can I buy Fufu in Ghana?
Fufu is best enjoyed out at local chop bars, stay away from fancy restaurants that serves Fufu, the taste is not the same.
5. Banku
Banku is made out of fermented corn dough and cassava dough. Banku is best served hot with okro soup or stew with chunks of meat and fish. Others also prefer their banku with hot sauce, fried or grilled fish and vegetables.
Banku is a must-have Ghanaian dish and you can eat it with soup, stew or hot sauce. Although a lot of people can enjoy two balls of banku, for a first-timer, a single ball would be enough.
Final Thoughts
There are 100s of Ghanaian made dishes you can try in Ghana but these 5 are the most common ones you can easily find and begin with. These meals are all heavy and contribute to weight gain.
