Ghana’s rich culinary culture isn’t just about lunch and dinner—its breakfast game is just as vibrant!
From hearty street food to comforting homemade dishes, here are the top traditional Ghanaian breakfasts that fuel mornings across the country.
1. Hausa koko & koose
This fiery millet porridge, cooked with ginger and pepper, is a Northern Ghana staple best paired with koose (deep-fried bean cakes). Sold by street vendors as early as 4 AM, it’s the go-to breakfast for drivers, market women, and nightshift workers. Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of groundnuts for extra crunch!
2. Waakye
Yes, waakye (rice and beans cooked in sorghum leaves) isn’t just for lunch! Served with gari, spaghetti, boiled eggs, and spicy shito sauce, this dish keeps you full for hours. Popular in Accra, early-morning waakye spots like Auntie Muni’s attract long queues before sunrise.
3. Tom Brown
A creamy blend of roasted corn, groundnuts, and sometimes soya beans, Tom Brown is Ghana’s answer to oatmeal. Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s often sweetened with milk and sugar—a warm, comforting way to start the day.
4. Boiled Yam & kontomire stew
In rural areas, boiled yam with kontomire stew (cocoyam leaves cooked with palm oil, fish, and spices) is a breakfast powerhouse. It’s simple, filling, and packed with vitamins—perfect for a long day of work.
5. Rice water (rice porridge)
A gentler alternative to Hausa Koko, rice water is a smooth, lightly spiced porridge made from boiled rice. Often served with bread or bofrot (Ghanaian doughnuts), it’s a favorite for those who prefer a mild but satisfying breakfast.
6. Kenkey & fried fish
In fishing communities like Jamestown, breakfast means kenkey (fermented corn dough) with crispy fried fish and hot pepper. The tangy, spicy combo is a bold way to jumpstart your day—just be ready for the strong flavors!
7. Choco milo & bread
For busy city dwellers, dipping tea bread or butter bread into a hot cup of Choco Milo (a chocolate malt drink) is the ultimate quick breakfast. Simple, sweet, and nostalgic—many Ghanaians grew up on this combo.
Bous: street food edition
- Bofrot (Puff Puff) & koko – Soft, sugary doughnuts with millet porridge.
- Oblayo (bean Cake) & pap – A protein-packed Northern combo.
- Roasted plantain & groundnuts – Sweet, smoky, and portable.
Why Ghanaian breakfasts win
Unlike Western cereal or toast, Ghanaian morning meals are filling, flavorful, and often packed with natural energy—perfect for a tropical climate where hustle starts early.
Whether you’re team Hausa Koko or team Waakye, one thing’s certain: Ghana does breakfast like no other!
