Welcome to Duduhgu
Where Tradition Meets Taste
Our Story
Duduhgu is more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary and cultural hub dedicated to promoting the flavors, techniques, and stories of Northern Ghana. From its inception, Duduhgu has focused on using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods to create dishes that reflect the region’s rich history and biodiversity. Amina’s vision was to bring back forgotten indigenous foods, improve nutrition, and support the local economy by connecting the past with the present. Each dish served at Duduhgu is a testament to the generations of knowledge passed down through families and communities.
Since opening its doors, Duduhgu has become a beacon for those seeking an authentic taste of Northern Ghana. Through its menu, cooking classes, and community engagement initiatives, Duduhgu not only offers exceptional meals but also educates and empowers others to appreciate and preserve the culinary traditions of the region. Amina’s passion and dedication have made Duduhgu a beloved institution, where every meal is a journey into the heart of Dagbani culture.
Meet Amina Pagnaa
Awudu Amina Paɣnaa, born and raised in Mmanaayili, Tamale, Northern Ghana, spent her early years immersed in the rich cultural traditions of her homeland. She grew up in a traditional homestead with her maternal grandmother, Tibuŋ Paɣa, whose influence was profound. Amina’s childhood was filled with hands-on experiences in crafting traditional soap (Awabila) from kapok pods and shea butter, making “Kantong” from kapok seeds, and spinning yarn from cotton balls. Her grandmother, a respected traditional midwife, also produced cherished local condiments like “kpalgu” (dawadawa), instilling in Amina a deep appreciation for indigenous knowledge and the value of community service.
Living in a large thatched-roof house with her extended family, Amina was surrounded by entrepreneurial women who processed and sold local delicacies such as parboiled rice, wasawasa, and dagomba kenkey. Her uncle, a commercial pepper farmer and kapok cotton processor, taught her the importance of hard work and connection to the land. These experiences shaped Amina’s identity and laid the foundation for her lifelong passion for preserving and celebrating the culinary heritage of Northern Ghana.
Amina’s traditional upbringing became even more significant when, as a teenager, she moved to Accra to live with an aunt married to a Black American. The stark cultural and culinary differences made her long for the familiar tastes and traditions of home. This deep yearning for her roots ultimately inspired Amina to establish Duduhgu, a place where the rich culinary traditions of her childhood could be revived and shared with the world. Through Duduhgu, Amina honors her grandmother’s legacy and ensures that the cultural heritage of Northern Ghana continues to thrive.