DCS Culinary Expo 2026: Ghana's chefs to showcase molecular gastronomy and Afrofusion cuisine

Ghana's culinary ambitions will be on full display on Saturday, 29 August 2026, when the Dainess Chef School (DCS) hosts its third annual Culinary Expo at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra. The event, themed 'Culinary Innovations: A Ghanaian Perspective', marks a strategic shift in how the country presents its food heritage to the world—moving beyond traditional recipes to teach chefs and entrepreneurs the advanced technical skills used in international fine dining.

Running from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the expo is free to attend, though demonstrations carry a fee of GH¢50 per session or GH¢150 for access to all seven. The event will draw chefs, hospitality professionals, food entrepreneurs, students and culinary enthusiasts keen to learn how traditional Ghanaian ingredients can be transformed using contemporary methods inspired by global culinary standards.

Elevating Ghanaian cuisine to international standards

A key feature of this year's expo is its focus on practical culinary techniques rather than fixed recipes. Pamela Sarkodee, principal of Dainess Chef School, explained the philosophy: teaching transferable skills allows chefs to apply advanced methods across a wide range of dishes, rather than memorising single recipes. This approach recognises that attendees are primarily industry professionals seeking tools they can immediately implement in their kitchens and restaurants.

Demonstrations will introduce participants to molecular gastronomy methods including spherification (creating caviar from liquids), gelification (producing gel sheets from starch-rich ingredients like plantain), edible glass-making and oil extraction. These techniques—common in Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide—will be applied to indigenous Ghanaian ingredients such as kontomire, plantain, beans and herbs, showcasing how local flavours can meet international culinary standards without losing authenticity.

A highlight will be a reimagined version of gobɛ (beans and plantain), Ghana's beloved comfort food, presented with refined plating using gelified plantain sheets. Such demonstrations aim to challenge stereotypes about what Ghanaian cuisine can be, positioning local dishes alongside the world's most sophisticated gastronomic traditions.

Why it matters for Ghana

The expo carries significant implications for Ghana's tourism and hospitality sectors. Food tourism has become a lucrative niche globally, with travellers increasingly drawn to destinations offering authentic, high-quality culinary experiences. Ghana, despite its rich food heritage, has not fully capitalised on this opportunity. By training chefs and entrepreneurs to present Ghanaian cuisine at international standards, the country can differentiate itself in the competitive tourism market.

The Ghana Tourism Authority has officially endorsed the expo, recognising that culinary innovation strengthens the tourism value chain, creates employment, and positions Ghana as a preferred destination. Celebrity chef and content creator Chef Abby will share her journey from social media to food tourism, illustrating the commercial potential of Ghana's food story beyond jollof rice.

Discussions on sustainable food systems and food tourism will also feature, addressing broader questions about how Ghana's culinary sector can grow responsibly whilst supporting local farmers and preserving cultural food traditions.

Partnerships and practical details

The expo is organised by DCS in partnership with the Chefs Association of Ghana, Food and Drugs Authority, Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Food Movement, Marriott Hotel, Café Bar Noir and White Restaurant. These organisations will contribute demonstrations and presentations, offering participants insights into industry standards and emerging trends.

Interested participants can register online at dainesschefschool.com/ticket. Certificates of participation will be issued to all attendees. For enquiries, contact 0550670769, 0205470456 or info@dainesschefschool.com.