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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

African Proverb About Winning Through Adversity

Proverbs Teach

African proverbs teach us about tough life lessons and when seeds of hardship are planted, the new growth is healthier and more plentiful. African proverbs explain the more challenging the hard times, the more valuable will be the lessons.

Lonely Island

African Proverb About Winning Through Adversity

Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture

African Proverbs

If you make friends with the boatman in the dry season, you will be the first to cross when the rains come and the tide is high – African Proverb

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors – African Proverb

Once water has been spilled, it cannot be scooped back up - African Proverb

African proverbs explain the more challenging the hard times, the more valuable will be the lessons.

Smooth Seas Do Not Make Skillful Sailors, learn the lessons your ancestors are communicating with you and take to heart the African Proverbs about winning through adversity.

More African proverbs to learn from

The tree does not fall at the first stroke.

He is rich enough who owes nothing.

The fool who is silent passes for wise.

The only way to keep a secret is to say nothing.

Scratch people where they itch.

None so busy as those who do nothing.

The sheep on the mountain is higher than the bull on the plain.

Bad watch often feeds the wolf.

The tree does not fall at the first stroke. African Proverb


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How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

Join The African Gourmet Newsletter

Join our African Gourmet Newsletter to get new folktales, recipes, and history every month.

Includes a light snack idea every month 🍊

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African Studies
African Culture and traditions