Accra Food Festival 2016

Accra Food Festival 2016 – Highlights

A Facebook ad popped up a few months ago notifying me about a food festival that was going to happen in Accra. The food blogger in me got excited and I clicked to find out more information. After a short supposedly convincing conversation with my mum, we decided to book our tickets in preparation for this lovely weekend in September.

My mum had visited Accra previously and I hadn’t so I had a blank canvas to paint my impressions of Accra. She decided to brief me about the city and it’s nuances and what to expect. I have to say, her description did not do Accra justice at all. Either I have been in chaotic Lagos too long or Accra decided to be peaceful this weekend. From immigration to the streets of Accra, things seemed a bit more organized than I expected.

I still saw hawkers and experienced the usual traffic as compared to Lagos but there was something a little more peaceful about my transit from the airport to the house I was staying in. It was not as noisy, cars were not honking as much, the malls were not as rowdy, majority of the people were polite. Something about the ambience of the city felt different. Our first night was spent at Phillipos Tilapia thanks to our lovely host, Mrs Funmi. We had some delicious Banku and Peppered Tilapia. We hear that Phillipos Tilapia is quite popular in the city so whenever you are in Accra, be sure to visit. 

Day 2 came along and my mum and I got dressed, sun-screen protected and hopped in our ride to the Accra Food Festival at the Accra Polo Club. Chale! that sun was from another world. We quickly ducked under the nearest shade and bought some moringa iced tea (peppermint flavor) from the Minga foods crew. I have to say that was super refreshing. We ventured into the rest of the festival when the sun gave us a little break. We saw vendors carrying distinct chopping boards, kitchen appliances, skin care products etc.

Foodie products that stood out at the Accra Food Festival

Love Pops Ghana

This business is run by a 10-year old boy who decided to make ice-pops for his siblings birthday party and has now started an ice-pop business. He was also kind to set aside some of the proceeds of his sale at the food fair to give to charity.

Urban Box Ghana

This is a home delivery service that supplies fresh foods and produce right to your doorstep. Their packaging was also out of this world. I mean whattttt Plantain chips looking sexy and what not. They also had free bissap juice samples and sausages. So yummy!

The Royal Senchi

The Royal Senchi came throughhhhh ah ah!!! Food flowing left, right and center. Kebabs, Yam balls, coconut candy, drinks, all free at their station. It was cosy and top notch at the event. I found myself going to rest at their spot in between my roamings. They were offering a discount to people that were interested in staying at their lodge. Their customer service was great paaaaa! I think i’m officially Ghanian at this point.

The Sweet Art Co

This very vibrant lady is killing the chocolate game in Accra. Talk about sexy packaging. Godiva watch out! Catch the cruise of it, she makes these chocolates from her garage. I think it took me a while to pick up my dropped jaw from the floor when she told me. Her chocolates are called Moments premium chocolate and they are well worth the spend. 

Midunu

I have never had anyone serve me brownies and I pause to stir at them in disbelief of the greatness of what just exploded in my mouth. This lovely lady Chef Selassie did that. She just stuck a toothpick in a brownie and offered it to me and I was legitimately stunned. I need to go learn how to make those at her lovely restaurant. She is certainly killing the game out in Accra and you should check out the restaurant. 

I got to hang and interview people with my lovely sister Mukase Chic who also owns a restaurant out in Accra and is one of the top food bloggers in Ghana. We had just met for the first time but it felt like I had known her forever. 

All in all I left the festival feeling satisfied with my tummy but also the experience. It definitely left a good taste in my mouth and I would be looking forward to possible collaborations with Ghana and Nigeria and even possibly representing Nigeria with products at the next food festival. Where you at the Accra Food Festival? Which stand was your favorite?