Ghanaian Christmas Foods
With a majority-Christian population, Christmas is one of Ghana's biggest holidays, falling in the dry harmattan season. It is a roughly two-week season of church (midnight Mass and carols), shared pots eaten by hand, and continuous neighbour-visiting buffet-style — so much food that there is a word, 'obolo,' for the weight people gain. Father Christmas even has a local name: Papa Bronya. At the centre of nearly every table sits jollof rice and chicken. This guide covers the festive spread and links to recipes so you can cook a Ghanaian Christmas at home.
The Festive Table
The centrepieces and staple plates that fill a Ghanaian Christmas spread:
- Festive Jollof & Chicken — The non-negotiable centrepiece, often served domed ('volcano'-shaped) and brightly garnished.
- Fried Rice & Chicken (with Salad) — The other festive favourite, served with a fresh salad.
- Fufu & Light Soup — With chicken, goat or mutton — the Sunday-style Christmas lunch.
- Roasted Guinea Fowl — A spectacular centrepiece, seasoned with rosemary, thyme and garlic, served over jollof or waakye with pan gravy. (No recipe page yet — owner to add (and add to the master list).)
- Kokonte & Groundnut Soup — A traditional fufu alternative, paired with rich groundnut soup.
- Banku & Okro Soup — A staple plate that rounds out the spread.
- Waakye — Rice and beans, a festive crowd-feeder.
- Assorted Meats & Khebab — Grilled and stewed chicken, goat, lamb, beef and pork.
- Meat Pies & Small Chops — Savoury appetisers handed round to visiting guests. (No recipe page yet — owner to add.)
- Kelewele — Spicy fried plantain, a festive snack and side.
Sweets & Drinks
The treats and the signature blood-red drink of the dry season:
- Festive Desserts — Fruitcake, biscuits and cookies, chin chin and cakes. (No recipe page yet — owner to add (chin chin, fruitcake).)
- Sobolo — The signature blood-red hibiscus Christmas drink of the dry season.
Frequently asked questions
What do Ghanaians eat at Christmas?
Jollof rice and chicken above all, plus fried rice, fufu with light soup, assorted meats, and sweets like chin chin and fruitcake.
What is the main Ghanaian Christmas dish?
Jollof rice with chicken — no festive table is considered complete without it.
What do Ghanaians drink at Christmas?
Sobolo (hibiscus) is the seasonal favourite; wine and champagne appear on urban tables.
Who is Papa Bronya?
Ghana's Father Christmas, dressed for the warm harmattan weather.