Bofrot: Ghana’s Golden Fried Snack Loved at Breakfast and Beyond

Bofrot remains one of Ghana’s most recognisable street foods, offering a soft, fluffy centre wrapped in a golden, lightly crisp exterior.

The small, round pieces of fried dough are commonly enjoyed as a quick snack, sometimes served with peanuts. For many people, however, bofrot is especially satisfying at breakfast when it is freshly prepared and eaten with a bowl of koko.

The snack is made from a thick, sweet batter containing flour, yeast, sugar, butter, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. After the ingredients are combined, the batter is left to rise until it expands and develops visible bubbles.

Small portions are then carefully dropped into hot oil and fried until they develop an even golden-brown colour.

Recipes may differ from one cook to another. Some versions include eggs and milk, while others are finished with a light coating of powdered sugar.

Similar fried snacks can be found across West Africa under different names. In Nigeria, a closely related version is widely known as puff-puff.

Although bofrot can be prepared at home, the rising and frying process requires time and can create considerable mess in the kitchen. This has helped experienced street vendors remain the preferred choice for many Ghanaians seeking freshly fried portions.

Whether eaten during breakfast, enjoyed with peanuts or purchased as a snack during the day, bofrot continues to hold a familiar place in Ghana’s street-food culture.