Ghanaian cuisine is a delicious mix of spices, flavors, and ingredients that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. With a long history of trade and commerce, Ghanaian food has been influenced by the cuisines of other countries in West Africa as well as European and Asian countries. Here’s our pick of 10 must-try traditional dishes from Ghana.
1. Banku and Tilapia:
Banku is a popular Ghanaian dish made from fermented corn and cassava dough. It is typically served with soup or stew and often accompanied by fish, chicken, or meat. Tilapia is a common fish typically served alongside Banku. The fish is usually seasoned with spices and grilled or fried to perfection. Banku is certainly one of the staple dishes in many Ghanaian households.
2. Fufu and Soup:
Fufu is another popular Ghanaian dish made from cassava, yams, or plantains. A combination of these ingredients are boiled, pounded, and formed into balls. It is usually eaten with soup, which is made with various ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and spices. The soup can be prepared with a variety of proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish. Fufu is a very satisfying meal.
3. Waakye:
Waakye is a popular Ghanaian dish made from rice and beans. The dish is cooked in a special way, with the rice and beans cooked together in the same pot. It is typically served with a spicy pepper sauce known as shito, fried plantains, fish or meat, and a boiled egg. Waakye is a filling and flavorful meal that is often eaten for breakfast or lunch.
4. Omo Tuo:
Omo Tuo is a Ghanaian dish made from rice. The rice is boiled until it is soft and sticky, and then molded into small balls. It is often served with soup or stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. Omo Tuo is a hearty and satisfying meal that is popular in Ghana and other West African countries.
5. Jollof Rice:
Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish, and Ghana has its own version of the recipe. The dish is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. It can be prepared with chicken, beef, or vegetables. Jollof Rice is a flavorful and spicy dish that is often served at parties, weddings, and other special occasions.
6. Tuo Zaafi:
Tuo Zaafi is a Ghanaian dish made from millet or maize flour. The flour is boiled with water until it forms a smooth paste, which is then formed into balls. It is often served with soup made from groundnuts, chicken, or beef. Tuo Zaafi is a nutritious and filling meal that is popular in the northern regions of Ghana.
7. Kenkey and Fish:
Kenkey is a popular Ghanaian dish made from fermented corn dough. It is typically served with fish, which is often grilled or fried. The fish is usually seasoned with spices and served with a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. Kenkey and Fish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is often eaten for lunch or dinner.
8. Akple:
Akple is a Ghanaian dish made from cassava dough. The dough is boiled and mashed into a smooth paste, which is then formed into balls. It is often served with soup made with various ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and spices. Akple is a filling and nutritious meal that is popular in the Volta Region of Ghana.
9. Ampesie:
Ampesie is a Ghanaian dish made with either yam, cocoyam, plantain, or a combination of all three. They are cut into pieces and boiled and served with either kontomire or garden egg stew and garnished with eggs. These stews can be made with a variety of proteins such as fish or beef. Ampesie is a popular dish in Ghanaian homes, and it is typically served for lunch or dinner.
10. Akyeke:
Akyeke is a popular Ghanaian dish made from grated cassava or yam. The grated cassava or yam is mixed with spices and steamed until cooked. It is often served with soup or stew made with vegetables and protein such as grilled or smoked fish. The soup can be spicy or mild, depending on the preference of the person cooking it. Akyeke is a nutritious and filling meal that is popular in Ghana and other West African countries like the Ivory Coast.
Ghanaian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and textures that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. From the spicy stews and soups to the starchy staples, Ghanaian food is a delightful experience for the taste buds. The ten traditional dishes highlighted in this article are just a few examples of the many dishes that make up Ghanaian cuisine. Whether you are a Ghanaian or a tourist, we urge you to try these amazing traditional dishes.
