10 Must-Try Ghanaian Dishes
Ghana is a country rich in flavor, culture, and tradition—and nowhere is that more evident than in the food. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your roots, these 10 dishes will give your tastebuds a tour of Ghana. We’ve also included some of the best spots in Accra where you can try them.
1. Jollof Rice 🍅🔥
Spicy, smoky, and full of personality.
This tomato-based rice dish is a national treasure—and a hot topic in West Africa. Ghana’s version is rich, bold, and often served with grilled chicken or fish.
📍 Try it at: Buka Restaurant, Azmera, or any Friday night gathering!
2. Waakye 🍚🍃
Rice & beans, but make it Ghanaian.
Made with rice and black-eyed beans, often colored with dried millet leaves, Waakye is a hearty breakfast or lunch meal typically served with gari, boiled eggs, spaghetti, salad, and meat.
📍 Try it at: Auntie Muni’s, Waakye Avenue, or roadside vendors in East Legon.
3. Banku & Tilapia 🐟🔥
A match made in Ghanaian heaven.
Fermented corn dough (banku) paired with grilled tilapia and spicy pepper sauce (shito or fresh salsa). It’s smoky, spicy, and satisfying.
📍 Try it at: Chez Afrique, Starbite, or outdoor grills in Osu.
4. Fufu & Light Soup 🍲🍗
A Sunday staple.
Fufu (pounded cassava and plantain) is served with a rich, spicy tomato-based soup filled with goat meat, chicken, or fish.
📍 Try it at: Heavy Do, Bush Kanteen, or Chop Shop.
5. Kenkey & Fried Fish 🐟🌶️
Street food perfection.
Fermented cornmeal dough (kenkey) is wrapped in corn husks and boiled. It’s served with fried fish, shito (black pepper sauce), and fresh ground pepper.
📍 Try it at: Jamestown fish markets or roadside spots along Labadi beach.
6. Kelewele 🍌🌶️
Spicy fried plantains.
Perfect as a snack or side dish, these plantain cubes are tossed in a ginger, pepper, and garlic mix and deep-fried until golden.
📍 Try it at: Kelewele joints in Osu, or Night Market at Madina.
7. Yam & Palava Sauce 🍠🍃
Earthy and rich.
Boiled yam served with palava sauce—a flavorful stew made from kontomire (cocoyam leaves), egusi (melon seeds), and sometimes fish or meat.
📍 Try it at: Country Kitchen or Home Taste Ghana.
8. Chinchinga (Kebabs) 🥩🔥
Skewered street eats.
Seasoned beef or chicken grilled on skewers, typically coated in a spicy peanut powder. Best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
📍 Try it at: Any roadside BBQ in East Legon or Polo Club events.
9. Red Red 🫘🍌
Vegan-friendly, rich and filling.
Black-eyed beans cooked in palm oil with onions and spices, often served with fried plantain. Add gari for extra texture.
📍 Try it at: Tatale Vegan Restaurant, or any local canteen.
10. Ampesi with Garden Egg Stew 🍆🥚
A wholesome traditional meal.
Boiled yam, plantain, or cocoyam paired with a flavorful garden egg (eggplant) stew often cooked with smoked fish and eggs.
📍 Try it at: Chop Shop Ghana, or your aunty’s house on a random Tuesday 😄
Bonus: Ghanaian Drinks to Try 🥤🍹
- Sobolo – Hibiscus tea spiced with ginger
- Asana – Fermented corn drink
- Palm Wine – Naturally fermented sap from palm trees
Final Thoughts
Ghanaian food is an experience—one that connects you with culture, family, and joy. Whether you’re trying something new or revisiting old favorites, there’s always something exciting on the plate.
📝 Have a favorite food spot in Accra? Share it in the comments or tag us when you visit!
