Ghanaian cuisine is known for its rich flavours and diverse array of dishes, and street food is an important component of this culinary tradition. Ghanaian street food, from savoury snacks to spicy stews, provides a delectable taste of the country’s culture and history.
Here are seven popular Ghanaian street foods:
Seasoned Fried Plantain ‘Kelewele’
Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian street food made of fried plantain seasoned with a spice blend. This dish is popular across the country.
Kelewele is commonly consumed as a snack or as a side dish, and it complements a wide range of Ghanaian dishes. It is commonly sold by street vendors, and its unique combination of flavours and textures has made it a favourite of both locals and tourists.
Aside from being delicious, kelewele is also high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Plantains are high in potassium, which aids in blood pressure regulation and heart health. Furthermore, the spices in kelewele have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion.
Charcoal Grilled Meat ‘Chichinga’
Chichinga, also known as suya in Ghana, is grilled meat, usually beef, goat, guinea fowl or chicken. Many Ghanaians enjoy this flavorful and spicy snack, especially at social gatherings and events.
Chichinga is typically marinated in a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, and other spices, before being grilled. The meat is then threaded onto skewers and grilled over an open flame until thoroughly cooked.
Chichinga’s smoky and spicy flavour is what makes it popular among Ghanaians. It is frequently topped with sliced onions and served with a spicy pepper sauce. Chichinga is a popular snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day and is typically sold by street vendors who grill the meat on portable charcoal grills.
Aside from being delicious, chichinga is also high in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. Beef and chicken are both high in protein, which is necessary for the body’s tissue building and repair.
Roasted Plantain ‘Kofi Brokeman’
Kofi brokeman is a popular Ghanaian street food made with grilled or roasted plantains and roasted peanuts. The name “Kofi brokeman” means “Kofi, the broke man,” and it is thought to have originated in Accra, Ghana’s capital city.
To make kofi brokeman, ripe plantains are peeled and cut into chunks before being grilled or roasted over an open flame until caramelised and tender.
Kofi brokeman is commonly consumed as a snack or light meal on the go and is frequently sold by street vendors in Ghana.
Kofi brokeman is a delicious and filling snack that showcases Ghanaian cuisine’s rich flavours. It is a must-try for anyone visiting Ghana or interested in learning about the country’s culinary traditions.
Grounded Groundnut ‘Nkatie Cake’
Nkatie Cake, also known as peanut cake, is a popular Ghanaian street food made from roasted peanuts, sugar, and water. In the Akan language, which is widely spoken in Ghana, the name “nkatie” means peanut.
Peanuts are roasted until golden brown and fragrant before making nkatie cake. Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, they are ground into a coarse powder. To make a thick paste, combine the peanut powder, sugar, and water. After that, the paste is spooned onto a greased surface or a sheet of parchment paper and flattened to form a thin layer.
The nkatie cake is allowed to cool and harden before being cut into small squares or rectangles to serve. It is a popular snack food in Ghana, and it is frequently sold by street vendors.
Nkatie cake is a tasty snack with a healthy snack high in protein and healthy fats. It is also vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those who follow a strict diet.
Boiled Corn and Coconut
Boiled corn and coconut is a popular Ghanaian street food made with freshly boiled corn on the cob and coconut.
To make boiled corn and coconut, boil fresh corn on the cob until tender, then serve with coconut.
This snack is satisfying and delicious due to the combination of sweet and savoury flavours, the tender texture of the boiled corn and the crunchy texture of the coconut.
In Ghana, boiled corn and coconut is a popular street food, especially during the summer months when fresh corn is in season. It is a simple but delicious snack that highlights the ingredients’ natural flavours and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors.
Buff Loaf ‘Bofrot’
Buff Loaf, also known as Bofrot, is a popular Ghanaian street food made of deep-fried dough until golden brown and crispy. It is a type of doughnut that is commonly eaten as a snack or for breakfast.
To make Buff Loaf, a dough of flour, yeast, sugar, and water is mixed together and allowed to rise for a few hours. The dough is then scooped or cut into small pieces and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy in hot oil. When the Buff Loaf is done, it is removed from the oil and drained on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Buff Loaf can be eaten plain or dusted with powdered sugar for breakfast, and it is commonly served with tea or coffee.
Buff Loaf has a crispy texture and sweet flavour appealing to people of all ages.
Assorted Indomie
To make Assorted Indomie noodles, boil the instant noodles in water until they are tender. While the noodles cook, a variety of meats (chicken, beef, or fish) and vegetables (onions, peppers, and carrots) are sautéed in oil until cooked through and tender.
After cooking, the noodles are drained and combined with the sautéed meat and vegetables. To taste, additional flavourings such as soy sauce, curry powder, or chilli sauce may be added. The dish is then served hot, ready to eat as a quick and filling meal or snack.
Assorted Indomie noodles are popular street food in Ghana, especially among students and young people seeking a quick and inexpensive meal. It is a flavorful and filling dish that can be tailored to individual preferences by using different meats and vegetables. If you can try Assorted Indomie noodles in Ghana, do so as a delicious and satisfying street food.
Finally, Ghanaian street food offers a diverse and delicious range of flavours and textures that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions. Ghanaian street food is popular among locals and visitors alike, and includes savoury snacks like Bofrot and Assorted Indomie noodles as well as sweet treats like Nkatie Cake and boiled corn with coconut. These dishes are not only tasty, but also inexpensive and widely available, making them an important part of the country’s food culture.
Whether you’re exploring the busy streets of Accra, try some of Ghana’s delicious street food offerings and savour the unique flavours and ingredients that make them so special.