The Ultimate Ghanaian Street Food Guide: A Culinary Journey Through Ghana's Vibrant Food Scene

Photo by Food Bank Ghana

If you're a foodie with a taste for adventure, look no further than the bustling streets of Ghana for an unforgettable culinary experience. Ghanaian street food is a vibrant and diverse tapestry of flavors, colors, and textures that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. From savory stews to crispy fritters, Ghana's street food scene is a food lover's paradise. Join us on a mouth-watering journey as we explore the ultimate Ghanaian street food guide.

Azmera Ghana Jollof

Jollof Rice - The King of Ghanaian Street Food

Let's start with the king of Ghanaian street food - Jollof rice. This one-pot dish is a staple in many West African countries, but Ghanaians take great pride in their version. Jollof rice is made with long-grain rice cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices, including onions, garlic, ginger, and chili. The dish is often served with succulent pieces of chicken, beef, or fish, and is known for its smoky and tangy flavor. Jollof rice is a must-try for any foodie visiting Ghana.

Kelewele served with groundnuts || Photo by Ndudu by Fafa

Kelewele - Sweet and Spicy Plantain Delight

Kelewele is a popular street food in Ghana that will awaken your taste buds with its perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness. It's made from ripe plantains that are cut into bite-sized pieces, marinated in a blend of spices such as ginger, garlic, and chili, and then deep-fried until crispy. The result is a deliciously caramelized and flavorful snack that is often enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to other Ghanaian favorites like grilled meat or fried rice. Kelewele is a beloved street food that you won't want to miss.

Azmera Waakye

Waakye - The Iconic Ghanaian Rice and Beans Dish

If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, look no further than Waakye. This iconic Ghanaian dish is a combination of rice and beans that are cooked together with a blend of spices, including sorghum leaves, to create a unique and aromatic flavor profile. The dish is often served with a variety of accompaniments such as fried plantains, boiled eggs, spicy tomato sauce, and a side of fried fish or chicken. Waakye is a popular breakfast and lunch option among Ghanaians, and you'll find it being sold by street food vendors across the country.

SUYA / CHINCHINGA (THE GHANAIAN KHEBAB) – Photo by Ndudu by Fafa

Suya / Chinchinga - Ghana's Flavorful Grilled Meat Skewers

Suya / Chinchinga is a popular street food in Ghana that features skewered and grilled meat, typically beef, that has been marinated in a spicy peanut-based sauce. The meat is often cut into small pieces and then grilled over an open flame, giving it a smoky and charred flavor. The marinade, made from ground peanuts, spices, and chili, imparts a deliciously complex and savory taste to the meat. Suya is often served with a side of sliced onions, tomatoes, and spicy pepper sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying option for meat lovers.

Banku and Tilapia || Photo by StreetFoodGuy

Banku with Grilled Tilapia - A Ghanaian Delicacy

Banku with grilled tilapia is a beloved Ghanaian dish that combines fermented corn and cassava dough with grilled tilapia fish. The dough is mixed with water and cooked to a smooth consistency, and then shaped into a ball or disc-like form. The tilapia is typically marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, resulting in a crispy and flavorful fish. Banku and grilled tilapia are often served with a side of spicy tomato and pepper sauce, which adds an extra kick to the dish.

Sign up for our Ghanaian Street Food Crawl and get the opportunity to sample these amazing dishes and more.