5 Foods You MUST Try While in Ghana

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1.   The โ€œRedโ€ Sauce

There is a spicy, tomato sauce that a lot of restaurants put alongside jallof rice.  At the sight of the โ€œredโ€ sauce, my mouth waters!  It is the right amount of flavor, spiciness, and adds a perfect kick to any meal.

2.   Jallof Rice

You cannot come to Ghana and not have a scoop of jallof rice.  Jallof rice is a staple in Ghana that is added to basically any protein. The best jallof rice that I have tasted was at a restaurant called โ€œThe Basementโ€ located on the University of Ghana at Legon.

3.   Kelewele

Kelewele is something that everyone needs in their life sometimes.  Kelewele is essentially chopped fried plaintains flavored with a hint of cayenne pepper and ginger.  Kelewele is eaten as a side dish or appetizer and is usually available at restaurants. 

4.   Fan Ice

Fan is a godsend in Ghana.  Fan Ice is an ice-cream snack that is sold on the streets or in gas stations.  When the hot Ghanaian air surrounds you for hours, it is so refreshing to nibble on a Fan Ice.  There are three primary flavors: vanilla, chocolate (my favorite) and citrus.

5.   Palava Sauce

YUM! Palava sauce has to be one my favorite dish during my time in Ghana.  Palava sauce is a spinach-type sauce that has a huge kick of spice that is usually served with chicken and a side of plain rice.  This sauce is the closest thing to a homemade dishโ€”I am definitely learning the recipe to it!

Ignacio Cruz

<i>*Texas Scholarship</i> Akwaaba! My name is Ignacio Cruz and I am a senior at the University of Texas at Austin! I am a proud Longhorn majoring in corporate communication. I am from the Rio Grande Valley in the deep south of Texas. This summer, I have been accepted to study abroad in Accra, Ghana on a four week service learning program. If you would have told me that I would be travelling to West Africa during my college career, I would have thought you were absolutely nuts! However, that once ludicrous thought will become my reality and I cannot contain my excitement! This summer I will put my communication skills to the test because I will be working with local art and crafts makers in Accra and teach them how to sell and market their own products online through the use of social media and eCommerce platforms. Needless to say, there will be a blast of hashtags, @ mentions, and retweets coming out of Ghana this summer! Last summer I had the chance to study abroad in Beijing, China and learned so much about myselfโ€”as a student, leader, and global citizen. I have learned to not stand back from taking risksโ€ฆ I have learned to look fear in the eyesโ€ฆ I have learned to defy expectations that have been set by others who do not realize your potential. Being able to step foot in Ghana will allow me to reinforce these beliefs in myself and hopefully set an example to every kid from โ€œel barrioโ€ who was in my shoes once. You have to be self-less, brave, and bold.