In Ghana, breakfast is more than a morning routine—it’s a culinary heritage. From the bustling streets of Accra to the quiet corners of Northern villages, mornings start with the irresistible aroma of local dishes prepared with soul, spice, and centuries of tradition.
Whether you’re a traveler, a Ghanaian living abroad, or just a foodie hunting for your next bite, this guide to Ghanaian breakfasts you must try before you die will awaken your senses and maybe your long-lost cravings.
1. Waakye: Ghana’s Most Ambitious Breakfast
What it is: A heavenly combo of rice and beans cooked with dried millet leaves (which give it its signature color).
Accompaniments: Spaghetti (yep, we’re different), boiled egg, fried plantain, gari (cassava flakes), salad, shito (black pepper sauce), and protein options like fish, wele (cowhide), or fried chicken.
Why it’s a must: It’s the breakfast buffet in one pack. Hugely filling and flavor-packed.
Best places: Street vendors in Madina, Kaneshie, and Kumasi Central.
2. Chibom (Bread & Egg): The Grab-and-Go King
What it is: Toasted tea bread filled with omelet, fried egg, or a surprise mix of sardine, sausage, or corned beef.
Why it’s a must: Cheap, quick, and satisfying. It’s also the most common breakfast among students and office workers.
Fun fact: There’s no graceful way to eat chibom—just dig in and pray the egg doesn’t slide out.
3. Hausa Koko and Koose: Spicy Porridge Meets Crunchy Bean Cake
What it is: Millet-based porridge spiced with ginger, cloves, and pepper, paired with deep-fried bean balls called koose.
Why it’s a must: It’s vegetarian, high in protein, and good for the soul (and sinuses). Hausa koko warms you up like a grandma’s hug.
Tip: Add a boiled egg or some groundnuts for extra power.
4. Ampesi & Garden Egg Stew: The Boiled Beauty
What it is: A plate of boiled yam, plantain, or cocoyam served with a smoky, spicy stew made from garden eggs (eggplants) and topped with eggs or fish.
Why it’s a must: You’ll feel full and spiritually fulfilled. This is the kind of meal that makes you want to nap, even at 10 am.
5. Tom Brown: Ghana’s Nutritional Power Bowl
What it is: Roasted maize flour porridge, rich in nutrients and served with milk, sugar, and sometimes peanut butter.
Why it’s a must: It’s the Ghanaian version of oatmeal—except tastier and way more satisfying.
Best for: Kids, elders, and anyone looking to remember childhood.
6. Fried Yam and Chofi (Turkey Tail): The Street Classic
What it is: Thick slices of yam fried golden brown and served with spicy turkey tail and black pepper sauce.
Why it’s a must: Crispy, spicy, and rich in flavor. This is breakfast that punches above its weight.
Fun moment: Trying to balance chofi, yam, and shito on one piece of newspaper without dropping a single one.
7. Rice Water (Rice Porridge): Comfort in a Cup
What it is: Light rice porridge boiled till soft and served with milk and sugar.
Why it’s a must: It’s easy on the stomach and great for early mornings or slow Sundays.
Who loves it most: Children, hospital patients, and early churchgoers.
8. Gari Fortor: The Survivor’s Breakfast
What it is: Gari fried with tomato stew, onions, and sometimes sardines or eggs.
Why it’s a must: This is a breakfast that proves you can turn the simplest ingredients into something unforgettable. A boarding school favorite turned street food delicacy.
9. Bofrot (Puff Puff): Ghana’s Doughnut Cousin
What it is: Sweet, deep-fried balls of dough that are fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside.
Why it’s a must: Whether paired with porridge or eaten alone, bofrot is the sugary best friend you didn’t know you needed at 7 a.m.
Tip: Get it fresh and hot—or you’ll be chewing for hours.
10. Kenkey & Fish: Breakfast of the Brave
What it is: Fermented corn dough dumpling served with pepper sauce and fried fish.
Why it’s a must: This coastal favorite hits with bold flavors and is beloved in the Ga and Fante regions.
Warning: May cause sudden food coma.
Bonus Combos You’ll Also Love
- Milo + Milk + Bread + Butter = Childhood flashbacks
- Meat pie + yoghurt = Classic roadside combo
- Plain Koko + roasted groundnuts = The silent warrior of breakfast combos
Where to Try These Breakfasts in Ghana:
- Kokomlemle Breakfast Lane (Accra) – All varieties in one spot
- Kumasi Kejetia Market – Authentic Ashanti-style koko and ampesi
- Cape Coast Street Stalls – Coastal kenkey and fish combos
- Tamale Central Market – Northern Ghana’s best Hausa koko
Useful Links
- Tour of Ghana Through Its Soups
- A Tourist’s Guide to Ghanaian Street Food
- How to Eat Fufu Like a True Ghanaian
Breakfast Like a Ghanaian
Ghanaian breakfast isn’t just about food. It’s about connection—to your culture, to your memories, and to the people who make it with love. So next time you’re in Ghana (or in a Ghanaian kitchen), skip the cornflakes and go for something that tells a story.
Trust us—you haven’t truly lived until you’ve eaten waakye under a hot umbrella with 10 strangers cheering you on.
💬 Which of these breakfasts have you tried? Got a favorite? Share with us in the comments or tag us on IG with your Ghanaian breakfast plate! #TourispotBreakfast