Accra isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its colourful architecture and bustling markets; it’s a true gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored, primarily through its electrifying street food scene. Forget Michelin stars and white tablecloths; in the capital of Ghana Accra, the best food is found sizzling on open grills, bubbling in cast iron pots, and handed to you fresh from the vendor’s hand.
PLANTAIN FRITTERS
It is astounding how much diversity there is in Accra’s street cuisine. There is something to tempt every taste bud, whether it be sweet or savory. To begin your gastronomic adventure, picture the aroma of kelekkele, which is a dish of perfectly ripe plantains that have been fried to a golden crisp and coated with chile powder.
RICE BEANS MIX
No trip to Accra is complete without indulging in waakye, a flavourful combination of rice and beans cooked with sorghum leaves, lending it a unique reddish-brown hue and subtle earthy taste. Served with a medley of sides like shito (a spicy pepper sauce), gari (ground cassava), avocado, and boiled eggs, waakye is a complete and satisfying meal in itself.
CORN MEAL
For the adventurous palate, banku and tilapia is a must. Banku, a fermented corn and cassava dough, provides a slightly tangy base for the generously spiced and grilled tilapia. The smoky flavour of the fish combined with the unique texture of the banku is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Beyond the mainstays, you’ll find a delightful array of other treats. Red red, a bean stew cooked with palm oil and served with fried plantains, offers a hearty and comforting option. Kose, deep-fried bean cakes, are perfect for a quick and protein-packed snack. And for those with a sweet tooth, bofrot (puff puff), sweet and airy fried dough, is the ideal ending to your street food exploration.
The experience is more important to Accra’s street food culture than the actual cuisine. It’s the lively ambiance of the markets, the good humor of the merchants, and the pleasure of sharing delectable food with the people. It’s about getting lost in the culture and discovering Accra’s soul via its colorful and flavorful street cuisine.
So, ditch the tourist traps and dive headfirst into the culinary canvas that is Capital of Ghana’s street food scene. You’ll discover a city that’s as rich in flavour as it is in culture, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a craving for more. Just be sure to bring an appetite and an adventurous spirit!