Ghanaian Cuisine Guide: What Tourists Should Know About Ghana Food
CategoriesGhana Food By Awuni Tours Ghana

Ghanaian Cuisine Guide: What Tourists Should Know About Ghana Food

Ghanaian cuisine is more than just food it’s a window into the country’s culture, hospitality, and traditions. As a tourist visiting Ghana, understanding what do people from Ghana eat, how, and where people eat will make your experience richer and more meaningful. From spicy stews to fermented doughs, from street snacks to tropical drinks, Ghanaian food is diverse, delicious, and worth exploring.

This Ghanaian Cuisine Guide will walk you through the essential foods, customs, and culinary experiences to know before your journey begins.

Ghanaian Cuisine Guide: Top Things Tourists Should Know About Ghanaian Food

Food is a big part of daily life in Ghana, and understanding it adds a whole new layer to your trip. This Ghanaian Cuisine Guide highlights what tourists should know about local dishes, ingredients, and how meals are enjoyed across the country.

1. Ghanaian Cuisine Is Based on Local, Seasonal Ingredients

Traditional Ghanaian food is built around fresh, locally grown ingredients. Staples like cassava, maize, plantains, yams, and rice form the base of many dishes. Protein sources range from fish (especially in coastal areas) to goat, beef, chicken, snails, and beans. You’ll also see plenty of vegetables like tomatoes, garden eggs (local eggplant), okra, and cocoyam leaves.

Ghanaian Cuisine Guide: Ghanaian Cuisine Is Based on Local, Seasonal Ingredients

Spices and seasoning are central expect bold flavours from ginger, garlic, onion, chili, and local spice blends.

2. Meals Often Include a Starch + Soup or Stew

Most typical food of Ghana consists of a starch (like fufu, banku, rice, or kenkey) served with a rich soup or stew. These combinations vary by region and are often eaten by hand using the right hand only.

Popular pairings include:

  • Fufu with groundnut soup
  • Banku with okra stew or grilled tilapia
  • Kenkey with fried fish and shito
  • Jollof rice with chicken or goat stew
Meals Often Include a Starch + Soup or Stew.

3. Popular Ghanaian Dishes You Should Try

Here are some of the most common and beloved dishes in Ghana:

Popular Ghanaian Dishes

Jollof Rice

Spiced tomato rice, usually served with grilled meat or fish. Every household has their own version.

Fufu

Made by pounding boiled cassava, yam, or plantain into a smooth dough. Served with soups like light soup, palm nut soup, or abenkwan (palm oil-based).

Banku

A sour dough ball made from fermented corn and cassava. Eaten with pepper sauce and tilapia or okra stew.

Kenkey

Similar to banku but wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Pairs well with fried fish and spicy condiments.

Waakye

A hearty rice-and-bean dish, typically served with boiled eggs, spaghetti, gari, stew, and sometimes meat or fish.

Ampesi

Boiled yam or plantain, served with palava sauce made from cocoyam leaves and often egusi (melon seeds).

Tuo Zaafi

A soft maize dish from Northern Ghana, served with green soup made from ayoyo or okra.

4. Street Food Culture Is Big in Ghana

Ghana street food is a major part of daily life. It’s affordable, tasty, and everywhere from major cities like Accra and Kumasi to small towns.

Street Food Culture Is Big in Ghana

Look out for:

  • Kelewele – Spiced fried plantains
  • Bofrot – Sweet fried dough balls
  • Chinchinga – Grilled meat skewers
  • Roasted corn and coconut
  • Fried yam and fish
  • Meat pies – Pastries filled with minced meat
  • Agbeli Kaklo – Fried cassava balls

You’ll find these in night markets, roadside stalls, or sold by vendors during traffic stops.

5. Ghana Has Regional Food Differences

Different parts of Ghana have unique culinary traditions. As you travel, try these regional specialties:

Northern Ghana

  • Tuo Zaafi and Tubani (steamed bean cakes)
  • Millet-based porridges like koko and pito

Volta Region

  • Akple (cornmeal dough) with fetri detsi (okra or tomato-based soup)

Ashanti Region

  • Fufu with abunuabunu (a green soup made from kontomire and snails)

Coastal Regions

  • Seafood-based dishes like etor (mashed yam with palm oil and eggs) and octopus stew

Exploring food by region offers an authentic look at Ghana’s cultural diversity.

6. Local Drinks and Tropical Fruits Are Part of the Experience

Ghana’s tropical climate means fresh fruit and natural beverages are always in season. They’re often served with meals or as standalone refreshments.

