Taste the Soul of Ghana: A Culinary Expedition Through Accra's Hidden Gastronomic Gems
Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, is a paradise for food lovers. The city offers a sensory feast of traditional dishes, bustling food spots, and culinary experiences that reflect Ghana's rich culture. If you’re wondering where to find the best local food in Accra, this guide highlights top places where authentic Ghanaian flavours shine.
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Table of Contents:
Baobab Restaurant at East Legon: A Taste of Tradition [Skip to Details]
Buka Restaurant at Osu: The Seafood Haven [Skip to Details]
Ted’s Place at Kanda: Weekend Kormifest Delight [Skip to Details]
Nyonnyo Canteen at Accra Central: A Midweek Feast [Skip to Details]
Other Noteworthy Spots [Skip to Details]
Conclusion: Embrace the Flavors of Accra [Skip to Details]
Baobab Restaurant at East Legon: A Taste of Tradition - Best Local food In Accra
Why Visit? Cozy ambiance, high-quality fufu, and delectable soups.
Signature Dish: Fufu with light soup or groundnut soup.
Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/baobab_gh/
Location: East Legon, Accra, Ghana
Baobab Restaurant in East Legon, Accra is a must-visit for anyone craving traditional Ghanaian dishes. Known for their excellent fufu and mouth-watering soups, Baobab Restaurant offers a cozy ambiance perfect for a relaxed meal.
Imagine dipping soft, perfectly pounded fufu into a spicy soup rich with tender meats. Baobab's expertly crafted dishes make it a go-to for traditional flavours served with a touch of finesse.
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Buka Restaurant at Osu: The Seafood Haven - Best Local food In Accra
Why Visit? Specializes in tilapia and garifotor.
Signature Dish: Grilled tilapia with garifotor.
Instagram handle:
Location : G7 10th Street , Accra, Ghana
Buka’s grilled tilapia, crispy on the outside and succulent inside, paired with garifotor (a delightful mix of gari, vegetables, and protein), offers a seafood experience you won’t forget, in Osu central Accra, Ghana.
Picture yourself savoring a plate of grilled tilapia, its skin crispy and the meat tender and flavorful. Paired with a side of garifotor, a unique dish made from gari, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish, Buka offers a dining experience that is both authentic and satisfying.
Credits Buka restaurant Instagram
Are you ready to explore Ghana soon? Find out the best hotels for your stay now below.
Kass Towers hotel, located near Kotoka International Airport
The Lennox Residence, near the airport
The Signature, East Legon area
Suncity, in the vibrant Osu neighbourhood
Embassy Gardens Suites by Olive Gold
Ted’s Place at Kanda: Weekend Kormifest Delight - Best Local food In Accra
Why Visit? Celebrates kenkey with flair.
Signature Dish: Kenkey with spicy pepper sauce, fried fish, and shito.
Instagram handle:
Location: Ted's Place, Kanda, Accra , Ghana
For those who enjoy kenkey, Ted’s Place at Kanda, Accra is a weekend hotspot. Known for their Kormifest, this place celebrates kenkey in all its glory, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Every weekend, Ted’s Place hosts the famous Kormifest, transforming into a kenkey lover's paradise where the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly steamed kenkey.
Credits Kormafest Instgram
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Nyonyo Canteen at Accra Central: A Midweek Feast - Best Local food In Accra
Why Visit? Extensive midweek menu.
Signature Dish: Jollof rice, waakye, and red red (bean stew with fried plantain).
Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/nyonyo_canteen
Location: inside the AMA office, Accra
This central gem offers a wide array of home-cooked-style Ghanaian dishes perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, in Accra.
From jollof rice to waakye, and from banku to red red (bean stew with fried plantain), Nyonnyo Canteen offers a wide range of traditional dishes that cater to every palate. Their dishes are cooked to perfection, providing a home-cooked feel that is both comforting and delicious.
Credits NyoNyo Canteen
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Other Noteworthy Foodie Spots in Accra - Best Local food In Accra
Among The plethora of choice in Accra the Ghanaian Capital
Tasty Jerk (Osu): Known for their spicy kenkey.
Living Room Ghana (East Legon): Offers a cozy, homemade meal experience.
Ayewamu by Jane (Mile 7): Features a rotating menu of daily Ghanaian specials.
Azmera Restaurant (Roman Ridge): Famous for their extensive local food buffet.
Chez Clarisse Mama Africa (Osu): Offers delightful tilapia and attieke dishes.
