One of the many things I appreciate about Ghana is the vibrancy of street food culture. Everywhere you go, from small villages to big cities, there is always the enticing smell of something delicious coming from roadside sellers. Today, I'm happy to share some photos from my time in Kumasi – some of my favourite food: roasted yam and plantain.
In practically every corner of Kumasi, you will see the glowing charcoal fires roasting slices of yam and ripe plantain. It is a simple meal but full of flavour. You can have roasted yam and plantain, alone, or served with spicy pepper sauce, groundnut paste, or fried fish, each time bringing you the comfort of a warm, satisfying and hearty taste, and when you eat, you can almost feel the love warming you as you chew.
I have always enjoyed this food not only for how tasty it is but also because of how simple it is to make. Using only a few ingredients, it can quickly become a fulfilling meal, especially when hunger hits on a busy day. Even being prepared at a roadside by the vendors of Kumasi, so much care and attention to detail work is taken that even the brief stop to buy some food morphs into a lovely experience. Beyond its taste, the accessibility of this food makes it even more wonderful.
Every street in Kumasi must have at least one vendor, usually several selling freshly roasted yam and plantain. It is offered ready-to-eat, clean and neatly presented, about to be eaten whether you have the time to take it in, or simply on the go. It is truly a meal that can be shared at any time of the day, with an abundance of taste, filling, and quick to eat. And of course it is not expensive. You certainly do not need to spend much money to get full from this Ghanaian dish.
Bedrooms of students, workers, or occasionally just short stays in the city, roasted yam and plantain are a gift of the Ghanaian street culture for everyone to enjoy. Ghanaian street food is more than a method of eating; it's a way of meeting people, exploring culture, and experiencing the beauty of everyday life in Ghana. Foods like this have their stories, memories, and traditions passed down through generations and are still loved today by locals and visitors alike.
I hope this collection of photos I am sharing with you today gives you a taste of the joy and richness of Ghana's food culture, even from a distance. If you do find yourself in Kumasi, please do not miss this treat. Ghanaian foods are amazing and should be shared with the world.