Ghanaian Cuisine
Discover the rich flavors and diverse dishes that make Ghanaian food unforgettable
Jollof Rice
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
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
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
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.
Dry season (November-April), early morning departures
2-4 hours
Moderate (requires good fitness for bush walking)
Waakye
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
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
