Ghana's Local Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Ghana's Local Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Ghana, located in West Africa, is known for its vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage. The country offers a wide variety of tantalizing dishes that showcase the flavors and ingredients unique to the region. From traditional stews to street food favorites, Ghanaian cuisine is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Ghanaian Dishes

Jollof Rice: Jollof rice is one of Ghana's most popular dishes. This one-pot meal is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices including ginger, garlic, and chili. It is often cooked with chicken, beef, or fish, and can be enjoyed with fried plantains or a side of salad. Banku with Tilapia: Banku is a fermented corn meal dish that is typically served with grilled tilapia fish. The corn dough is cooked until it becomes thick and stretchy, and it is often eaten with a spicy pepper sauce known as shito. Banku with tilapia is a favorite dish among Ghanaians and visitors alike. Kelewele: Kelewele is a beloved street food in Ghana. It consists of ripe plantains that are cut into cubes, seasoned with a mixture of spices such as ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, and then fried until golden brown. Kelewele is a flavorful and aromatic snack that is perfect for a quick bite. Fufu with Light Soup: Fufu is a staple dish in Ghanaian cuisine and is made by pounding boiled cassava and plantains into a smooth and dough-like consistency. It is often paired with light soup, which is a spicy broth made with vegetables, herbs, and your choice of meat or fish. Eating fufu with light soup is a unique and enjoyable experience.

Restaurants to Try

If you're visiting Ghana and want to indulge in the local cuisine, here are some top-notch restaurants that offer an authentic Ghanaian dining experience:

1. Zoe's Ghana Kitchen: Located in Accra, Zoe's Ghana Kitchen is known for its modern twist on traditional Ghanaian dishes. The restaurant sources fresh ingredients from local farmers and combines them with contemporary cooking techniques to create a memorable dining experience.
2. The Republic Bar & Grill: Situated in Osu, The Republic Bar & Grill is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. Not only does it offer a great selection of Ghanaian dishes, but it also hosts live music events and has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for a night out.
3. Asanka Local Restaurant: Asanka Local Restaurant in Kumasi is known for its delicious and authentic Ghanaian cuisine. They specialize in local dishes such as fufu, banku, and jollof rice, all made with the freshest ingredients. The restaurant's cozy ambiance adds to the overall dining experience.
4. Buka Restaurant: Buka Restaurant, located in Accra, offers a wide range of Ghanaian dishes in a modern and stylish setting. From mouthwatering stews to grilled meats, Buka Restaurant is a go-to place for those looking to explore the diverse flavors of Ghana.

Ghanaian Recipes to Try at Home

If you want to recreate the flavors of Ghana in your own kitchen, here are a couple of recipes to try:

Jollof Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rice
• 1 pound of chicken, beef, or fish (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes have softened.
4. If using meat or fish, add it to the pot and cook until fully cooked through.
5. Add the rice to the pot and stir until it is well coated with the tomato mixture.
6. Add enough water to the pot to cook the rice according to package instructions.
7. Cover the pot and simmer until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Kelewele

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains
• 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, ground
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the plantains and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, mix the ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the plantain cubes to the bowl and toss them in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
4. In a large frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the plantain cubes to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove the fried plantains from the pan and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. Serve the kelewele as a snack or as a side dish.

Map of Ghana