Ghana is known for its remarkable cuisine, which is deeply rooted in its culture and history.
Most Ghanaian traditional dishes make use of various tropical ingredients like corn, beans, millet, plantains, cassava, hot peppers, and tomatoes.
These ingredients are commonly found in the country’s dishes. A typical meal consists of a starchy base such as yams, corn dough, or plantains, accompanied by a stew or soup that includes meat or beans.
Without delaying, let’s quickly explore 10 Ghanaian traditional dishes you should try to have any time soon.
- Kelewele
- Banku
- Fufu
- Kenkey
- Wasawasa (Yam Flour Meal)
- Waakye
- Jollof rice
- Yam pottage
- Tuo Zaafi
- Shito
1. Kelewele
Kelewele is a popular side dish from Ghana. This meal is literally one of the tastiest Ghanaian traditional dishes to try, plus, plantain is never a bad option.
Kelewele is literally fried plantain that is well seasoned with a delightful blend of spices.
The dish has garnered widespread recognition not only within Ghana but also in neighboring countries, thanks to its flavors and versatile nature.
To prepare kelewele, ripe plantains are peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks. These succulent plantain pieces are then marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices, which typically includes ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Once the plantains have absorbed the flavors of the spice blend, they are deep-fried until golden brown.
The frying process not only enhances the taste and texture of the plantains but also brings out their natural sweetness.
Kelewele can be enjoyed in various ways. It is commonly served as a side dish alongside stew, such as groundnut soup or palm nut soup.
Alternatively, kelewele can be relished on its own as a flavorful and satisfying snack or street food.
The versatility of kelewele extends beyond its traditional pairings. Some adventurous food enthusiasts incorporate it into sandwiches or wraps.
The popularity of kelewele extends beyond Ghana’s borders, as it has gained recognition as a beloved dish in various West African countries.
Whether you are seeking a tantalizing side dish or a tasty snack, kelewele is a fantastic choice.
2. Banku
One would be worried if Banku didn’t make it to the list of Ghanaian traditional dishes to have.
Banku is a special dish enjoyed in certain parts of Ghana, particularly in the southern, eastern, and western regions.
It is made by mixing fermented corn dough and cassava dough together, then boiling the mixture until it becomes solid.
Banku is typically served with a variety of soups, stews, and sauces. People enjoy it with different types of soups, like peanut butter or pounded palm nut soup.
One soup that goes really well with banku is okra stew or soup. Some people also like to add cowskin, also known as ‘wele,’ or their favorite seafood to enhance the flavor.
The unique combination of fermented corn and cassava dough gives banku its distinct taste and texture.
It is a popular and filling food in Ghanaian cuisine, loved for its ability to complement different flavors. Banku represents the rich food culture of Ghana and is a delightful dish to savor.
3. Fufu
Fufu is a famous and beloved dish in Ghana and neighboring countries. It is known by different names like foufou or foutou in Francophone areas, and fufu in English-speaking regions like Nigeria.
To make fufu, tropical cassava is simmered along with either plantain or yam. The cooked mixture is then pounded until it forms a smooth and dough-like consistency.
Fufu is typically served with mild soup, and there are various delicious soup options that go well with it.
Some popular choices include peanut butter soup, pounded-palm-nut soup, and vegetable soup made from spinach or cocoyam leaves.
These soups often feature ingredients like snails, mushrooms, and fish, which add flavor and richness to the dish.
Fufu is a delightful culinary experience that showcases the diverse flavors and ingredients of the region.
It is a cherished part of Ghanaian and West African cuisine, enjoyed by many for its comforting taste and cultural significance.
4. Kenkey
Kenkey is a dumpling-style dish crafted from fermented maize dough, which undergoes a process of fermentation lasting several days. This makes it a dish that requires considerable time and effort to prepare.
Typically, Kenkey is enjoyed alongside fried fish and accompanied by either pepper sauce or spicy black pepper sauce, known as shito. These flavorful additions enhance the overall taste experience of the dish.
Looking for Ghanaian traditional dishes to try out? Then Kenkey should be one!
