Top 10 Foods in Ghana

Introduction 

Ghana, located on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, is not only rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, but also in culinary tradition. Ghanaian cuisine is a hearty, soulful blend of indigenous ingredients, centuries-old cooking techniques, and communal spirit. Every meal in Ghana is more than nourishment—it’s an experience steeped in family, celebration, and pride. Spicy stews, richly textured starches, and aromatic spices dominate the culinary landscape, creating meals that are bold in flavor and deeply satisfying. Let’s take a delicious journey through the top 10 foods in Ghana, dishes that best represent the heart and heritage of this remarkable country.

1. Jollof Rice
Arguably Ghana’s most internationally recognized dish, Jollof rice is a tomato-based rice dish infused with spices, onions, and peppers, often cooked with chicken, beef, or fish. Every Ghanaian family has its unique take, but it’s always bold, flavorful, and a staple at every celebration. The dish’s vibrant orange-red hue and irresistible aroma make it both comforting and festive.

2. Waakye
Waakye is a beloved street food and hearty breakfast made with rice and beans cooked together with dried millet leaves, which give the dish a distinct color and subtle earthy flavor. It’s often served with a variety of sides—boiled eggs, spaghetti, gari (grated cassava), fried plantains, and spicy shito (black pepper sauce). It’s a full meal that showcases Ghana’s love for generous, balanced plates.

3. Fufu and Light Soup
Fufu is one of Ghana’s iconic starchy staples, made by pounding boiled cassava, plantains, or yams into a stretchy dough-like consistency. It’s typically served with a rich and spicy tomato-based light soup filled with fish, goat, or chicken. Eaten by hand, fufu is dipped in soup and swallowed, not chewed, allowing the flavors to melt on the tongue.

4. Banku and Tilapia
Banku is a fermented dough made from cassava and corn, cooked into a smooth, stretchy consistency. It’s often paired with grilled tilapia and a peppery sauce or salsa known as shito. The combination of smoky fish, tart dough, and fiery condiments makes for a satisfying and iconic Ghanaian meal.

5. Kenkey and Fried Fish
Kenkey, a fermented corn dough wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, is a traditional staple among the Ga and Ewe people. It's commonly served with fried fish, pepper sauce, and sometimes sliced onions or tomatoes. The fermentation gives kenkey a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with savory and spicy accompaniments.

6. Red Red
Red Red is a vegetarian delight made with black-eyed peas cooked in red palm oil and spiced with onions, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s typically served with fried ripe plantains, which add sweetness to the rich, savory beans. Simple yet deeply flavorful, Red Red is comfort food at its finest.

7. Tuo Zaafi (TZ)
Popular in the northern regions of Ghana, Tuo Zaafi is a soft, thick porridge made from maize or millet flour. It’s traditionally served with green leafy vegetable soup and meat, often infused with dawadawa (fermented locust beans) and other local spices. This dish is hearty, nutritious, and full of northern flavor.

8. Kelewele
Kelewele is a beloved snack or side dish made from ripe plantains seasoned with ginger, cayenne pepper, and other spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these spicy-sweet plantain cubes are addictive and often sold by street vendors.

9. Chinchinga (Kebabs)
Chinchinga, or Ghanaian kebabs, are spiced skewers of beef, chicken, or liver grilled over open flames. The meat is often coated in a peanut-spice rub, giving it a unique flavor and crunch. These smoky, spicy treats are favorites at roadside grills, bars, and festivals.

10. Shito (Black Pepper Sauce)
Though technically a condiment, shito deserves its place among Ghana’s top foods. Made with dried fish, shrimp, garlic, ginger, onions, and a generous amount of chili, this thick, dark sauce is packed with umami and heat. It’s used to enhance rice, kenkey, waakye, or even bread.

Conclusion
Ghanaian cuisine is a bold and colorful expression of the country's diverse heritage and vibrant spirit. Whether you're savoring a comforting bowl of Red Red or celebrating with smoky Jollof rice, every dish tells a story of tradition, family, and flavor. The joy of Ghanaian food lies not just in its ingredients, but in the love and care with which it’s prepared and shared. If you ever find yourself in Ghana—or in a Ghanaian kitchen anywhere in the world—come hungry, because every bite is a warm welcome.