Mama Cuisine (Airport): A mix of West African cuisines with standout banku and tilapia.
FAQs Accra Local Food Guide: Frequently Asked Questions for Travellers
Q1: What are the must-try traditional Ghanaian dishes in Accra?
A: Don't miss these iconic local dishes while visiting Accra:
- Jollof Rice: A beloved West African rice dish cooked with tomatoes, spices, and often served with chicken or fish
- Waakye: A popular rice and beans combination, typically served with gari (cassava flakes), spaghetti, meat, and spicy sauce
- Fufu: A staple dish made from boiled and pounded starchy vegetables like cassava, served with various soups and stews
- Banku and Tilapia: A fermented corn dough served with grilled tilapia and a spicy pepper sauce
- Kenkey: Fermented corn dough wrapped in corn husks, often paired with fried fish and pepper sauce
Q2: Where are the best local restaurants in Accra?
A: Some top spots for authentic Ghanaian cuisine include:
- Buka Restaurant: Located in Osu, known for traditional dishes and a welcoming atmosphere
- Azmera Restaurant: Offers a wide range of local and traditional Ghanaian meals
- Korkors Kitchen: A local favorite for authentic home-style cooking
- Republic Bar and Grill: Great for both food and local drinks
- Local street food vendors: Especially around Makola Market and Jamestown
Q3: How much should I expect to pay for a local meal?
A: Prices vary, but generally:
- Street food: 10-30 Ghanaian Cedis (approximately $0.80-$2.50)
- Local restaurant meals: 30-80 Cedis ($2.50-$6.50)
- Mid-range restaurant: 80-150 Cedis ($6.50-$12)
- High-end restaurant: 150+ Cedis ($12+)
Q4: Are there any food safety tips for travellers?
A: Important considerations:
- Stick to hot, freshly cooked foods
- Avoid raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself
- Drink bottled or boiled water
- Choose busy restaurants with high turnover
- Consider carrying hand sanitizer
- If you have a sensitive stomach, be cautious with street food initially
Q5: What are some local street food options to try?
A: Popular street foods include:
- Kelewele:
Spicy fried plantains
- Grilled corn:
Seasonally available and delicious
- Meat pies:
Savoury pastries filled with meat and spices
- Roasted groundnuts (peanuts):
A popular snack
- Yam chips:
Crispy and flavourful
Q6: Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Accra?
A: While Ghanaian cuisine is meat-heavy, vegetarian options exist:
- Many dishes can be prepared without meat
- Waakye with vegetables
- Vegetable stews
- Plantain dishes
- Beans and rice combinations
- Tip: Learn phrases like "no meat" in local languages
Q7: What drinks should I try?
A: Local beverage recommendations:
- Palm wine: A traditional alcoholic drink
- Sobolo: A refreshing hibiscus drink
- Locally brewed beers: Star Beer and Club Beer
- Akpeteshie: A strong local spirit (drink in moderation)
- Fresh coconut water: Available from street vendors
Q8: What are some cultural dining etiquette tips?
A: Important cultural considerations:
- Eating with right hand is traditional
- Wash hands before and after meals
- It's polite to accept food when offered
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (10-15%)
- Be open to sharing and communal dining experiences
Q9: Are there food markets I should visit?
A: Must-visit food markets:
- Makola Market: Largest market in Accra, great for fresh produce and ingredients
- Tema Fishing Harbor: Best for fresh seafood
- Kaneshie Market: Another excellent local market experience
Q10: Any tips for those with dietary restrictions?
A: Recommendations for special diets:
- Communicate dietary needs clearly
- Learn key phrases in local languages
- Carry translation cards explaining restrictions
- Consider staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities
- Bring supplement snacks as backup
Pro Tip: Embrace the local culinary culture with an open mind and adventurous spirit. Ghanaian cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and a crucial part of the travel experience!
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Conclusion: Embrace the Flavours of Accra
Accra’s culinary scene is a celebration of Ghanaian heritage. Whether it’s Baobab’s rich soups, Buka’s perfect tilapia, or Ted’s Place’s weekend kenkey festivities, every food spot brings something unique to the table.
Are you inspired? Why not also read our other articles on Ghana culture, adventure travel, foodies best spots to plan your next trip to Ghana well-prepared? We got you!
