10 Iconic Ghanaian Dishes Every Traveler Must Try

Ghana isn’t just celebrated for its vibrant music, bold fashion, or deep-rooted historical sites. Its food scene is equally captivating and often one of the most cherished highlights for travelers. Whether you’re wandering through the spirited streets of Accra or sitting down for a traditional home-cooked meal, Ghanaian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and stories.

If you’re planning a trip to Ghana, exploring its culinary culture is non-negotiable. From smoky grilled tilapia to the spicy allure of kelewele, this guide takes you on a journey through Ghana’s most iconic dishes—and shows you exactly where to find them.

🍽 Want to taste the real Ghana? Use the Akwaaba App to find food tours, great chop bars, and authentic dining experiences near you.

Let’s bite into Ghana’s colorful street food scene and see how the Akwaaba App makes food tours easier than ever.

Jollof Rice – Ghana’s National Pride

While many West African nations lay claim to Jollof, Ghana’s version reigns supreme for many. Cooked in a seasoned tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and spices, this beloved rice dish is typically served with grilled chicken, fried plantains, or fish. It’s a staple at parties, roadside stalls, and homes alike.

Where to Try It:

Buka Restaurant, Osu – A classic dining experience.
Chop Shop Accra – Known for its authentic street-style servings.

📲 Find more Jollof spots on the Akwaaba App.

10 Iconic Ghanaian Dishes Every Traveler Must Try

Waakye – The Street Food Power Couple

A hearty combination of rice and beans cooked with millet leaves, Waakye gets its distinctive reddish hue and earthy taste from traditional cooking techniques. It’s served with a mix of spaghetti, boiled eggs, shito (black pepper sauce), salad, and meat of your choice.

Why Try It?
Affordable, customizable, and a true icon of Ghanaian street food.

Where to Eat:

Auntie Muni Waakye, Ridge – A local legend.
Roadside stalls near Makola Market

🎯 Get directions and reviews on Akwaaba App.

Banku and Tilapia – The Char-Broiled Seafood Treat

Banku, a fermented mix of corn and cassava dough, is the perfect match for spicy grilled tilapia and peppery tomato sauce. Popular in southern Ghana, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream.

Where to Eat:

Labadi Beach – Riverside street vendors serve it fresh.
Skybar Street Eats, Accra – Try it at the city’s food pop-ups.

🔥 Book a full seafood street tour with Akwaaba App.

Fufu and Light Soup – The Community Meal

Fufu is made by pounding boiled cassava and plantains into a stretchy, dough-like consistency. It’s best enjoyed with light soup—a flavorful, spicy broth often featuring chicken, goat, or fish.

Cultural Tip:
Traditionally eaten with your hands and shared with family, fufu is as much a social event as a meal.

Where to Try:

Asanka Local, Osu
Chop Bar Express, East Legon

📍 Find authentic fufu spots on Akwaaba App.

Kelewele – Spicy Fried Plantains

Craving a spicy snack? Kelewele is your answer. Ripe plantain cubes are marinated in ginger, chili, and spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection.

Where You’ll Find It:

Street hawkers along Oxford Street, Osu
Evening roadside grills all over Accra

🥡 Explore late-night kelewele joints on Akwaaba App’s food map.

Kenkey and Fried Fish – Coastal Classic

Kenkey, a fermented corn dough, is served with fried fish, shito, and fresh vegetables. Originally a Ga dish, it’s a coastal favorite you’ll find throughout Accra.

Best Places to Eat Kenkey:

Jamestown Fish Market
Ga Kenkey House, Teshie

🍴 Search “kenkey” on Akwaaba App for top picks.

Chinchinga – Ghana’s Grilled Kebab

Locally called chinchinga, these skewered kebabs are coated in a spicy dry rub (often peanut-based) and grilled over open flames. Usually made with beef or chicken, they’re a must-try street snack.

Where to Find Them:

Night markets in Osu and East Legon
Circle (Kwame Nkrumah Interchange) street hawkers

📲 Check reviews and opening hours via Akwaaba App.

Red Red – A Vegetarian’s Dream

Red Red is a wholesome bowl of black-eyed peas cooked in red palm oil, often paired with fried plantains. Though vegetarian by default, you can add fish or meat for extra flavor.

Where to Eat It:

Santoku Accra – For a modern twist.
Kaneshie Market – For a home-style classic.

🌿 Use Akwaaba App filters for vegetarian-friendly spots.

Gari Foto – Quick, Filling, and Flavorful

Made from gari (grated, fermented cassava), this dish combines palm oil, tomato sauce, and often fish or eggs. Fast, flavorful, and satisfying—perfect for a quick bite.

Try It Here:

Local chop bars in Madina
Ghana Food Movement pop-ups

✨ Check Akwaaba App’s calendar for food events and pop-ups.

Tuo Zaafi (TZ) – The Northern Delight

Tuo Zaafi, or TZ, hails from northern Ghana. Made from maize or millet flour and served with a nutrient-rich green leaf soup, it’s hearty and filling—though harder to find in Accra.

Where to Eat:

Tuo Zaafi Palace, Nima
Food tours featuring Northern cuisine

🌍 Book regional food tours with Akwaaba App.

Eat Like a Local – With a Foodie Guide!

Ghanaian food isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey into culture and connection. From street-side vendors to community chop bars, guided food tours are the best way to dig deep into this culinary wonderland.

🥘 Download the Akwaaba App to:

✅ Read real reviews
✅ Plan with local foodie guides
✅ Discover hidden gems
✅ Book in a few clicks

Final Thoughts: Taste the Ghanaian Soul

Food is the heartbeat of Ghana. It unites, tells stories, and brings joy with every spicy bite or smoky aroma. Whether it’s the fiery tilapia on Labadi Beach or sweet kelewele on a late-night stroll, Ghanaian dishes capture the very essence of the country.

So next time you plan a trip—put “eating your way through Ghana” on your bucket list.

And yes, you can explore it all through the Akwaaba App—from meals and markets to guided culinary adventures.

✈️ Ready to eat your way through Ghana?

Download the Akwaaba App and unlock authentic culinary adventures today.