On my most recent trip to Ghana, I found myself reconnecting with a moment of popular food in Ghana I had always cherished, roasted corn. Quick and easy yet ever so satisfying street food roamed on nearly every street corner. It would not be an exaggeration to say I fell in love with it again.
The corn is roasted right there on the street with a simple piece of wire mesh and charcoal fire. The corn is roasted until golden brown. Typically the corn goes with roasted coconuts or groundnuts, which is nice, as that complements the crunchy experience.
Ghana is fortunate to have many kinds of natural and wholesome foods we can experience in many places. From roasted plantain to boiled yam and waakye to kenkey, you can find something fresh, hot and delicious nearby. However, roasted corn is fulfilling and has a certain anchoring sense of culture.
What I love especially is the rhythm at which vendors turn the corn over on the hot coals and ensure the proper amount of scorching is done and all sides are evenly roasted. Watching that is almost as pleasurable as eating it when you finally receive the hot corn, and you have to suppress the urge to take that first bite of bliss all over again.
I was quite happy to enjoy something so simple yet so rich in our culture and taste. By sharing this experience with you, I am also appreciating Ghana's street food culture, which continues to provide fellowship, community, and taste with every mouthful.
If you ever get a chance to visit Ghana, make sure you are given the opportunity to experience this simple but exquisite treat. You may just fall in love with it too.