Ghana
Ghana's coffee culture is a dynamic mix, increasingly influenced by modern trends in urban areas while still having a strong presence of instant coffee. Though Ghana is better known for its cocoa, it also produces Robusta coffee, and there's a growing interest in specialty coffee and local brands.
Here's a breakdown of how you can order coffee in Ghana and what's in them:
Instant Coffee (Most Common):
How to order: Often simply "coffee" or "Nescafe" (as Nescafe is a very popular brand). You might also hear "3-in-1 coffee" which refers to sachets containing instant coffee, sugar, and creamer.
What's in it: Powdered or granulated coffee dissolved in hot water. It's almost always served with sugar and milk (either powdered, evaporated, or condensed milk) on the side for you to add to your preference. It's a quick and ubiquitous option.
Espresso-based Drinks (in Cafes and Hotels):
In major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, the cafe scene is growing. You'll find modern coffee shops, sometimes with locally roasted Ghanaian beans (primarily Robusta, but increasingly refined for specialty use), that offer a full range of espresso drinks.
Espresso:
How to order: "Espresso" or "double espresso."
What's in it: A concentrated shot of coffee, made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. This is the base for many other drinks.
Americano:
How to order: "Americano" or "black coffee." You might specify "white Americano" if you want milk added.
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
Cappuccino:
How to order: "Cappuccino."
What's in it: Typically equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk.
Latte / Café au Lait:
How to order: "Latte" or "Café au Lait" (coffee with milk).
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. "Café au Lait" can also refer to brewed coffee with milk.
Mochaccino / Mocha:
How to order: "Mochaccino" or "Mocha."
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or powder), often topped with whipped cream.
Iced Coffee:
How to order: "Iced coffee."
What's in it: Typically brewed coffee or espresso poured over ice, often with milk and/or sugar or flavored syrups.
Other Specialty Drinks: As the cafe culture develops, you might find more niche drinks like Flat Whites, Cortados, or even locally inspired coffee beverages, depending on the establishment.
Filter Coffee / Brewed Coffee:
Some cafes and guesthouses might offer standard brewed coffee, distinct from instant coffee.
How to order: "Filter coffee" or "brewed coffee."
What's in it: Coffee prepared by pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter. This is less common than instant or espresso in everyday settings but available in certain cafes.
Locally Roasted Ghanaian Coffee:
With the rise of local brands like Jamestown Coffee Roasters, Gold Coast Roasters, Kawa Moka, and Asili Coffee, you can find coffee made from Ghanaian-grown Robusta beans.
How to order: You might ask for "local coffee" or specifically for coffee from one of these roasters if the cafe advertises it.
What's in it: The base will be Ghanaian Robusta beans, often roasted to medium-dark or dark to bring out their bold, earthy, and chocolatey notes. These can be prepared as espresso, filter coffee, or cold brew. Some producers are experimenting with Robusta-Arabica hybrids.
"Coffee with Ginger" or Spiced Coffee:
While not a formal "order" in every cafe, some local preferences involve adding spices.
How it's made/ordered: You might find this in smaller, more traditional spots, or you could request ginger to be added to your instant coffee.
What's in it: Coffee (often instant or brewed) infused with fresh ginger. This adds a warming, spicy kick, a common practice in West African culinary traditions.
Key Considerations in Ghana:
Sweetness: Ghanaians generally prefer their coffee sweet, so expect sugar to be offered liberally, or for drinks to be pre-sweetened in some casual settings.
Milk: Condensed milk and powdered milk are very popular for adding to coffee.
Local Taste: Ghanaian coffee (Robusta) tends to be bolder and more full-bodied than the typically milder Arabica coffees found in East Africa.
"Milo" and "Ovaltine": While not coffee, it's worth noting that hot chocolate drinks like Milo and Ovaltine are also incredibly popular hot beverages, especially for breakfast. Don't be surprised if these are common alternatives.
When ordering coffee in Ghana, especially outside of a dedicated Western-style cafe, specifying "instant" or "espresso" will help clarify your preference. If you're looking for an authentic local experience, try a drink from a Ghanaian roaster or see if any local spots offer coffee with ginger.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.