Accra
“The black-eyed pie fritters were a big draw – they are apparently called akla or koosé – in Ghana.”
“An honest 10/10 food experience.”
Accra
Take-out: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
3 reviews
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When reviewing restaurants of cuisines that are beyond the 'mainstream diet' of residents of even our country's most cosmopolitan of cities, it can be easy to let the establishment serve as a proxy for the culinary merit of the country as a whole. That's problematic, because a restaurant serving the traditional, or even modern takes on a particular regions, shouldn't be held to account for the entire agricultural and societal development that has evolved over hundreds or even thousands of years.
That's why I'm happy to have trekked up to the South Bronx recently with ten friends to try not one but three different Ghanaian restaurants. This wasn't my first time with the cuisine, I'd had it three times before, and certainly some of the elements that were present are available in other West African and Caribbean traditions. But for everyone else, this was their first exposure to the food of Ghana.
By the time we arrived at Accra, multiple members of the food tour were pulling me aside to let me know that we "shouldn't order too much food here." The fried fare of Papaye, along with the BYOB Guinness had tired the crew out. I sent everyone back to the dining room, with its black lights and tropical hand painted murals, while I waited in a very line at the buffet/steam table.
The black-eyed pie fritters were a big draw – they are apparently called akla or koosé – in Ghana. They were not very heavy, but had a great hearty flavor. We also got a plate of noodles, which didn't have much flavor either way.
As a capper to the entire day of Ghanaian food, we got a desert of couscous pudding, which contained balls of tapioca and in a thin dairy broth. This wasn't sweet and was possibly the single best thing we had all day. A couple of brave souls also had a very, very spicy ginger beer – the total opposite of the pudding.
Throughout our time at the restaurant, a man at the next table would occasionally come lean over at various intervals with questions and opinions.
"Why are you guys here? Is this a school trip?' We explained that we were a few years out of college, and this was just a few friends here for fun.
"I think it's amazing that you are here." This was nice. And then best of all, "I've been here for four years, and I think this is most beautiful thing I have ever seen. A white man with a black woman, all here having food from Ghana. This is amazing. I love this country."
The person he was referring to was neither my girlfriend or black, but no matter. At the end of a long and filling day in the Bronx, he got the sentiment exactly right. We do live in a great country, where in just the course of an afternoon it's possible to fully immerse yourself in the cuisine and culture of a faraway place, and meet people who are excited and pleased that you're here.
A Ghanaian friend brought me and some friends here, we were a group of 5. This place is no fuss – simply choose from the dishes they have at the counter, pair with either rice or fufu and that's it. We ordered so much to try. Here's what I have to say:
– Ghanaian spicy is spicy! And I can handle my chilli…
– eat fufu with your hands because it gives you a good indication of the texture + tastes better
– the rice was yummy, especially with the soups
-expect a hearty meal that leaves you full after
– tasty eating, food experience for all who haven't ever tried Ghanaian – including us
– no alcohol sold on premise but the convenient store across the road sells beer
Ash
I followed my co worker to this place and just copied her exact order. They give very generous portions, this is a two meal portion.
I got the stewed chicken with rice and beans (waakye), spaghetti noodles and the powder (gari). My favorite thing is the fish based spicy hot sauce. It has so much flavor and just the perfect amount of heat.
I think it's hard to order if you aren't familiar with the food. If i just walked in off the street, I would probably be so lost.
The only thing that I would be wary of is the cleaniness of the restaurant. Its one of those places where you just don't want to know what goes on in the back because the food is so good. So I will continue to enjoy the food in my ignorant bliss.