Culture & Tourism Articles:
Discover Busua, Ghana: ASA BAAKO Music and Surf Festival 2024 - Updated
Top 10 Things to do when visiting Ghana
Ghana your new sporty adventures destination
Three places to visit in Ghana in 2023
Exploring West Africa for A Year; all The Way From France: The Story of Ayoka
Foodie :
Top Ten Best Restaurants to Eat Local Ghanaian Dishes in 2023
5 Must eat Ghanaian Local dishes in 2023
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Client testimonials we have helped exploring & planning their trip to Ghana
REBOUND staff & Teenagers, Group of 10 Travelers from MINNEAPOLIS, USA, Corporate retreat, July 2023
Review 1: Christy Botts, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
Our non-profit organisation took a group of young people to Ghana in July 2023. The experience was an amazing one that was spiritually moving as well as fun! We had an excellent tour guide who brought the country to life for us. Our youth were able to connect to one another and to the country in ways we could only have dreamed possible.
The Cooking Class was my favourite activity- being invited to our guide’s relative's home to cook "with the aunties" and hang out, listen to music, dance, laugh, get to know people, and eat was SO FUN. We felt like family!
It was a good occasion to bond with other group members and Ghanaian Culture.
Review 2: Danielle Draughn, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
"I am an educator so I really enjoyed visiting with the children at the school. However, words can't even begin to explain the experience and tell all the wonderful things we were exposed to.
Best tour guide ever. The cameraman and driver were also good. Kwame was the absolute best tour guide who turned i to a friend I have ever experienced. He is very knowledgeable, caring and professional. He made sure we all had whatever we needed and made sure we were comfortable.
He was highly motivated to make sure we had the best knowledge and experience regarding our culture. This is a trip every black person should take. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to experience Africa in such an amazing and spiritual way..."
Review 3: Samm Joyner, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
"Excellent experience, beyond my expectations. Our guide was a Godsend. My favourite activity was visiting the school for the charity day."
Adrien, France, UK, Solo trip to Ghana, Travel plannerk on service and 10 day package
"Christina was able to show me the right direction when I was looking for a trip to West Africa. She had the right connections, and helped me build up a relevant agenda according to my ideal trip. She made sure I was safe and everything went according to plan in Ghana.I highly recommend Melanin Travels Magic for any trip related enquiries!"
Candy, Germany, December 2021 Group Trip to Ghana, 10-day Black heritage and leisure package
"I went to Ghana with Melanin Travels Magic, and Freelancenana Travels was their local partner who helped coordinate our 10-day tour of the country. Many thanks to Nana and his team for the personal attention given to us. I can’t speak highly enough of Michael, our amazing driver, who was always very protective and respectful and got us to places safely. Our tour guide, Thompson, was with us the whole trip and made sure we were well taken care of. He gave us an outstanding personal tour that exceeded all my expectations! He was a brilliant ambassador for his country, very knowledgeable, warm, organized and honest.
He is extremely amiable and takes pride in his work and in the community that he serves. We were lucky to have him to gain such an insight into the history and culture of Ghana. He was quick to accommodate our requests as well as needed changes in the itinerary. Most of all, he was great company and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Thompson is also the founder of Creating Smiles Foundation, an NGO, which distributes stationery to underprivileged children and food to street kids.
The itinerary arranged for us included so many wonderful things- First, we toured Accra and visited must-see landmarks like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
and the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial. We also went to Accra’s Art Centre, where Thomson helped us haggle. We crossed the Kakum National Park’s canopy walkway for a view of the wildlife and landscape; gained insight into the history of the Ashanti Kingdom and the Slave River and drove to Elmina and Cape Coast Castle to learn about the thought-provoking history of the transatlantic slave trade. We saw a variety of crafts, from learning how to play the drums, cook African food to Kente cloth making.
I thoroughly recommend Melanin Travels Magic and Feelancenana Travels to help shape your journey and enable you, too, to have a memorable experience in Ghana. Wishing you both every success with your tour businesses. Thank you Thompson for treating us like family, I fell in love with Ghana and its people through you. Someday I hope to return to Ghana and explore more of the country with you. I know you are going to do great things with your foundation. Medaase to all of you."
Imani,USA, December 2021 Group Trip to Ghana, 10 day Black heritage and leisure package
My first visit to West Africa was with Melanin Travels Magic. Because I had no experience with the company I will admit I was a little hesitant. I am so grateful that even in Christina’s absentia she ensured we were connected with our country host and in constant communication.
I commend her for doing her due diligence to connect with local contacts to make sure there is a heartfelt connection. I look forward to seeing what else comes from this budding travel group!
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