The hunt for fufu in Abidjan

A major concern for many Ghanaians travelling to Ivory Coast for the 2023 African Cup of Nations(AFCON), is whether their stomachs will accommodate Ivorian food for the period.

Especially for the lovers of Fufu(one of Ghana’s most consumed dishes), it would be a herculean task staying for over a week in Ivory Coast without their favourite delicacy.

Unknown to them however, is the abundance of Fufu in Ivory Coast in its richness and ‘glory.’

A team of about 20 Ghanaian supporters in Abidjan, following a hint from the locals on Saturday afternoon, stormed the city in search of Fufu after seven days of sampling Ivorian and other continental dishes.

After just five minutes drive from Abidjan’s business district Plateau to neighbouring Treichville, they located the hideout which surprisingly had a lineup of Fufu with its accompaniments, the typical Ghanaian style.

About five fufu joints were located on one lane with the team settling on Madam Afia Blanche’s joint which served fufu with hot lightsoup and several proteins.

The proteins included, goat, cow meat, chicken, bush meat(Akrantie), tripe, assorted fishes such as tuna, markerel and herrings with crabs also in the mix.

One after the other, they made their orders, got served accordingly in an earthenware bowl(Asanka) and heartily devoured the steaming hot soup with fufu.

It was a typical Ghanaian fufu made of cassava and plantain with very spicy and flavourful lightsoup.

A moment of joy at last as they enjoyed every bite and swallow amidst praising Madam Afia and her staff for an amazing job.

With the promise to return to the venue before heading back to Ghana on Tuesday, the team after a couple of hours, returned to their base satisfied and prepared to take a good rest.

Over 150 supporters sponsored by MTN are in Abidjan to cheer the senior national team,the Black Stars at the ongoing AFCON.

From Michael D. Abayateye, Abidjan