For travelers going to Ghana in December for the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans in North America, The Year of Return, there is much to be explored. Along with the dearth of opportunities for historical exploration, Ghana’s bustling food culture is not to be overlooked. It is so vibrant, that the recently formed Ghana Food Movement aims to “support and celebrate food heroes and initiatives who are making Ghana’s food system future proof.” As Ghanaians celebrate food talent locally, the international community has also recognized these creatives, including Chef Selassie Adatika who has been heralded as the “face of new African cuisine.”
Exploring Ghana’s rich and diverse food landscape is a necessary cultural education. Content Creator and Founder of Circumspecte, Jemila Abdulai says there is something for everyone in Ghana, “there’s always something cooking. More traditional? You’ll find comfort in staples like waakye, Ghana jollof, kenkey or fufu. Like fusion or trying new things? The ever-changing range of eateries and food products literally bring the world to your doorstep.”
As you make travel plans, take your adventures to food pop-ups and curated events beyond the brick and mortar locations, where Accra’s food talent are providing dynamic experiences.
Midunu Tasting Thursdays
Head to the Midunu House for a celebration of Africa’s culinary heritage through an intimate dining experience where you will ge guided through a 10 to 12 course menu by reknowned Chef, Selassie Adatika. Expect West African as well as other flavor profiles from across the continent as you make new friends and allow some familiar ingredients to be re-introduced to you in a new way.
Fulani Dine on a Mat
Chef Fatimata Binta’s Fulani Dine on the Mat experience explores Fulani (a nomadic people spread across West and Central Africa) food. Born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone to first generation Sierra Leonean Fulanis of Guinean descent, Chef Binta now lives in Accra where her Dine on a Mat experience draws attendees to eat Fulani dishes and participate in a cultural immersion that requires embracing Fulani norms like using one hand to eat from a communal bowl while holding the bowl with the other. Chef Binta’s goal with these events is “to create vibrant dishes inspired by my Fulani roots, using modern techniques. Each dish represents a Fulani settlement in Africa.”
Lifestyle Brunch
In the mood for brunch? Well, Ghana’s Chef Kwame of Bishville and Miami’s (USA) Chef Dani have teamed up for ‘Lifestyle Brunch’, an experience taking place on December 24th featuring food, drinks, music, and entertainment. At this event, you can expect unlimited drinks (you’ll have your choice of champagne, Prosecco, mimosas, liquor, sangria, and juice) and over fifteen dishes. The experience also includes performances and you’ll just have to wait to find out which performers are on the line-up to surprise you during brunch!
Ice Cream Fair
In Accra’s hot sun, you might want to indulge in ice cream and you are in luck, because Accra’s Ice Cream Fair is set to happen on December 26th. The fair is a celebration of ice cream along with entertainment, including family friendly activities and performances from some of Ghana’s hottest celebrities. Themed #YouMightScream, the event promises to blow you away with incredible flavors of ice cream. The variety of vendors include local favorites like The Cupcake Boutique.
Afrochella
You might know the Afrochella festival for the music, but it also has food elements worth exploring. Alongside the music performances will be food vendors both from Ghana and the diaspora. This year, New York based food company, Kelewele will be on deck with their vegan sweet plantain based ice cream in an assortment of flavors. Outside of the concert, Afrochella also has tours available, with an Accra Tour and Food Tasting available on December 31st.
Cirque de Soir
Ready to experience food in Accra Cirque de Soleil style? Well, Accra’s Cirque de Soir is your answer. This event is the ultimate luxury experience filled with food and drinks as well as talented acrobatic dancers. Select tickets include a four-course menu curated by Villa Grace, the boutique catering company by CEO and Creative Director, Fred Apaloo. The menu paired with drinks and the show is bound to be both delicious and Entertaining. Villa Grace is known for its beautiful food displays, plating, and exquisite ambience, so Cirque de Soir is bound be an unforgettable experience.
Cook Accra
In the mood to cook? CookAccra is offering private cooking lessons on Ghanaian cuisine led by culinarian, Naa Oyoo Kumodzi. This one-on-one learning opportunity promises to not only help you learn how to shop for ingredients in the market as well as use them in 3-course meals.
Want more food and things to do in Ghana, check out our Foodieventure: Accra Film, Circumspecte’s Ultimate Guide to Eating Out in Accra, and Tastemakers Africa’s 72 Hours of Accra Through Your Belly.
