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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.

Setting a Good Example African Proverbs

African Proverbs on setting a good example for others to follow motivates and inspires us to be our best at leadership, teamwork, and creating successful lives.

You cannot deny the simple beauty and power of an African Proverb

 

You cannot deny the simple beauty and power of an African Proverb

The young calf learns to eat grass by seeing others do it once. -  Tanzanian Proverb

You can't use your hand to force the sun to set.

-  Nigerian Proverb

Teeth that are together help each other in chewing food. -  Kenyan Proverb

When the shepherd comes home in peace, the milk is sweet.  -  Ethiopian proverb

A climbing plant with tendrils cannot grow on its own without the support of a tree. - Kenyan Proverb

A cutting word is worse than a bowstring, a cut may heal, but the cut of the tongue does not. -  Swahili Proverb

Happy African Proverb

If there is no enemy within the enemy outside cannot do any harm. -  Mandinka Senegalese Proverb

For the benefit of the flowers, we water the thorns, too. -  Kenyan Proverb

Rotten wood cannot be carved.  -  Swahili Proverb

Sometimes you sow red beans and wh1te beans grow. -  Nigerian Proverb

The learned have eyes; the ignorant have merely two spots on the face. - Ethiopian Proverb

When one is thirsty, one thousand pearls are not worth one drop of water. -  Swahili Proverb

Two sisters are one trunk. -  Nigerian Proverb

Happy AfricanProverb

Short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends again from the motherland.

  1. Why the bunny rabbit has wiggly slits for a nose
  2. Love Takes No Less Than Everything Marriage Folklore
  3. Hunters Attack Cowards Tell the Story
  4. One Do Wrong All Get Punished
  5. Mighty Little Hedgehog
Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

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 🍊

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions