A potluck is more than just a meeting. It’s a way to build community, share cultures, and connect with others through food. At Language Café Accra, our gatherings are about language exchange, friendship, and the joy of discovering both familiar and new flavours.
This Sunday, we’re hosting our potluck, and many people are wondering: what should I bring? The beauty of a potluck is that everyone contributes a little something, and together it turns into a big table filled with variety. Here are some ideas and inspiration to help you decide.
Think shareable and simple
The best potluck dishes are easy to share and don’t require complicated preparation on the spot. Finger foods are always a winner: think spring rolls, samosas or small sandwiches that can be picked up and eaten without fuss. If you enjoy cooking, a tray of baked pasta, a bowl of fried rice, or a pot of Ghanaian jollof will never go to waste. Even simple sides, like a pasta salad or roasted vegetables, add colour and variety to the table.
Add a taste of home
One of the special parts of Language Café potlucks is the chance to bring a little piece of your own background. If you’re from outside Ghana, consider preparing a dish from your home country. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Even something as simple as Dutch pancakes, American brownies, or a Moroccan couscous salad can spark conversation and cultural exchange. Food becomes a language on its own, and people love to hear the story behind what you’ve brought.
Don’t forget vegetarians and vegans
With a diverse group, it’s thoughtful to include options for different diets. Fresh fruit platters, hummus with pita bread, vegetable stews, or plantain chips are easy additions that everyone can enjoy. If your dish is vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, it’s helpful to make a small label so people know right away.
Sweet treats are always welcome
No potluck is complete without something sweet at the end. You might bring cupcakes, doughnuts, or even a big bowl of cut pineapple and watermelon. Desserts don’t need to be complicated. Simple homemade cookies or a store-bought cake still bring smiles.
Drinks to share
Food is important, but drinks bring freshness to the gathering. Bissap (sobolo), fresh juice, lemonade, or soda are easy to bring and much appreciated in Accra’s warm afternoons. Sparkling water or flavoured water is also a nice option. If you’d like, a bottle of wine can add to the celebration, but non-alcoholic options are always safe and inclusive.
Final tips
Remember, the goal is not to impress but to contribute and enjoy. Choose something you feel comfortable bringing, and if cooking isn’t your thing, snacks from the store are perfectly fine too. The magic of a potluck is how everyone’s small effort adds up to a rich, shared feast.
So come hungry, come curious, and bring along a dish or drink that makes you happy. We can’t wait to see and taste what you’ll add to the table this Sunday!
