One of the great things about traveling is the opportunity to taste a variety of foods from different countries.  And if you are like my wife, trying the different types of foods and drinks is often the highlight of the trip.  Though there are a lot of meals from various parts of the world that have become internationally recognized, West African cuisine is often less well-known.     

Learning about the local culture makes the traveling experience much more rewarding, and honestly, trying out local dishes is one of the most effective ways to understand a country and its people. Ghanaian food typically consists of starchy staples, which are usually accompanied by a light soup or stew and a protein. Most foods are also eaten with your hands, which might take some getting used to if you are used to utensils.  

Although you will find restaurants from all across the globe in Accra, you have not experienced Ghana if you have not tried a variety of local meals.  And for a bonus, these meals are often at a very reasonable price.  You will also discover that the flavor and ingredients of Ghanaian dishes will change slightly depending on the region you are in.  Genuine travel is about embracing the unfamiliar and sampling new flavors.  Be adventurous with what you eat.  You might just find a deeper appreciation of Ghana and the people who call it home.   

In case you are like I was and have absolutely no idea what to expect from Ghanaian cuisine, I put together a short list of popular dishes to try while exploring the country.  Keep in mind that many of the dishes in Ghana are spicy.  As someone who does not handle spice very well, eating the food was an experience in and of itself.  But as my friend Yussif would say, “If you are not sweating, you are not eating.”    

Most Popular Dishes  

1. Fufu 

My credibility would be at stake if I didn’t place Fufu at the top of the list.  Fufu is a beloved staple in Ghanaian cuisine. This hearty dish is made with starchy ingredients like cassava, yams, or plantains. The ingredients are boiled and pounded together to create a smooth, elastic dough ball. It’s usually served with rich and flavorful soups or stews, as well as meats like chicken. Fufu’s neutral flavor perfectly complements the robust flavors of any food you eat it with. It’s typically served as a ball, and you eat it by pinching off a bit and dipping it into the soup. 

2. Waakye

Waakye is a well-loved dish in Ghana, made from rice and beans and cooked with dried millet leaves to give it a distinctive color and flavor. It’s often enjoyed with boiled eggs, fried plantains, spaghetti, and a variety of protein options like fish, chicken, or beef.  I discovered my love of fried plantains from eating waakye.  

3. Jollof Rice

Unlike some of the other dishes on this list, some people might actually recognize this one or have even had it before, depending on their home country.  Jollof rice is somewhat controversial because both Nigeria and Ghana claim to have the best.  I can’t vouch for Nigeria, but Ghanaian rice is very tasty.  The meal generally consists of long-grain rice cooked in a delicious tomato sauce with a variety of spices, onions, and bell peppers. It is often served with fried plantains, grilled chicken, or fish. 

4. Red Red 

Red red, a cherished local delicacy and renowned as one of Ghana’s finest foods, stands out as a colorful culinary delight in the nation. Prepared with black-eyed peas cooked in red palm oil, this dish is commonly accompanied by fried plantains, grilled chicken, and gari (crisp cassava flour). Its creamy consistency and savory taste perfectly balance the sweet plantains. The gari adds a delightful crunch, while the flavorful chicken contributes a protein-rich element.

5. Kenkey

Kenkey, a classic Ghanaian meal, ranks high among the top foods in Ghana. This fermented cornmeal dough is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The end product is a hearty and starchy dish with a one-of-a-kind, slightly tangy taste that complements various dishes. Often enjoyed with fried fish, spicy pepper sauce, or shito (a tasty Ghanaian chili sauce), kenkey is known for its dense texture and rich flavor. The meticulous process of fermentation and steaming adds to its unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits, solidifying its status as a beloved staple in Ghanaian cuisine.

• Popular meats and fish found in meals include: chicken, goat, tilapia, beef, pork, lamb, and giant African snails.  
• Popular fruits and vegetables found in meals include: plantains, peanuts, peppers, tomatoes, onions, watermelons, pineapples, mangos, rice, and yams.     
• Popular street foods:  Bofrot (One of my students introduced me to these heavenly delights), Kofi Brokeman (Roasted plantains), grilled meats, and assorted Indomie noodles
• Ghana has so many delicious foods to try, but my favorite things to eat were jollof rice, plantains, watermelon, pineapple, and bofrot. 

For most people, eating the local food is an important part of the vacation.  And for others, it’s the highlight of the trip.  If you want to learn more about Ghana and the people who call it home, look at their most popular meals and try them for yourself. Step out of your comfort zone and lean into West African cuisine.