Aboabo, a suburb in the heart of Kumasi is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and enthralling neighbourhoods one can reside in. Privileged to have been raised in one of the most culturally diverse vicinities in Ghana, Kamal (my twin brother) and I lived with an array of socio-cultural values and activities portrayed and practised respectively within as many varied groups as possible.
Despite the dangers rapid urbanization continue to pose to pristine nature of cultures, one element that has stood the test of time has been how firm ethnic groups within my locality have impressively held on to their traditional foods. Living in a community like this, how can you not have variety? Obviously, there always are variety of choices to make as far as mouth-watering delicacies are concerned.
You may be thinking through the kind of variety being talked about. Don’t worry. Now, come let’s take a walk through the streets of Aboabo as we explore a handful of these appetizing delicacies enjoyed by persons in and around this neighbourhood.
Normally waking up every morning to enjoy the-ever-present ‘Kooko‘ with ‘Maasa‘, or ‘Koose‘, a typical middle-aged resident rather threads down the dusty road to fill his/her belly with Sister Saah’s tantalizing ‘Waakye‘ with a garnish of chopped raw onions, salad and tomatoes with ‘kwakuma‘ [wele], egg or fish.
At noon, Sister Ayi’s special food-joint seemingly becomes the headquarters of ‘Kenkey‘ in Kumasi. Her astonishing array of compliments like okra stew, beans stew, cabbage stew, ‘kontomre’ stew with all kinds of edible fishes gives residents no better option. Mmmmm!
Though my personal favourite is ‘Kwaaluru‘ – which is served with a touch of hot ground pepper and oil poured over it, Mma Meimuna’s presence along the railway line quickly brings back thoughts of the appetizing dark-coloured ‘Wasaawasa‘ prepared with yam peels and served with a garnish of ‘Taalia’, salad, and ‘Kwakuma’ [wele].
From the maize-made ‘Yaroyaro‘ to the beans-made ‘Tubaani‘ spotted right in front of Gizo’s electrical appliance repair shop, you can be assured that either of these foods will easily take you through the evening even if it was taken as breakfast.
Antie Ama’s ‘Et)‘ – prepared with riped plantain, as well as Mma Asibi’s yam-made ‘P3t3p3t3‘ with spicy crab are specifically the children’s favourite. Not forgetting the variety of porridge abundant in the afternoons, ‘Kooko-n-Baga‘ and the green coloured ‘Kunu-n-Koko‘ with ‘Koose Paano’ or ‘Pinkaso‘ are fantabulous meals you can easily afford.
Hajia Diehuo’s almighty “Tuo Zaafi“, Asibi’s gari-made “Akyeke” with fish/egg and Mma Awo’s “Kwaaley” (which is prepared with brown rice) are delicacies you surely have to taste in a lifetime.
Dusk falls with the ever-reminding thought of ambling towards the Sheikh Taufiq mosque to enjoy Hajia Siirina’s chilled ‘Fura‘ and ‘Burkina‘ which gently submerges broken groundnuts poured into it. Abooki Labaran is definitely not left out as he smokes his ‘Balango‘ few meters from the Aboabo Post Office branch of the Prudential Bank at night – which is mostly purchased by the middle-aged and old folks.
Though the names of foods mentioned above might not sound pleasant to your ear, you have the least of an idea how sumptuous these foods are until you become cognizant of the irony of these names and their taste after enjoying any at last.
Friend, as we’ve been able to explore a handful of varied delicacies, let’s pass by Sister Kande’s joint and get some ‘Siir)‘ [Sobolo] and ‘Bia‘ to get ourselves refreshed.
Peace!
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I admire you’re writing k3k3! 😀👍🏽