A thought-provoking signboard boldly declaring “Tubani is not beans cake” is currently causing a stir on social media, igniting conversations about the importance of preserving African food identities.
The blackboard, which appears to be displayed at a local food market, goes beyond just one dish. It reads:
“Wasawasa is not yam couscous or black jollof.”
“Describing a food is different from renaming it.”
“No one calls pizza ‘flatbread with toppings.’”
“Shawarma and pizza crossed borders yet kept their original names. Whose acceptance are we craving?”
The message is being widely shared, with many Ghanaians and Africans applauding the reminder to respect and maintain the original names of traditional dishes. Foods like Tubani and Wasawasa carry rich cultural histories and meanings that go beyond foreign translations.
Social media users have pointed out that while international dishes like Pizza and Shawarma are embraced globally without name changes, many African foods are often renamed or simplified for foreign understanding, a practice that slowly erodes cultural authenticity.
The viral signboard has now become a rallying point for food identity advocates who argue that African cuisines deserve the same respect and global recognition as their foreign counterparts.
The conversation continues to grow, with many suggesting that cultural preservation starts with something as simple as calling food by its real name.
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah.
