The scenery and potential picture spots are only a few of what people get excited about when they visit a new country. Another aspect many foreign visitors like to explore is the world of food. Each country has food(s) that’s tied to their history, or food(s) that they’ve been known for for ages. In this article, we’re going to be focusing on Ghanaian food.
In Africa, food is more than just a meal, it’s usually an experience that brings people together, and Ghana is not an exception. If you ever find yourself in the streets of Ghana, just know that the food options are endless, literally. There are street foods at almost every street corner, selling different local dishes. So here are five must-try dishes that will give a deeper taste of Ghana.
Jollof Rice
Even though you’re not a West African, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Jollof Rice and the war for the best Jollof recipe. Everyone wants to know who has the best Jollof. Is it the Nigerians, Ghanaians, or Senegalese? Of course, everyone has their opinion and each country would say theirs is the best. But why don’t you see it for yourself? You can begin your judgment by having the Ghanaian Jollof whenever you’re in the country.
Jollof rice isn’t just a meal, it’s the real deal, which is served at nearly all gatherings around West Africa. Ghanaian jollof is made by cooking the rice in a spicy, rich tomato sauce, until it has a dinky taste. Most people think rice is the start of the show, but that’s far from the truth. You could have rice as the main ingredient and still end up with a below average Jollof rice. The real start of the show is the tomatoes, and how long they are being fried for.
Anyway, to have a satisfying meal you have to pair your Jollof with fried plantains, and black-eyed pea stew. Trust me, it completes the meal. Where to find some of the best Jollof: Head to a popular bukka restaurant (you can ask around for it), or Azmera in Accra.
Fufu and Soup
Did you really visit Ghana if you didn’t have fufu and soup? This meal is practically an invite into West African food culture. It is made by pounding starchy foods like plantain, cassava, or cocoyam until they become smooth and equally stretchy. Fufu itself is served as a fluffy and well rounded mound. You basically cut small chunks of fufu, mold it with one hand and dip it in a soup.
Please if you’re going to be eating with a fork or spoon, don’t eat the meal (lol, just kidding). But, really, we don’t eat fufu with a fork or any cutlery in Africa. Fufu or any other swallow is eaten with your hands. Ghana, like every other country, has a variety of soups to eat fufu with. They have soup made with tomatoes, spices, and either fish or meat. There’s palm not soup, groundnut soup etc.
Kenkey and Fish
Kenkey and Fish is a classic Ghanaian duo that you don’t want to miss. Kenkey is made from fermented corn dough, having a dense and slightly tangy texture. This dough is prepared by wrapping it in banana leaves or corn husks. It is then boiled until it becomes firm.
But to enjoy this meal, you have to pair it with grilled tilapia or fried mackerel. The smoky taste of fish compliments the tangy taste of kenkey. To complete the dish, add in some spicy pepper sauce or slice some onions and tomatoes.
Waakye
This rice and black-eyed beans cooked together is a must-try for anyone who visits Ghana. Ghanaians often add special ingredients like dried millet leaves. A hearty serving of Waakye should be topped with fried eggs, spicy shito sauce (a black pepper sauce), juicy sausages, tender beef, fried plantains, and maybe even some spaghetti or stewed beans for good measure.
Banku and Tilapia
Last but not the least is banku and tilapia, a dish that nicely combines sea and land food. Banku is a fermented mixture of corn and cassava dough. It is often served as a soft rounded ball. Pairing banku with tilapia is where the real deal happens. The fish is properly seasoned and grilled until crispy. Adding spicy pepper sauce gives the right taste to the food.
Bottom Line
Each dish tells a story about the country’s culture and history. You can’t miss the famous Jollof Rice, the comforting Fufu and soup, or the tasty combination of Kenkey with fish. Dishes like Waakye and Banku also show the variety of flavors in Ghana. When you visit Ghana, trying these dishes is a must to really know what makes the country special.
