Ghana Month Food Guide: 12 Authentic Ghanaian local Dishes and the Best Spots to Try Them

Every March, Ghanaians across the country and in the diaspora observe Ghana Month, a period dedicated to celebrating the country’s rich history, culture, and achievements. This month-long observance coincides with Ghana’s Independence Day, which falls on March 6. This day marks the day in 1957 when Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from colonial rule.

Ghana Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s heritage, support local industries, and promote its diverse Indigenous cuisines. From spicy stews to hearty staple dishes, Ghanaian food is a must-try experience. Whether you’re a local or visiting Ghana for the first time, here’s your guide to some of the most authentic dishes and the best places to enjoy them.

1. Fufu with Soup

In Ghana’s Eastern and Ashanti regions, one meal guaranteed to work its wonder is fufu and goat light soup, the proud dish of the Akan. Fufu is a starchy dish made from cassava, plantain, or yam, pounded into a smooth, stretchy consistency. It is best enjoyed with light soup, groundnut soup, or palm nut soup, often paired with goat, chicken, or fish.
📍 Where to try: Baobab Traditional Restaurant (Accra), Asanka Avenue (Accra), Living Room (Accra), Azmera Restaurant (Accra)​ and local chop bars.

2. Banku and Tilapia

When you see fish being grilled on the streets of Accra, it is most likely tilapia, a delicacy among Ghanaians. It complements banku, a fermented mix of corn and cassava dough, often served with hot ground pepper sauce and shito. Banku is one of the main dishes of the people who live by the Ghanaian coast.
📍 Where to try: Chop Shop Restaurant in Accra, Philipo’s Tilapia Joint, Volta Bistro and Liquid and Grills

3. Kenkey with Fish

Kenkey is another corn-based staple similar to banku, that is made by moulding fermented corn dough into balls and wrapping them around drying corn husks, which are then boiled. Kenkey is a staple among the Ga people of Accra, and It is typically served with hot pepper sauce, fried fish, fried crabs, octopus, and shito.
📍 Where to try: The best kenkey is often sold by Ga vendors in Accra, but you can also enjoy it at Gold Coast Kenkey (Accra) or Ted’s Place in Accra

4. Ampesi with Kontomire Abom or Stew

Ampesi consists of boiled yam, plantain, or cocoyam served with a rich palava sauce (kontomire stew made from cocoyam leaves, palm oil, tomatoes, and fish) or Kontomire abom (ground cocoyam leaves) garnished with avocados and boiled eggs.
📍 Where to try: Ayewamu by Jane (check for availability as it’s only served on specific days), Azmera Restaurant and Dimaensa Restaurant.

5. Waakye

A breakfast favourite, waakye is a combination of rice and beans cooked with dried sorghum leaves, giving it a distinct reddish colour. Eating Waakye will open the door to various Ghanaian tastes and flavours. It is typically served with tomato stew, shito (black pepper sauce), fried plantain, spaghetti, salad, and protein options like fried fish, eggs, or beef.
📍 Where to try: Buka Restaurant, Azmera Restaurant in Accra for a buffet-style experience or ask locals for the best street vendors, especially those run by Muslim families.

6. Tuo Zaafi (TZ)

A northern Ghanaian delicacy, TZ is a soft, smooth dish made from maize or millet flour and served with green leafy soup and spicy red stew. What distinguishes Tuo Zaafi and makes it a popular meal nationwide is the nutritious and rare herbs used in making the accompanying green soup, including dawadawa and ayoyo leaves.
📍 Where to try: Ayewamu by Jane, Azmera Restaurant or Local restaurants or chop bars specializing in northern Ghanaian cuisine​

7. Etor

Etor (or Otor) is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from mashed yam or plantain, often served with peanuts, boiled eggs and avocados during special occasions such as birthdays, puberty rites, and twin celebrations. It is rich in symbolism and is commonly associated with blessings and prosperity.
📍 Where to try: Ayewamu by Jane and Azmera Restaurant

8. Red-Red/Gob3 (Beans and Fried Plantain)

One of Ghana’s many bright and vibrant foods, red red is also a local favourite. Red-red is a hearty dish made from black-eyed beans cooked with palm oil and served with fried ripe plantains. It is a great vegetarian option that is both filling and nutritious.
📍 Where to try: Living Room, Ayewamu by Jane, Leben’s Kitchen and local street vendors

9. Banku and Okro

Banku and Okra is a popular dish in West Africa, particularly in Ghana and parts of Nigeria. This savoury combination of fermented corn and cassava dough (Banku) and slimy okra soup creates a rich, flavourful, and satisfying meal that holds a special place in the hearts of many.
📍 Where to try: Oseikrom Aduanipa, Liquid and Grills, Perfect Touch Restaurant, Buka Restaurant and Asanka Avenue

10. Omo tuo with Soup

Omo Tuo is a popular Ghanaian dish made of soft rice balls, typically served with a rich, flavorful soup such as groundnut (peanut) soup or palm nut soup. The rice is cooked until very soft and then mashed or molded into smooth balls. It pairs well with tender meat, fish, or goat and is often enjoyed on Sundays in Ghanaian households.
📍 Where to try: Oseikrom Aduanipa, Living Room, Ayewamu by Jane, Mangoase Chop Bar and Local chop bars

11. Kokonte (“Face the Wall”) with Soup

A dish made from dried cassava flour, kokonte is often served with palm nut or groundnut soup and is loved for its simplicity and taste.
📍 Where to try: Oseikrom Aduanipa, Mangoase Chop Bar and Local chop bars in Accra and Kumasi​

12. Jollof Rice

Originally from Senegal, Jollof rice is one of Ghana’s most famous dishes. Jollof rice is made by cooking rice in a tomato-based sauce with spices. It is often served with chicken, fried fish, or beef.
📍 Where to try: Mango’s Bar and Grill, Mama Cuisine, Buka Restaurant, The Gold Coast Restaurant & Cocktail Bar and street vendors at affordable prices.