Mutterings of the word "poor" and "rich" naturally create an image of insalubriousness versus opulence. As far as food is concerned, these days, that image is a non-starter. This is why this image is so poignant.I'm not looking at those bananas so much as what is in front of them. They are plantains--mostly ripe/yellow plantains.
Some of us like to call it "Kofi broke-man". Kofi is a typical Ghanaian name--pretty much like "John Doe", or "John Smith".
As for "broke-man", it's sufficiently self-explanatory--meaning "a man who is broke".
That title is ascribed to someone who doesn't have much money--so they buy this food, because it's cheap. With just one ghana cedi, you can buy some fingers plus granuts, and feel full like you've had a big meal!
Before you go, just quietly contrast this picture against that 4X4/SUV parked to the left of the picture. The guy in the car is quietly waiting to buy some kofi broke-man.
Wanna join the queue?;-D
6 comments:
Yeah I do! I remember nothing like some plantain chips and a fan ice on the tro ride home!
The irony here though is that rich folk pay a lot more for plantains than they do bananas. They're considered a more valuable commodity.
The same goes with offal. It used to be a poor man's meal because they couldn't afford to eat the choice cuts, now tripe, kidney and brains sell at higher prices than steaks!
It's mad.
There is nothing wrong with ripe plantains--they are nutritious and delicious---about £1 for 4 or 5 fingers here in Archway, North London.
Always interesting for me to read your posts.
Bye
Is this the equivalent of going through a McDonald’s drive-through with a Porsche?
You're sharp in spotting a paradox - I've realised in many of your posts. Great one here.
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