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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.

Dressed Up Trash Can African Proverbs

Rotting from the inside out. Beautiful on the outside, but rotten on the inside, dressed up trash can African Proverbs teaches people who do not respect themselves can never respect anyone else.

Pray you never meet a dressed up trash can

Dressed Up Trash Can African Proverbs



Beautiful on the outside, but rotten on the inside, dressed up trash can African Proverbs
Dressed Up Trash Can African Proverbs


Ten Dressed Up Trash Can African Proverbs

The tail of a goat cleans where it is seated.

Pure truth, like pure gold, has been found unfit for circulation.

Do not scratch the cockroach's scars.

It is the feathers that make a chicken big.

Things please the more the farther fetched.

A liar is like heap of straw that covers other things while its own roots are wet.

He who has not clapped what neighbor is success that means he has a baboon's heart.

The wise man does that at first which the fool must do at last.

Once swallowed it is not sweet anymore.

Manhood is beneath the clothing.

Punishment follows hard upon crime.

Omo Valley Ethiopia Hammer Woman

O dabi iru eefin kan, ti o dara julọ ti o si jẹ ọlọla sibẹ ti o buru ju. -Yoruba

She was like a volcano, beautiful and majestic yet utterly deadly. - English


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