6 Must-try Ghana Christmas Food that light up holiday tables

No matter where you are from, one of the greatest experiences while in Africa this festive season is having a taste of Ghana Christmas food. Christmas in Ghana is a huge festivity that brings family and friends together to bond over tasty meals. The preparations start early, with trips to market to buy the meals and all kinds of ingredients that will be needed.

Ghana Christmas food tells a story of age-old traditions and cultural fusion. Without further ado, let’s take you on a tasty tour across the West African country to savor the amazing dishes that light up holiday tables.

Table of Contents

1. Jollof Rice with Chicken

Jollof rice with chicken. Photo/ BBC.

Just like in many other West African countries, Jollof rice is also a favourite in Ghana. On Christmas, it is usually served with spicy and delicious chicken stew. This vibrant, one-pot dish is packed with bold flavors and a delightful kick that will leave you craving for more. Jollof rice is served often in the shape of a volcano garnished brightly with vegetables.

2. Fufu and Light Soup

Fufu and light soup is not only a Christmas meal but a traditional Ghanaian dish. Fufu is derived by combining cassava and green plantains or yams and pounded together to form a dough-like consistency. It is then shaped into a ball by hand and dipped heartily into the flavourful light soup bursting with sea fish and either beef, goat meat, lamb meat, pork meat or chicken.

Fufu and Light Soup. Photo/ shop africa usa.

3. Banku with Fried Fish or Tilapia

Banku with fried fish or tilapia is a popular Ghana Christmas food. This is the delicacy that many people who cannot afford rice during Christmas and are not a fan of fufu enjoy the most. Banku is prepared by steaming a fermented dough made of maize and cassava. The product is a very soft and elastic dough that you can break into pieces and eat by hand. Whereas many people enjoy banku with fried fish, others enjoy it with roasted anchovies or tilapia.

4. Waakye with Shito and Fish

Waakye served with other delicacies. Photo/ Connie’s Restaurant.

Waakye is a delicious rice and bean dish mixed with protein and vegetables. Its preparation involves cooking rice together with beans then serving it on a platter next to another platter of fried fish. The delicacy is satisfying, which is why it’s one of the favourites on Christmas day in Ghana.

5. Ampesi and Palava Sauce

Ampesi is just the name of boiled plantain and yam. Sweet plantains and brown cowpeas are mashed together to form patties, which are then fried until they form a golden perfection. Since it is made with a ton of greens, this dish is packed with nutrients and very delicious. It is then served with a palava sauce, which is a vegetable medley featuring onions, tomatoes, peppers and carrots.

6. Sobolo

Well, we can’t talk about Ghana Christmas food and fail to mention Sobolo. Also known as bissap, this blood-red spicy drink is brewed from hibiscus leaves and infused with ginger and pineapple to add a little bit of spice and sweetness. It is very common in social gatherings such as weddings and birthdays and also a favourite on Christmas day.

Sobolo drink. Photo/ Nuova Gema.

What Is the Typical Ghanaian Christmas Tradition?

Ghanaian Christmas celebrations tend to start around the 20th of December and lasts till the New Year. During this time, there are a lot of activities which go on, but the celebrations are at a maximum during Christmas Eve. Lots of choir singing and dancing go on throughout the service, which lasts late into the night.

On the 25th of December, everyone dresses in traditional clothing and go to church for service again. Afterwards, people go back home for traditional Ghana Christmas food with gift giving and receiving going on.