As Ghanaians across the world celebrate the independence of the nation all through the month of March, it is only fair that a spotlight is shone on the things that are generally considered fundamentally Ghanaian. One of these things is the distinct Ghanaian gastronomy which encompasses a limitless array of meals and dishes highlighting culture and history. However, there are a few dishes and meals that have, over time, gained popularity across board and have become a hallmark for the Ghanaian experience. In no particular order, here’s a short list of 5 Ghanaian foods that almost everyone loves.
Wakye
Wakye is a rice and beans meal made with natural food colouring to give it a slightly gray or wine colour. It is usually served with salad, tomato stew, stewed pepper popularly known as “shito”, meat and fish or eggs and fried plantains. Wakye is mostly sold in the mornings but is also available and consumed around the clock by enthusiasts.
Jollof
This is another rice dish which origins from Senegal that has become a cultural favorite of Ghanaians everywhere. It is made by cooking rice in spicy tomato sauce made with stock. It is typically served with salad, a bit of stew, fried plantains and meat, fish and/or eggs. Jollof rice is cooked and sold in eateries across the country, and some homes reserve its preparation for festive occasions.
Banku
Banku is quite literally a cooked mash of corn dough and cassava dough. The two doughs are mixed in a certain quantity with water and stirred on fire until it is solid and without lumps. It is served with a plethora of soups and stews like okra soup, tomatoe stew, groundnut soup, palmnut soup and others. A more popular option is with grilled tilapia and stewed pepper.
Kelewele
Kelewele can be taken as a full meal, a side dish or an accompaniment, depending on the quantity and the appetite of the eater. It is diced ripe plantains coated in a spicy mix of pepper, ginger, cloves and other natural spices and deep fried in vegetable oil. It is mostly sold at night and is accompanied by roasted groundnuts.
Tuo Zaafi
Nicknamed TZ, this dish is made of maize and millet flour mixed with water and stirred over fire until solid. Originating from the north of Ghana, TZ has become a favourite of many across the country and is served with okra soup and tomato sauce. It is also typically accompanied by beef and is available at quite a number of eateries.
Though our list mentions only 5 dishes, there are a lot more meals and dishes bringing people together and uniting cultures in Ghana. To get the full experience, do visit a Ghanaian restaurant or eatery close to you.
We continue to wish all Ghanaians a happy 64th Independence anniversary.