5. Wasawasa (Yam Flour Meal)
Wasawasa is a beloved dish in Northern Ghana, prepared using dried yam peelings that are ground into flour and cooked.
The dish holds a delightful sweetness and is commonly enjoyed alongside a spicy black pepper sauce, a flavorful stew, and garnished with sliced onions and tomatoes.
Its popularity among locals makes it a cherished part of the region’s cuisine.
6. Waakye
Waakye is a traditional Ghanaian dish that combines rice and beans. It is prepared by boiling white rice and beans, such as black-eyed peas, cowpeas, or red beans, together with waakye leaves and a pinch of salt until they become tender.
Interestingly, the name “Waakye” refers not only to the dish itself but also to the leaves that lend it a reddish color.
The leaves used in Waakye pronounced as “Waa-chee” or “Waa-chey,” can come from millet, sorghum, or red hibiscus flowers, known as sobolo in Ghana.
As these leaves are cooked, they release a natural red pigment that adds color to the rice and beans, giving the dish its characteristic appearance.
7. Jollof rice
Jollof rice is a highly favored dish enjoyed across West Africa. It involves cooking rice in a flavorful tomato stew, creating a delicious and vibrant meal. The best part is that it’s simple to prepare and can be ready in around an hour.
Jollof rice holds a special place as a staple dish in both Nigeria and Senegal, and each country claims to be the originator of this culinary delight. It is commonly served with a side of salad or accompanied by chicken, goat, or beef.
This popular dish brings people together through its delightful flavors and cultural significance, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of West African cuisine, especially Ghanaian traditional dishes.
8. Yam pottage
Yam, a common staple in Ghana, can be transformed into various dishes, one of which is yam pottage.
To prepare this dish, yams are boiled and cooked together with tomatoes, peppers, onions, oil, and a blend of herbs.
For added taste, dried sardines, and salted dry tilapia are frequently included in the recipe, infusing the dish with additional flavors and aromas. These ingredients enhance the overall experience of enjoying yam pottage.
9. Tuo Zaafi
Tuo Zaafi holds a special place as a beloved dish among the people of Northern Ghana, particularly the Dagombas.
It is a culinary delight that involves the careful preparation of three separate components, which are later combined to create a delectable and meat stew.
The first component of Tuo Zaafi is the “tuo” itself. Tuo refers to a soft and smooth dumpling-like staple made from pounded grains like millet, corn, or sorghum.
The grains are meticulously pounded until they reach a fine consistency, then cooked into a thick, sticky paste.
This process requires skill and patience to achieve the desired texture, which contributes to the overall satisfaction of the dish.
The second component is the rich and flavorful meat stew. Various meats such as beef, goat, or chicken are carefully selected and cooked with an array of aromatic herbs, spices, and vegetables.
The stew is slowly simmered to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a tantalizing broth that complements the tuo.
Lastly, Tuo Zaafi is served with an assortment of accompaniments that enhance its taste and provide a delightful contrast of flavors.
These may include a combination of fresh vegetables like spinach or kontomire leaves, tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers.
These ingredients are often finely chopped or blended into a savory sauce that adds a vibrant and zesty element to the dish.
The beauty of Tuo Zaafi lies not only in its remarkable taste but also in the cultural significance it holds for the people of Northern Ghana.
It is a dish that brings communities together, often enjoyed during festive occasions, gatherings, or as a comforting meal shared among loved ones.
The process of preparing and enjoying Tuo Zaafi is a celebration of tradition, family, and the rich culinary heritage of the Dagomba people.
It is a symbolic dish that showcases the culinary prowess and cultural identity of Northern Ghana.
10. Shito
Shito, also referred to as shitor din, is a popular hot black pepper sauce hailing from Ghana.
It is typically made by combining ingredients such as fish or vegetable oil, ginger, dried fish, prawns, crustaceans, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and a medley of spices.
These components are blended and cooked in vegetable or corn oil for an extended period, usually exceeding an hour, to achieve the desired consistency and flavor of the sauce.
