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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.

Learned Your Lesson African Proverbs

The African culture expresses lessons learned through wisdom in Proverbs. This is why African proverbs express the timeless wisdom of African people.

"He who is courteous is not a fool." The African culture expresses wisdom in an interesting way through proverbs.
African woman, the skin I'm in photo 


African proverbs are common to all languages; proverbs are the daughters of daily experience.

Learned Your Lesson African Proverbs

A person who does not bathe must know it of himself that he is dirty - Nigerian proverb

A person who wants you out of their home will not tell you, Get out- Swahili proverb

He who conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured- Ethiopian proverb

He who is courteous is not a fool- Nigerian proverb

Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone - Liberian proverb

Everything that flies is not good to eat. - African Proverb

You need not look after the hoofs of dead goats. - Nigerian Proverb

The sun rises whether the cock crows or not. - African Proverb

If you go through the high grass where the elephant has already gone through, you don’t get wet with dew. - African Proverb

A person gets used to behaving like their name. – Igbo Proverb

Almost does not fill a bowl. - Nigerian proverb

The person who waits for a perfect opportunity will wait a lifetime. - 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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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

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