Connect with us

Taste GH

Tubani: The Steamed Bean Cake That Fuels Northern Ghana

Published

on

On a typical morning in northern Ghana, the soft aroma of freshly steamed tubani drifting from a roadside stall is enough to draw a small crowd.

Wrapped neatly in leaves and served warm, this humble bean cake has long been a comforting and nourishing staple for many households.

Tubani—sometimes spelled tumbani—is made from black-eyed pea flour mixed with water and a small amount of potassium carbonate, locally known as kawe.

The mixture is whisked into a smooth batter, carefully poured into leaves, and then steamed until it firms into a soft, fluffy cake. The result is simple yet satisfying: a light, protein-rich dish that has sustained generations.

But tubani’s appeal goes far beyond its ingredients. In northern Ghana, it is a familiar sight in markets, roadside food stalls, and neighbourhood corners, especially in the early morning hours. Vendors unwrap the steaming bundles and serve them with a generous drizzle of shea butter or oil, often topped with pepper and chopped onions.

The flavour is mild and earthy, allowing the spicy toppings to bring the dish to life.

For many people in the north, tubani is more than a snack—it is breakfast, lunch on the go, or a quick evening bite after a long day. Its affordability and nutritional value make it especially popular among students, workers, and travellers.

@akosuahstastyrecipe Enjoy one of the most nutritious Ghanaian 🇬🇭food from the NORTH 😍 Ideally you have to cook this for 30-40mins But because of this Comfee multipurpose cooker From @Kitchen And Beyond Limited the tubani was done in 15mins😍I LOVE SOFT LIFE…Call kitchen and beyond on 024 285 7393 and get yours NOW 🇬🇭INGREDIENTS 4 cups black eye beans 1 teaspoon potash (kawa) Salt to taste Kebab pepper Onion Oil NOTE 🇬🇭You can blend the beans into powder and mix with water or you can use the method i used . 🇬🇭You can add some seasoning if you want Serve with hot sauce ,stew ,or suya spice #ghana #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanafood #fyp #bean #beanstiktok #ghanaianfood ♬ Yalma Dage Wanga – King Ayisoba

Visitors to Ghana who venture beyond the big cities often discover tubani as part of the region’s vibrant food culture.

Its preparation method—steaming batter in leaves—reflects culinary traditions passed down through families over decades.

In a country known for bold flavours and hearty meals, tubani stands out for its quiet simplicity. Yet that very simplicity is what makes it unforgettable.

Taste GH

Kelewele and Groundnuts: Ghana’s Spicy-Sweet Street Snack Everyone Loves

Published

on

By

The scent arrives before the snack itself—warm ginger, pepper, and caramelized plantain drifting through the evening air in Accra. Follow that irresistible aroma and you’ll likely find a small street stall serving one of Ghana’s most beloved bites: kelewele with fried groundnuts.

Kelewele begins with ripe plantains cut into small cubes and tossed in a lively blend of spices—usually ginger, garlic, pepper, and a hint of salt.

Once lowered into hot oil, the plantain turns golden and crisp at the edges while remaining soft and sweet inside. The result is a snack that balances heat, sweetness, and smoky richness in a single mouthful.

But kelewele rarely travels alone. A handful of crunchy fried groundnuts—peanuts roasted until fragrant—often accompanies the dish.

Their nutty bite complements the spiced plantain perfectly, adding texture and depth to every serving. Locals know the rhythm well: a toothpick in hand, a paper wrap of kelewele in the other, and laughter shared with friends on a warm night.

Across Ghana, kelewele vendors appear as evening falls. Outside busy markets, near roadside corners, or beside lively bus stops, small frying pans sizzle under the glow of streetlights.

Office workers stop by on their way home, students gather after lectures, and late-night travelers grab a portion before continuing their journey.

For visitors, tasting kelewele is an introduction to Ghana’s vibrant street food culture—simple ingredients transformed into something memorable. For Ghanaians, it’s comfort food wrapped in nostalgia, a snack that carries the flavors of home.

