Get to know the meals

Ghana is a country celebrated for its vibrant flavors, bold spices, and deeply rooted food culture. Among its many dishes, a few stand out as true national symbols, reflecting the heritage and daily life of the Ghanaian people. The main foods commonly associated with Ghana include fufu, banku with tilapia, waakye, and jollof rice—each prepared with skill, patience, and tradition.

One of the most iconic meals is fufu with light soup. Fufu, made from cassava and plantain, is pounded until smooth and stretchy. Traditionally, families use a wooden mortar and pestle, pounding rhythmically until the dough-like texture is achieved. It is then served with light tomato-based soup, often enriched with goat meat, fish, or chicken. The smoothness of the fufu combined with the spicy, flavorful soup makes this dish a true Ghanaian classic.

Another major staple is banku, a fermented mix of corn and cassava dough cooked into a soft, slightly sour ball. Banku pairs perfectly with grilled tilapia seasoned with ginger, garlic, pepper, and local spices. The fish is usually roasted over charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma, while the dish is completed with a pepper sauce called “shito”—a rich blend of dried fish, chili, onion, and oil. The balance of sour banku, spicy shito, and tender tilapia creates a unique taste experience loved across the country.

Waakye, a popular street and home meal, is rice cooked with beans and dried sorghum leaves that give it a reddish-brown color. It is served with boiled eggs, spaghetti, gari, fried plantain, and assorted meats, making it a hearty, colorful plate that satisfies both locals and visitors. Waakye embodies Ghana’s tradition of combining simple ingredients to produce deep flavors.

No Ghana food review is complete without Jollof rice. This world-famous dish is made from rice cooked in a seasoned blend of tomatoes, onions, pepper, and spices. Ghanaian jollof is known for its rich, smoky taste and vibrant orange color. It is often served with chicken, beef, or fried fish and enjoyed at celebrations, family gatherings, and festivals.

Ghana’s main foods are more than recipes—they are cultural expressions. Each dish tells a story of community, tradition, and the joy of sharing meals. Through these flavors, Ghana continues to showcase its identity, pride, and warmth to the world.