Getting your hands on real Ghanaian food in NYC is a joy for Ghanaians far from home or food lovers exploring new tastes. The Bronx and parts of Brooklyn are focal points, but you can find gems elsewhere too.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots, the must-try dishes like Waakye, Banku, Kenkey, Fufu, and where to go for food that feels like home.
Why Ghanaian Food is a Must-Try in NYC
Ghanaian cuisine combines hearty stews, bold spices, fermented flavors, and grains that are deeply satisfying. Dishes like Waakye (rice and beans), Banku (fermented corn and cassava dough) with soup, Jollof Rice, Kenkey, and Fufu with soups are staples. The variety is rich enough to satisfy both people missing the taste of home and adventurous eaters seeking new flavor.
Over recent years, the demand for authentic Ghanaian spots in NYC has grown, showing up in community reviews, food blogs, Yelp, and Google Maps. These restaurants are more than just eating out; they are cultural hubs.
Top 5 Ghanaian Restaurants in New York City for Authentic Flavors
1. Papaye Restaurant, Bronx
Papaye is a Bronx institution for West African flavors. Their two Bronx locations—196 McClellan Street and 2300 Grand Concourse—are open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Walking in, you’ll likely see a no-frills counter service setup with a pictorial menu to help diners choose dishes. It’s small but warm, and because it’s popular in the community, expect lines during lunch and dinner hours.
The menu is full of Ghanaian staples. You’ll find Waakye (rice and beans served with fish, beef stew, garri, spaghetti, and shito sauce), Banku with fish or okro soup, Jollof Rice, Fufu with Light Soup, fried yams, grilled tilapia, and more.
The prices are moderate to affordable for what you get. Some reviews say the meals feel like getting a piece of home in NYC.
Because of its popularity and compact space, dine-in can be crowded. Many patrons opt for takeout or delivery (Papaye is on Grubhub). The ambiance is casual—the focus is on the food and community, not fancy decor.
It helps to go early or off-peak if you want to avoid the wait and get the best experience.
2. Accra Restaurant, Bronx / NYC Region
Accra is a staple among Ghanaian and West African food lovers. It sits at 2041 Davidson Avenue in the Bronx and serves daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Walking into Accra, expect a cafeteria-style layout with a long counter and trays of stews, soups, and sides. There’s no glamorous interior as the energy is in the food and the community. Patrons serve themselves by pointing to the trays or asking the servers what’s available.
The menu includes Ghanaian classics like Waakye (rice and beans served with fried fish or chicken stew), Jollof Rice, Fufu with soup, Palm Nut Soup, Egusi, Okra Stew, and Banku. Their Jollof Rice dish is highlighted and often reviewed, and customers note they can substitute fish or chicken.
Customers speak highly of generous portions. One review noted: “With the rice dishes, I have always left with enough food for three servings … large easily can feed four.” Many reviews mention the flavor consistency, though some caution that the food could be fresher at times.
The restaurant often gets busy, so lines during lunch or dinner are common.
A few things to note:
- The pricing is affordable to moderate, matching what you’d expect of local community eateries.
- Seating is casual; some reviews indicate scuffles with long waits or limited space.
- The “no menu board” setup means many patrons rely on staff to explain dish names.
If you go, try their Waakye and Okra Stew with Fufu, Jollof Rice with meat, and Egusi Soup. Also look out for Banku if it’s available that day.
3. Akwaaba Restaurant & Lounge, Brooklyn
Akwaaba is a hidden gem in Brooklyn, known for its homey flavors and warm service. It’s located at 604 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226.
Inside, the atmosphere leans small and intimate. Some reviewers say it feels more like a takeout spot with limited seating. The owners are praised for their hospitality, making the place feel like visiting family.
Their menu is rich in Ghanaian fare. Popular items include Jollof Rice with Stew, Banku and Tilapia, Banku with Fish and Pepper, Banku Okra Stew, Fried Yam, Fufu and Okra Soup with Goat, and more. One menu listing shows Banku and Tilapia priced at $24.95 and Jollof Rice with Stew at $18.95.
Reviews say their Fufu with Okra Soup and Jollof Rice with Goat Meat are standout dishes. Some reviews mention that Akwaaba is cash only. Also, due to limited space, take-out is often more comfortable than dining in.
When you visit, try their Fufu and Okra Soup with Goat, Jollof Rice with Stew, Banku and Tilapia, and Banku Okra Stew. Because they emphasize authenticity, your taste buds will get a true Ghanaian flavor experience.
4. Nana’s African Restaurant, Bronx
Nana’s is located at 3650 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10467.
Their menu highlights include authentic African dishes across West Africa, with a clear Ghanaian bias. You’ll see stews, grilled meats, fresh fish, and traditional sides. Their grilled tilapia, stewed goat, spicy soups, and fufu are often praised.
5. Asante’s Restaurant (Teaneck, NJ — near NYC area)
Asante’s positions itself as African-Ghanaian cuisine, serving homestyle dishes like Waakye, Banku, Fufu, stews, grilled fish, and more. It’s located at 1280 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ, and offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Many diners describe the decor as modern with Ghanaian art on the walls, combining ambiance with authenticity. The menu is expansive and includes Ghanaian and wider African staples, plus seafood, grilled items, soups, and sides.
Must-Try Ghanaian Dishes in NYC Restaurants
- Waakye: rice and beans often served with fish, shito sauce, spaghetti, or meat.
- Banku and Tilapia or Banku and Okra Soup: fermented corn/cassava dough with rich soups.
- Kenkey with Fried Fish or Stew.
- Fufu with Light Soup, Peanut Butter Soup, or Okra Soup.
- Jollof Rice with Fried Fish, Goat, or Chicken Stew.
Tips for Enjoying Ghanaian Food in NYC
- Go during non-peak hours to avoid long waits.
- Many restaurants are takeout friendly and have limited seating.
- Ask staff about spice levels if you are sensitive. Some dishes are very spicy.
- Bring cash just in case the spot does not accept cards.
- Share dishes when dining in so you can try more flavors without ordering full plates of everything.
Final Thoughts on Ghanaian Food in New York City
NYC has wonderful choices for Ghanaian food. Whether you go for family-style plates, takeout dinners, or late-night cravings, these restaurants let you taste authentic Ghanaian food. Try them, explore different dishes, and enjoy a taste of home.
Beyond the food, these restaurants serve as cultural touchpoints where the Ghanaian community connects and celebrates identity. For anyone curious about Ghana’s culinary traditions, or Ghanaians seeking comfort and belonging in a busy city, these spots provide both nourishment and a sense of home.