Local Drinks and Tropical Fruits Are Part of the Experience

Popular Drinks:

  • Sobolo – Made from hibiscus petals, ginger, and cloves
  • Palm Wine – Slightly alcoholic sap from palm trees
  • Pito – Millet-based beer, usually homemade
  • Lamugin – A sweet, spicy drink made with rice and ginger
  • Brukina – A thick drink made from millet and milk
  • Coconut water – Sold fresh on the roadside

Local Fruits:

  • Mangoes, papayas, pineapples, bananas, avocados
  • Watermelons, guavas, and African star apples (alasa)

7. Dining Customs and Etiquette

Eating in Ghana is often communal, warm, and respectful. Keep these cultural norms in mind:

  • Use your right hand when eating or receiving food. The left hand is considered impolite.
  • Handwashing before meals is customary, especially when eating without utensils.
  • Food is shared—sometimes from a communal bowl, especially in family settings.
  • Ghanaians are hospitable—if you’re invited to eat, it’s polite to accept or try a little.
  • Meals may be spicy—ask for less pepper if you’re sensitive to heat.

8. Where Tourists Can Try Ghanaian Food

You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy Ghanaian cuisine. In fact, some of the best Ghana African food is found in:

  • Chop bars – Casual local eateries
  • Roadside stalls – Especially for snacks and street food
  • Home-cooked meals – If you’re lucky enough to be invited
  • Modern restaurants – Especially in Accra, with menus for all tastes

Ask locals for recommendations—they’re usually more than happy to point you toward their favourite food joints.

From spicy stews to fermented doughs, from street snacks to tropical drinks, Ghanaian food is diverse, delicious, and worth exploring. If you want to experience it firsthand, check out our Ghanaian food tasting tour for a guided culinary adventure.

Conclusion

Ghanaian cuisine is diverse, flavour-packed, and deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. As a tourist, exploring the food is one of the best ways to connect with local people, customs, and traditions.

So don’t hold back—try the fufu, sip the sobolo, and sample the kelewele. Whether you’re at a street stall or a family table, Ghanaian food offers warmth, flavour, and memories you’ll never forget.

FAQs

Who serves the best Ghana street food in Accra?

Some of the best Ghana street food in Accra can be found at Osu Night Market, Madina Market, and Kaneshie Market, as well as from roadside vendors near busy intersections.

What spices are used in Ghanaian food?

Common spices include ginger, garlic, chili pepper, onions, anise seed, nutmeg, and local spice blends like suya and dawadawa.

What makes Ghanaian street food unique?

It’s freshly prepared, widely available, inexpensive, and deeply tied to local culture. Dishes like kelewele, chinchinga, and bofrot are everyday favourites.

Why do Ghanaians eat with their hands?

Eating with the right hand is a cultural norm in Ghana, especially for traditional dishes like fufu. It creates a more tactile, communal dining experience.

What Should You Know About Ghanaian Culture and Traditions?
CategoriesGhana Culture By Awuni Tours Ghana

What Should You Know About Ghanaian Culture and Traditions?

Ghana is a peaceful country that is well known for its rich culture and deep traditions. These traditions are not just about the past; they are part of everyday life across towns, cities, and villages. From the way people dress, greet each other, and celebrate, to how they cook and care for their families, Ghanaian culture is full of meaning, respect, and community values.

Whether you’re planning to visit during Ghana holidays or just studying Africa culture and tradition, understanding Ghanaian culture and traditions will help you connect with the people and appreciate their way of life.

What Should You Know About Ghanaian Culture and Traditions?

Ghanaian culture includes many traditions and customs that people still follow every day. Let’s discuss some of the most important parts of Ghana’s culture and customs:

1- Respect in Ghanaian Culture

One important part of Ghanaian culture and tradition is showing respect, especially to elders and leaders. In Ghana, it is common for people to greet one another warmly before starting any conversation. Greetings show good character and are often done with a smile and a handshake using the right hand.

Respect in Ghanaian Culture

When speaking to older people, they usually add respectful titles like “Auntie,” “Uncle,” or say “Sir” or “Madam.” Among some ethnic groups, like the Akan, younger people also slightly bend their knees when greeting someone older. These simple actions show how much value Ghanaians place on politeness and tradition.

2- Family Culture

In Ghanaian culture and customs, the family is the heart of society. It’s not just about parents and children, extended family and even neighbours are considered important.

Most Ghanaians live in strong family networks, where grandparents, cousins, aunties, and uncles all help raise children and support each other. Family ceremonies like births, marriages, and funerals are shared events where everyone comes together to show love and support.

Ghana Family Culture

In many communities, the entire village acts like one big family. This strong family connection is a powerful part of Ghanaian culture.

If you want to participate in such meaningful experiences, take a look at our tour packages, which offer authentic opportunities to connect with local communities.

3- Traditional Clothing

One of the most beautiful things about Ghana culture is its traditional dress. On special occasions and Ghana holidays, people proudly wear their best cultural outfits.

The most famous fabric is Kente, a colorful, handwoven cloth full of traditional symbols and meanings. It is worn by both men and women, especially during festivals and royal events.

