Visiting Ghana for the first time? Get ready to dive into unusual flavours, local favourites and dishes as unforgettable as the country itself.
Food isn’t just fuel here in Ghana, it’s an experience and tasting local dishes offers one of the most authentic ways to connect with this destination and its people. Whether you’re navigating street food at a lively chop bar or enjoying a traditional meal expertly prepared by our very own Peace Darko – the talented head chef at our Bonkro project site – this guide will help add a delicious dimension to your tour.
Six essential Ghanaian dishes you must try – and where to find them
1. Fufu with Groundnut Soup
Traditionally eaten by hand, fufu is made by pounding cassava (a root vegetable) and plantain into a soft, doughy consistency and is served with rich, spicy groundnut (peanut) soup, often accompanied by goat meat, fish or chicken. It’s especially popular in the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions.
A southern Ghana staple, we recommend heading to a local chop bar in Kumasi for the most authentic experience.
2. Jollof Rice
At first glance, jollof rice might seem simple – its just rice cooked in a tomato sauce – but for many across West Africa it sparks national pride, with Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, each having its own take on the recipe. In Ghana, it’s traditionally made of long-grain rice simmered in a rich tomato base with a blend of onions, garlic and spices, often accompanied by fried chicken, fish or beef.
While found everywhere, you’ll get some of the best Jollof at family-run restaurants in Accra and Cape Coast.
3. Banku and Grilled Tilapia
Hailing from Ghana’s coastal and Volta regions, banku (fermented maize and cassava dough) is served with perfectly grilled tilapia (a type of freshwater fish) and a fiery shito (pepper sauce).
It’s a flavour-packed experience best enjoyed along the shores of Lake Volta or at beachfront eateries in Ada Foah or Elmina.
4. Suya
This spicy, skewered meat is coated in a dry peanut-spice rub, grilled and served with sliced onions and tomatoes.
Originally from Nigeria, suya has found a home on Ghana’s street food scene, especially in northern cities like Tamale or the bustling evening streets of Accra.
5. Waakye
A breakfast favourite, waakye is a mix of rice and beans often served with gari (grated cassava), spaghetti, hard-boiled eggs, fried plantain and meat or fish. It’s a truly filling meal found at roadside stalls and markets.
Try it at one of Accra’s busy morning food joints like “Auntie Muni Waakye” in Ridge.
6. Kelewele
Spicy fried plantains seasoned with ginger, garlic and chilli, kelewele is the ultimate street snack.
Especially popular at night markets in Accra and Kumasi, it’s a must-try for spice lovers. Grab a paper-wrapped portion from a roadside vendor as the sun sets.
Street food tips for travellers
Street food is an essential part of Ghanaian culture, offering an authentic taste of local life. To enjoy it safely, stick to busy stalls with high turnover, as they’re more likely to serve fresh food. Always opt for bottled or filtered water and avoid ice unless you know the source.
Ghanaian cuisine is famously spicy, so be mindful of your heat tolerance. And don’t hesitate to ask locals or our expert tour leaders for their favourite vendors or dishes – they’re often the best guides to the most delicious finds.
Meet Peace Darko – your Ghanaian culinary guide
At Ashanti African Tours, we don’t just show you Ghana’s wildlife, culture and history, we feed you like family. Our skilled head chef, Peace Darko, is a master of Ghanaian cuisine. Based at our project site in Bonkro, Peace prepares incredible feasts for visitors that blend traditional techniques with warm hospitality.
Whether it’s your first time tasting waakye or you’re learning to eat fufu with your hands, Peace makes every meal an experience to remember.
Ready to taste Ghana?
Here at Ashanti African Tours, we offer a wide range of experiences throughout West Africa. Whether exploring bustling outdoor markets, trying street food, or participating in a cooking class, the Ashanti team will immerse you in the heart of Ghanaian culture, connecting you with local flavours, traditions and the people who bring them to life.
To learn more or book your Ghana adventure, visit Ashanti African Tours or contact us
