Ghanaian Cuisine

Discover the rich flavors and diverse dishes that make Ghanaian food unforgettable

Jollof Rice

Ghana’s beloved one-pot rice dish cooked in tomato sauce with spices

The centerpiece of Ghanaian celebrations and everyday meals. Rice is cooked in a rich blend of tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices, often served with chicken, beef, or fish. The debate over whose jollof is best (Ghana vs Nigeria) is a friendly rivalry across West Africa.

Where to Try:

Azmera Restaurant (Accra), local chop bars, wedding receptions

Typical Price:

GHS 20-40

Pro Tip:

Ask for ‘party jollof’ for the smoky, crispy bottom layer (socarrat)

Banku with Tilapia

Fermented corn and cassava dough served with grilled fish and pepper sauce

A coastal favorite featuring smooth, tangy banku (fermented corn and cassava dough) paired with whole grilled tilapia, tomato-pepper sauce, and shito (black pepper sauce). The fish is often sourced fresh from local waters.

Where to Try:

Buka Restaurant (Accra), Asanka Local (Osu), beachside restaurants

Typical Price:

GHS 40-80

Pro Tip:

Eat with your hands for the authentic experience, squeeze fresh lime over fish

Kelewele

Spicy fried plantain cubes – Ghana’s favorite street snack

Ripe plantains cut into cubes, seasoned with ginger, pepper, and spices, then deep-fried to perfection. The combination of sweet plantain and spicy seasoning creates an addictive flavor. Often sold by street vendors in the evening.

Where to Try:

Street vendors in Osu, Madina, Circle; night markets

Typical Price:

GHS 5-15

Pro Tip:

Best enjoyed hot and fresh, often paired with roasted peanuts

Fufu

Pounded cassava and plantain served with soup

A starchy staple made by pounding boiled cassava and plantain into a smooth, stretchy dough. Served with richly flavored soups like light soup (tomato-based), groundnut soup, or palm nut soup. Swallow small balls whole without chewing.

Best Time

Dry season (November-April), early morning departures

Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate (requires good fitness for bush walking)

Waakye

Rice and beans cooked with millet leaves, served with various sides

A complete meal of rice and black-eyed peas cooked with millet leaves (giving it a reddish-brown color). Served with spaghetti, gari (cassava granules), boiled eggs, meat/fish, shito, and stewed vegetables. A breakfast and lunch favorite.

Where to Try:

Waakye joints across Accra (Mamobi, Asylum Down, Labone)

Typical Price:

GHS 15-40

Pro Tip:

Arrive before 1 PM for best selection, mix all components together

Red Red

Black-eyed peas in palm oil stew with fried plantain

A vibrant dish of black-eyed peas cooked in rich red palm oil with tomatoes and spices, garnished with gari and served with fried ripe plantains. The name comes from its distinctive red color from the palm oil.

Where to Try:

Local chop bars, Asanka Local, street food vendors

Typical Price:

GHS 20-35

Pro Tip:

Mix the gari into the stew for added texture and flavor

Traditional Arts & Crafts

Immerse yourself in Ghana’s vibrant artistic traditions through hands-on experiences

Kente Weaving

Learn the ancient art of weaving Ghana’s iconic cloth

Kente cloth is a handwoven fabric with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, each design carrying specific meanings. Traditionally worn by royalty, it’s now a symbol of Ghanaian pride worldwide. Visit weaving centers to see master weavers at work on traditional looms.

Location:

Bonwire (Ashanti Region), Agotime-Kpetoe (Volta Region)

What to Expect:

Watch weavers, learn about symbolism, purchase authentic pieces

Duration:

2-4 hours

Tips:

Ask about the meaning behind specific patterns, prices vary by size and complexity

Drumming Workshops

Master traditional rhythms on authentic African drums

Ghana is the heartbeat of West African drumming. Learn to play the djembe, talking drum, or traditional dance drums in workshops led by master drummers. Experience the call-and-response patterns and polyrhythms that form the foundation of African music.

Location:

Academy of African Music and Arts (Accra), cultural centers, beach resorts

What to Expect:

Hands-on drumming lessons, cultural context, group performances

Duration:

1-3 hours (single session or multi-day courses)

Tips:

No experience needed, workshops welcome all skill levels, recordings allowed