How to Eat Fufu Like a True Ghanaian

Fufu is a soft, stretchy dough made from cassava and plantain (or yam) and served with a variety of soups—light soup, palm nut soup, groundnut soup, and more. In Ghana, eating fufu is a full-body experience. It’s not just a meal—it’s a ritual, a sport, and sometimes a relationship test.

Step 1: Wash Your Hands. Seriously.

We don’t do fufu with cutlery—unless you’re on a flight or under international pressure.

👉 Relatable moment: You wash your hands and someone still hands you sanitizer like, “Bro, wash again. We don’t want you adding last night’s pizza to the soup.”

Step 2: No Fork, No Knife—Just the Right Hand

Use your right hand only. Your left hand? That’s reserved for scratching your back or scrolling TikTok. Not food.

How to scoop it like a pro:

Use your fingers and the base of your palm to pinch a small chunk.
Gently roll it into a little ball (no stress—it’s not Play-Doh).
Use your thumb to create a dent—this is the “soup pocket.”

Step 3: Dip, Don’t Splash

Gently dip your fufu ball into the soup. Don’t go swimming with it. Just a graceful scoop. Make sure the soup gets into the pocket you created. It’s like giving the fufu a hat—only it’s spicy and dripping with goat meat flavor.

👉 Funny tip: Don’t start swirling like you’re stirring a pot. One auntie might just tell you to go and cook your own.

Step 4: Swallow, Don’t Chew (Yes, Really)

Now this is where the magic happens. Ghanaian-style fufu eating means swallowing. Not chewing. If you chew fufu, your Ghana card might be revoked 😂

But don’t panic—take small enough pieces, and you’ll be fine.

Pro tip: It’s okay to sneak one chew if no one’s watching. But if your mother-in-law is at the table… just swallow and smile.

Step 5: Attack the Meat with Strategy

Soup without meat? Tragedy. Here’s what to expect:

Goat meat (chew carefully, bones ahead)
Fish (look out for sneaky bones)
Snail (texture warning: like rubbery victory)
Cow leg (you’ll fight it before you win it)

Technique:

Scoop a bit of fufu, grab some meat with it.
Use your fingers to nibble the meat.
If you’re chewing loud, you’re doing it right.

What Not to Do When Eating Fufu

❌ Don’t mix spoons and hands. Pick a side.
❌ Don’t cut fufu with a knife like it’s cake.
❌ Don’t suck fingers too loudly… unless you’re home.
❌ Don’t say “this soup is too hot”—just sweat in peace.

Where to Try Fufu Like a Local

Chop bars (traditional eateries)
Sunday family homes – if you’re lucky!
Local festivals and street food joints

If you’re in Accra, try places like Esi’s Chop Bar, Asanka Local, or even a random roadside spot with a queue. A queue means the fufu is legit!