Savoring the Flavor of Accra: A Guide to Eating Like a Local

When you travel to a vibrant city like Accra, the capital of Ghana, it’s not just the sights and sounds that’ll capture your heart—it’s the delicious flavors of the local cuisine that’ll make your trip truly unforgettable. Eating like a local in Accra is an adventurous journey through a world of spices, textures, and hearty dishes that embody the spirit of Ghanaian culture. Here’s how you can ditch the tourist traps and dine as the locals do.

Step into the Street Food Scene

The streets of Accra are lined with culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. To truly eat like a local, you can’t miss out on the street food. Start with the ubiquitous and beloved kelewele, a spiced and fried plantain snack that’s both sweet and spicy. Or sink your teeth into some chichinga, Ghana’s version of kebabs, usually made with beef or sausage and seasoned with a robust mix of spices.

Discover the Markets

Accra’s markets are a microcosm of its food culture. Make your way to Makola Market or Agbogbloshie, where locals shop for fresh ingredients. Here, you’ll find a rainbow of produce, aromatic spices, and piles of fresh fish. Not only is it a chance to see what goes into local dishes, but also an opportunity to sample some snacks or buy ingredients and try your hand at Ghanaian cooking.

Feast on Fufu and Soup

A real taste of Ghanaian cuisine comes in the form of fufu—a staple dish made from pounded cassava and plantains or yams. It has a unique doughy texture and is typically served with a rich, flavorful soup like light soup, groundnut soup, or palm nut soup. Dive in with your hands, pinch off a bit of fufu, make a small indentation to hold the soup, and enjoy—the local way!

Relish the Real Jollof Rice

While there’s a friendly West African rivalry about which country makes the best jollof rice, Ghana certainly has its own mouth-watering version. This one-pot wonder is a hearty mix of rice, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, often served with chicken or fish. To eat like a local, attend a family gathering or find a street vendor or “chop bar” where jollof is served steaming hot and laden with Ghanaian flavors.

Branch Out with Banku and Tilapia

On the coast of Ghana, seafood is king, and banku—a fermented corn and cassava dough—is the perfect accompaniment. Grilled tilapia seasoned with spices and served with banku is a classic Accra dish. The tanginess of the banku complements the spicy fish, turning your meal into an explosion of flavors.

Sip on Sobolo

To wash it all down like a local, ask for sobolo, a refreshing, deep ruby-red drink made from hibiscus leaves, ginger, and sometimes pineapple. Its sweet and tart taste will quench your thirst and is said to have many health benefits.

Sweet Ending with Tropical Fruits

Conclude your culinary adventure with some of Ghana’s finest tropical fruits. From mangoes to papayas to coconuts, the natural sweetness and freshness are the ideal endnote to any local meal.

Final Thoughts

Eating like a local in Accra isn’t hard; it’s about embracing the staples of the diets, being adventurous with local delicacies, and enjoying the communal spirit of sharing a meal. The warmth of Ghanaian hospitality means that you’ll never eat alone—there’s always a place at the table. So, immerse yourself in the local dining scene and let your taste buds dance to the rhythm of Accra’s authentic culinary beat.