Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
1. Kenkey & Red Red
A traditional Ghanaian dish made from maize dough wrapped in cornhusks and steamed. Served with red red, a stew of black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and spices.
- Authentic Taste: Experience the unique taste of Kenkey, a dish cherished by Ghanaians for generations.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture through its food.
- Spicy Flavors: Enjoy the spicy and tangy taste of red red, a perfect accompaniment to Kenkey.
2. Banku & Okro Soup
A fermented corn and cassava meal (banku) served with okra (okro) soup and fish or meat.
- Unique Texture: Savor the unique texture of banku, a dish that is both soft and slightly sour.
- Traditional Cooking Method: Learn about the traditional methods used to prepare this delicious Ghanaian dish.
- Spicy and Savory Taste: Taste the spicy and savory okro soup, which perfectly complements banku.
3. Fufu & Groundnut Soup
A staple dish made from pounded yams or cassava dough (fufu) served with groundnut soup, a rich peanut-based sauce.
- Social Experience: Enjoy fufu and groundnut soup in a communal setting, tasting a traditional Ghanaian meal with friends.
- Rich Flavors: Experience the rich and nutty flavors of the groundnut soup.
- Interactive Dining Experience: Roll your fufu into small balls and dip them in the soup, creating an interactive dining experience.
4. Waakye
A popular Ghanaian dish made from cooked rice and beans (waakye), often served with fried fish or meat.
- Energy Boost: Fuel up for a day of exploring Kumasi with this nutritious dish.
- Local Flavors: Taste the vibrant flavors that make Ghanaian cuisine unique.
- Quick Service: Grab a quick, satisfying meal at any of Kumasi's numerous waakye spots.
5. Yetebo
A snack made from roasted plantain and peanuts, often seasoned with salt or spices.
- Portable Snack: Take a tasty, portable snack for your explorations around Kumasi.
- Unique Taste: Enjoy the sweet and savory taste of yetebo, a popular Ghanaian street food.
- Affordable Indulgence: Indulge in this affordable snack without breaking your travel budget.
6. Kete Kete
A dish made from steamed corn dough (kete) served with groundnut sauce.
- Unique Texture: Feel the soft, smooth texture of kete as you savor this traditional Ghanaian dish.
- Spicy and Nutty Flavors: Taste the spicy and nutty flavors of the groundnut sauce, a perfect complement to kete.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the authentic taste of Kumasi through its local dishes.
7. Tzoovo Bi
A Ghanaian version of jollof rice, cooked with a variety of spices and served with fried fish or meat.
- Spicy Flavors: Enjoy the vibrant flavors and spiciness of this Ghanaian twist on jollof rice.
- Local Ingredients: Taste the unique blend of local ingredients used in Kumasi's Tzoovo Bi.
- Social Experience: Share a meal with locals and immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture.
8. Kelewele
Spicy fried plantain, often served as a snack or side dish.
- Portable Snack: Grab a tasty and portable snack for your explorations around Kumasi.
- Unique Spices: Experience the unique blend of spices used to season this popular Ghanaian snack.
- Affordable Indulgence: Indulge in this affordable street food without breaking your travel budget.
9. Zaa Zaa
A traditional Ghanaian drink made from ground roasted corn, water, and sugar.
- Refreshing Beverage: Stay hydrated and refreshed with this popular Ghanaian drink.
- Local Flavor: Taste the unique flavor of Zaa Zaa, a drink deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture.
- Affordable Refreshment: Enjoy this affordable and refreshing beverage during your travels.
10. Techu
A spicy Ghanaian tomato-based soup, typically served with fried plantain or boiled yams.
- Spicy Flavors: Experience the vibrant flavors and spiciness of this Ghanaian soup.
- Local Ingredients: Taste the unique blend of local ingredients used to make Techu.
- Comforting Meal: Enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal during your travels.
11. Akpeteshie Tasting
Taste Akpeteshie, a potent local liquor made from fermented palm wine.
- Local Drink Experience: Experience the unique taste of this traditional Ghanaian alcohol.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture through its local drinks.
- Strength and Flavor: Appreciate the strength and unique flavor of Akpeteshie.
12. Makola Market
Explore Makola Market, a bustling open-air market offering a wide variety of local goods and food.
- Authentic Shopping Experience: Experience the authentic shopping experience in Kumasi's vibrant markets.
- Wide Variety: Find a wide variety of local goods and food at Makola Market.
- Cultural Exchange: Engage with locals and learn about their culture through the market's offerings.
13. Kejetia Market
Visit Kejetia Market, one of West Africa's largest markets, offering a wide variety of goods and food.
- Authentic Shopping Experience: Experience the authentic shopping experience in Kumasi's vibrant markets.
- Wide Variety: Find a wide variety of goods and food at Kejetia Market.
- Cultural Exchange: Engage with locals and learn about their culture through the market's offerings.
14. Kumasi Cultural Centre
Learn about Ashanti culture at the Kumasi Cultural Centre, which showcases traditional music, dance, and artifacts.
- Cultural Education: Gain a deeper understanding of Ashanti culture through exhibits and performances.
- Interactive Experience: Engage with traditional music, dance, and artifacts during interactive demonstrations.
- Respect for Tradition: Appreciate the importance of tradition in Ashanti culture.
15. Manhyia Palace Museum
Visit the Manhyia Palace Museum, the official residence of the Asantehene (King of Ashanti), and learn about Ashanti history and royal traditions.
- Historical Insight: Gain valuable historical insights into the Ashanti Kingdom.
- Royal Traditions: Learn about the rich royal traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom.
- Cultural Respect: Appreciate the importance of respect for tradition in Ghanaian culture.