Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Tamale, Ghana
1. Kporkpokpo (Tiger Nut) Porridge
A hearty, creamy porridge made from tiger nuts served with groundnuts and sugar. Savor this energy-boosting dish at Abukari Local Food Centre.
- Unique Ingredient: Made from tiger nuts, a unique African tuber
- Energy Boost: Offers a significant energy boost for travelers
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations
2. Kenkey with Palaver Sauce
A cornmeal dumpling wrapped in husks and steamed. Served with palaver sauce made from peppers, onions, and palm oil at Daboya Market.
- Cultural Significance: A popular dish across Ghana with a rich cultural history
- Versatile Sauce: Palaver sauce can be customized to suit individual taste preferences
- Local Market Experience: Enjoy this dish at the bustling Daboya Market for an authentic experience
3. Tuo Zaafi (Mashed Finger Millet with Soup)
A nutritious and filling dish consisting of mashed finger millet served with various soups at any local restaurant.
- Health Benefits: High in fiber, protein, and essential minerals
- Cultural Variations: Served with various regional soups showcasing local flavors
- Quick & Affordable Meal: A quick, budget-friendly meal for travelers on the go
4. Banku with Tilapia
A fermented corn and cassava dough served with tilapia fish in a spicy palm nut sauce. Available at many local eateries.
- Cultural Significance: Traditional dish of the Ga people, popularized across Ghana
- Flavorful Combo: The tangy taste of banku combined with the rich flavor of tilapia and spicy sauce
- Fusion of Textures: The smoothness of banku contrasts beautifully with the firmness of the fish
5. Gari and Groundnut Stew
Cassava dough balls served in a stew made from groundnuts, onions, and spices. Try this at any local eatery.
- Unique Texture: The crispy, chewy texture of gari balls adds a delightful contrast
- Rich Flavor: The savory, rich flavor from the groundnut stew is irresistible
- Quick Snack Option: A satisfying snack or light meal for travelers
6. Shito (Spicy Paste)
A flavorful, spicy paste made from various peppers and onions, used to season seafood or as a dip. Available at many eateries.
- Versatile Condiment: Can be used to season different dishes or as a dip
- Heat Level: Adjustable spiciness levels catering to individual preferences
- Local Flavor: Adds a burst of authentic Ghanaian flavor to dishes
7. Kolikoli (Prawns)
Freshwater prawns cooked in various styles such as grilled, fried or steamed. Try them at Anyansu Beach Resort.
- Sustainable Option: Locally sourced freshwater prawns are more sustainable
- Flavorful Preparation: Cooked in various styles to cater to different tastes
- Fresh Coastal Ingredient: Harvested from the fresh waters of the White Volta River
8. Kontomire Stew (Plantain and Okra Stew)
A rich stew made from ripe plantains, okra, beef or fish, served with fufu (pounded yam). Available at many local restaurants.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Plantains and okra are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Cultural Significance: A popular dish across various regions of Ghana
- Customizable Preparation: Can be prepared with either beef or fish, depending on preference
9. Fura (Millet Drink)
A refreshing, slightly sweet drink made from millet. Perfect for cooling down after a day of exploration in Tamale.
- Unique Ingredient: Made from millet, a staple crop in northern Ghana
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations
- Refreshing Beverage: A perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day in Tamale
10. Zaafi with Meat (Mashed Finger Millet with Meat)
A filling dish consisting of mashed finger millet served with various meats such as goat or beef. Available at local restaurants.
- High in Nutrients: Finger millet is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals
- Flavorful Preparation: Served with various meats, offering a burst of flavor
- Local Ingredients: Ingredients sourced locally to support the local economy
11. Kinkaabry (Corn Dough Balls)
Delicious corn dough balls served with a peanut sauce. Available at many local eateries.
- Unique Texture: The chewy texture of kinkaabry balls adds an enjoyable bite
- Flavorful Condiment: The peanut sauce enhances the flavor of the corn dough balls
- Quick Snack Option: A satisfying snack or light meal for travelers
12. Gbomaso (Bamboo Shoots)
Bamboo shoots cooked with various spices and ingredients. Try them at Anyansu Beach Resort.
- Sustainable Ingredient: Locally sourced bamboo shoots are sustainable and eco-friendly
- Flavorful Preparation: Cooked with various spices, offering a burst of flavor
- Fresh Coastal Ingredient: Harvested from the abundant bamboo forests in northern Ghana
13. Tsire (Smoked Fish)
Smokey and flavorful smoked fish available at any local market.
- Authentic Flavor: The traditional smoking process infuses a unique, authentic flavor
- Versatile Ingredient: Can be used in various dishes or eaten as is
- Health Benefits: Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients
14. Foofow (Roasted Goat)
Tender roasted goat meat served with various sides such as yam or plantains. Available at many local restaurants.
- Melting Tenderness: The tender, juicy goat meat melts in your mouth
- Authentic African Dish: A traditional dish enjoyed across West Africa
- Flavorful Preparation: Cooked to perfection with various aromatic spices
15. Tubugaa (Fried Rice)
A fried rice dish prepared with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, fish, or beef. Available at many local eateries.
- Versatile Ingredients: Prepared with various proteins and vegetables
- Quick & Affordable Meal: A quick, budget-friendly meal for travelers on the go
- Rich Flavor: Seasoned with a variety of aromatic spices, offering a rich flavor