Ghana Traditional Clothing

Women often wear “slit and kaba,” a wrap skirt with a matching blouse made from local fabric, while men may wear smocks or wrap a cloth over one shoulder in the Ashanti style. Traditional Ghanaian clothing shows pride in heritage and connects people to their ancestors.

4- Naming Tradition

Names in Ghana carry powerful meaning and are often tied to the day of the week a child is born. For example, a girl born on Monday is called Adwoa, and a boy is called Kwadwo. Each name has a spiritual meaning and is believed to describe a person’s character.

Ghanaian Naming Tradition

Names may also be given based on family history, special events, or in honor of ancestors. This unique naming system is a strong part of the culture of Ghana, passed down from one generation to the next.

5- Festivals and Ghana Holidays

Festivals are an exciting and colorful part of Ghanaian culture. Every ethnic group in Ghana has its own festivals that are celebrated with dancing, drumming, and traditional clothing. Some well-known Ghana holidays and festivals include:

  • Homowo (by the Ga people): Celebrates the end of hunger and welcomes a good harvest.
  • Aboakyer: A lively deer-hunting festival to honour the gods.
  • Akwasidae (by the Ashanti): Held every six weeks to remember ancestors and honour chiefs.

These Ghana holidays are not just for fun; they help to pass on values, bring families together, and keep traditions alive.

Festivals and Ghana Holidays

Many of these festivals take place in some of the most vibrant cities and scenic areas in the country, such as Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. You can explore more in this guide on the best places to visit in Ghana.

6- Traditional Beliefs

Traditional beliefs also play an important role in this culture. According to the Embassy of Ghana, 71% of the population is Christian, while 17% are Muslim. But they still follow ancestral customs and practices. In some communities, people visit shrines or traditional priests, also known as fetish priests, to ask for healing, protection, or advice.

Traditional Beliefs of Ghana

Many believe in the power of ancestral spirits who guide and protect their families. Sacred trees, rivers, and rocks are also respected as spiritual places. These practices are an important part of Ghanaian culture, which shows a deep connection between the natural world and the spiritual world.

7- Food and Eating

Ghanaian food is rich, flavorful, and full of variety. It reflects the culture of Ghana through ingredients, cooking styles, and customs.

Popular dishes include:

  • Fufu: It is made by pounding cassava and plantain and eaten with light soup or palm nut soup.
  • Banku: It is made from fermented corn dough and is usually served with tilapia and pepper sauce.
  • Waakye: It is a mix of rice and beans, served with stew, boiled eggs, and fried plantain.
  • Jollof rice: A favorite in many West African countries, including Ghana.
Ghanaian food

Traditionally, Ghanaians eat with their right hand, not with spoons or forks. Eating together is a sign of love and respect in Ghanaian culture.

8- Music and Dance

Traditional music in Ghana uses local instruments like drums, bells, and flutes. These instruments are used during festivals, religious ceremonies, and social events.

Ghana Music and Dance

One popular dance is the Adowa, performed mostly by the Ashanti people. It is a graceful dance, especially by women, where every hand movement carries a meaning.

Other dances like Kpanlogo, popular with the Ga people, are energetic and often involve group performances. Through music and dance, Ghanaians tell stories, celebrate events, and express their emotions. These traditions keep the culture of Ghana alive and joyful.

9- Social behaviour

Cultural values also shape daily customs in Ghana. People are taught from a young age to greet others, especially elders, before starting any conversation. It is important to use the right hand when giving something, whether it’s money, food, or a handshake.

Social behaviour of ghana africa people

Children are expected to show respect, help older people, and behave politely in public. These everyday habits may seem small, but they are an important part of Ghanaian culture and show the kindness and discipline that Ghanaians are known for.

Conclusion

Ghanaian culture and traditions are full of life, meaning, and deep respect for family, community, and history. From the unique naming system and colorful clothing to the vibrant festivals, traditional foods, and respectful customs, every part of daily life in Ghana reflects its rich cultural roots. These customs are not just practices from the past; they are still honored and followed today across the country.

And if you’re thinking of seeing it for yourself, Ghana is a warm and welcoming destination with so much to offer. If you still have any confusion, don’t miss our full guide on why you should travel to Ghana; it just might inspire your next adventure.

FAQs

1- Are Ghanaian festivals open to visitors?

Yes, many festivals welcome both locals and visitors. They offer a great way to experience Ghanaian culture through music, dance, traditional dress, and food.

2- Is religion important in Ghanaian culture?

Yes, most Ghanaians are religious, mainly Christian or Muslim, but traditional spiritual beliefs and customs are also practiced and respected in many communities.

3- What are some important Ghanaian traditions?

Important traditions include naming children by the day of the week they were born, honoring ancestors, wearing traditional attire, and celebrating festivals like Homowo and Aboakyer.

4- How is family important in Ghanaian culture?

Family is central to Ghanaian life. It includes extended relatives, and family members support one another during celebrations, challenges, and daily life.