@chefabbys KELEWELE might just be Ghana's best Street Food🇬🇭✨! We need to position it and give it even more credit ! It's easy , fast, extremely delicious to make. I made this in bulk hence the quantity of the spices All you need is Pepper Ginger Onion Red chillies Hwentia Cloves Calabash nutmeg EFOM WISA (alligator pepper ) Oil #FoodTiktok #fyp #foryou #virall ♬ With You (feat. Omah Lay) – Davido

Whether enjoyed after sunset or as a quick bite during a city stroll, kelewele and fried groundnuts remain a delicious symbol of Ghana’s everyday culinary magic.

Continue Reading

Taste GH

The Creamy Millet Drink Ghanaians Can’t Get Enough Of

Published

on

By

On a hot afternoon in Accra, few things are as satisfying as a chilled cup of burkina. Sold from street-side coolers and small neighborhood kiosks, this creamy millet drink has quietly become one of Ghana’s most beloved refreshments.

Burkina is simple in concept but rich in character. Made primarily from fermented millet and fresh milk, the drink has a thick, smooth texture that sits somewhere between a beverage and a light meal. A touch of sugar and sometimes vanilla gives it a gentle sweetness, while the fermented millet brings a mild tang that keeps every sip interesting.

For many Ghanaians, burkina is more than a drink—it’s part of daily life. You’ll find it everywhere from busy roadside stalls to university campuses and bustling markets. It’s often enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a mid-day energy boost, or a cooling treat during Ghana’s warm afternoons.

Its popularity also comes from its comforting flavor. The aroma of fermented grain mixed with fresh milk creates a familiar scent that many locals instantly recognize. Each vendor has their own twist: some make it thicker, others lighter, but the creamy millet base remains the heart of the drink.

Visitors to Ghana often stumble upon brukina by chance, curious about the rows of plastic bottles filled with pale, creamy liquid in roadside coolers. One sip usually explains its loyal following. It’s refreshing, filling, and quietly nourishing.

In a country celebrated for bold flavors and vibrant street food, brukina stands out for its gentle sweetness and satisfying simplicity—a humble drink that continues to win hearts across generations.

Continue Reading

Taste GH

Konkonte and Groundnut Soup: Ghana’s Comfort Bowl With a Deep, Nutty Soul

Published

on

By

The first spoonful of konkonte with groundnut soup rarely leaves a person unchanged. Steam rises from the bowl carrying the rich, roasted scent of peanuts, while the deep brown mound of konkonte sits quietly beside it, ready to soak up every drop of the flavorful soup.

Konkonte—sometimes playfully called “face the wall”—is made from dried cassava flour stirred into hot water until it forms a smooth, elastic dough. Its earthy colour may appear modest, but that simplicity is part of its charm.

When paired with groundnut soup, one of Ghana’s most beloved dishes, the result is a meal that feels both humble and deeply satisfying.

The soup itself is where the magic begins. Ground peanuts simmer with tomatoes, onions, ginger, and pepper, creating a thick, creamy broth with layers of warmth and spice. Pieces of goat meat, beef, or fish often swim in the pot, adding richness that turns the dish into a full meal.

Across Ghana, this combination shows up everywhere—from roadside chop bars to family kitchens where pots bubble gently on charcoal stoves. Many people enjoy it in the afternoon or evening, especially when they want something filling but comforting. The dough’s mild flavor allows the soup to shine, each bite absorbing the nutty, peppery sauce.

@foodheartedly I made this delicious Konkonte and Groundnut Soup with this package I received from @la ferme Victoire. It cost just 130 cedis and it’s so convenient ☺️ Contact @la__fermevictoire on WhatsApp via 0598884460 INGREDIENTS IN THE PACKAGE: Konkonte flour Groundnut paste Garlic Onga seasoning Fresh tomatoes Fresh peppers Ena Pa seasoning Fresh chicken Onions Garden eggs Okro Tomato paste . . . . . #foodheartedly #groundnutsoup #konkonte #lafermevictoire ♬ original sound – ghclassicsongs

For visitors exploring Ghanaian cuisine, konkonte with groundnut soup offers something memorable: a dish that speaks to resilience, tradition, and the country’s love of bold, satisfying flavors.

It’s not flashy, but it’s unforgettable.

Continue Reading

Trending