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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.

Artistic Cheese Making in Africa

Artistic Cheese Making in Africa

Making artisan Kivu cheese in Africa



To produce Kivu cheese usually no modern equipment is used, just years of experience and know-how

Making artisan Kivu cheese in Africa



The green hills of Masisi, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo North Kivu province, hides a delicious cheesy secret, Kivu artisan African cheese. Small dairy farms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Africa make world famous Kivu cheese by hand.


The Democratic Republic of Congo may not be the first country you think of when it comes to cheese making and cheese is not a part of the traditional African diet. In 1970, Italian cheese makers began teaching local farmers the art of cheese making utilizing cows and their milk that are a traditional part of DRC diet.  


The history of Kivu cheese making today in the Masisi territory has produced hundreds of small family and company-owned dairy farms employing locals while teaching the fine art of cheese making. African Ndama and Zebi cows along with European Friesians and Brown Swiss cows are the main milk providers in the Kivu cheese making process.  

To produce Kivu cheese usually no modern equipment is used, just years of experience and know-how goes into the morning milking, by hand to converting the fresh milk into cheese. Kivu cheese produced by Masisi dairy farms is similar in tastes to Gouda cheese. Young Kivu cheese is a soft cheese mild in taste with a creamy texture. 



Did you know?

Making cheese in Africa is not traditionally practiced despite an abundance of cows, goats and sheep in many African regions.



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

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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

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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions