Ex-Pat Food

So I discussed at length what the average Ghanaian eats, but man cannot live on fufu alone and neither can we ex-pats. If we did, we’d probably get pretty squirrelly and go nuts. So here’s an idea of what we eat when we’re feeling homesick.

Assase Pa
Most of us Canadians here are vegetarians or (gasp!) vegans, so the fish-based Ghanaian cuisine doesn’t really gel with them. Besides, even if you ask a local cook if her food has meat in it, she’ll say no, just to please you. So we go (at least weekly, it seems) to this happening place on Ring Road near Circle that’s run by business-wise Rastafarians called Assase Pa. They’ve got it all: salads of every type, veggie burgers with yam balls, tofu kebabs and the most delicious soy ice cream you’ve ever tried. I personally recommend the “sogo slicks”, which are like having ribs without the guilt. The price is right and there’s a bar next door if you want to wash down your health-conscious meals with some liver-unconscious beer.

Pizza Inn
Near the main entrance of the campus is a Mobil station (run by Exxon-Mobil, the same climate change-deniers that brought you Esso) with associate restaurants, the most notable being Pizza Inn, which makes decent pizzas there if you ever get a hankering for one. “2 for 1 Terrific Tuesday” has quickly become an institution among the Canadian and American students here and we rarely miss the opportunity to get a large pizza for about $3.50 each.

Haveli’s
Tucked away from the main drag in Osu is an authentic Indian restaurant with great food and vibe. It’s a little on the pricier side, but it’s well worth it and pretty much everything on the menu is fantastic, except for the green stuff that gave Meghan food poisoning and made her go insane. But we still go there without her anyways.

Tip-Top
My favourite Chinese food restaurant is also in Osu, but it also has a great vibe and the prices are decent. For you Markhamites, this is the closest thing to Tangerine that I have (but no mango chicken!).

Champs
When you need nachos, beer, televised sports AND karaoke, you come on here, pilgrim.

Ryan's Irish Pub
While I haven't actually been here yet, apparently it looks just like an authentic Irish Pub. I've already booked my seat for St. Patty's Day.

Koala / Max Mart
If you want a homemade Western meal, you can always do as Jesus commanded and make it your damned self! Go to one of these fancy supermarkets (see: “Oasis in My Desert”) and get yourself some veggies, meat, overpriced breakfast cereals, freshly-made breads and pastries and whatever else you can think of. Hummus and pita are always a winning team.

There are many places in Accra to eat at (always check the Bradt guide) and many unexpected opportunities to get odd stuff like gummi bears or BBQ burgers (hello, Canadian High Commission!), but here's an idea of what we ex-pats go for when we get a hankerin' for some good eats.