Donate to Save Human History

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.

Beautifully Rotten African Proverbs

Beautifully Rotten African ProverbsBeautifully Rotten African Proverbs. Beautiful on the outside, but rotten on the inside, beautifully rotten African Proverbs teaches people who do not respect themselves can never respect others.

Three beautiful on the outside, but rotten on the inside African Proverbs.

Beautifully Rotten Cockroach problem African Proverb
Beautifully Rotten African Proverb
Five beautiful on the outside, but rotten on the inside African Proverbs.
Beautifully Rotten African Proverb
Beautiful on the outside, but rotten on the inside, beautifully rotten African Proverb
Beautifully Rotten African Proverb


More Beautifully Rotten African Proverbs

Beautifully Rotten African Proverbs teach us in everyday life to be inspired with ancient words of wisdom from African ancestors and elders. 25 beautiful on the outside, but rotten on the inside African Proverbs.

A bed for two is not a bed for three.

A thief never watches his own home; he watches his neighbor’s.

Conspiracy is stronger than witchcraft.

Dogs make their dinner upon what belongs to fools.

Fair words buy horses on credit.

Great talker, great liar.

He who kills his own body, works for the worms.

It is only the shoes that know if the stockings have holes.

It is when the wind is blowing that folks can see the skin of a fowl.

Lazy folks ask for work with their lips but their hearts pray God that they may not find it.

Liars are always ready to make promises.

Save a thief from hanging and he will cut your throat.




Beautifully Rotten African Proverbs

Spoon goes to bowl’s house; bowl never goes to spoon’s house.

The cow never says thank you to the pasture.

The drum makes a great fuss because it is empty inside.

The hog knows well what sort of tree to rub himself against.

The knife knows what is in the heart of the pumpkin.

The monkey smothers its young one by hugging it too much.

The one holds the skillet that knows the cost of lard.

The teeth are not the heart.

Too much jewelry, empty cabinet.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, only not to-day, lazy people always say.

What troubles the eyes affects the nose.

When the Devil goes to church he hides his tail.

Wherever there are bones, there are dogs.

Women go to church but they no sooner return when the devil piles more sins upon them.

Beautifully Rotten African Proverbs


Getting to Know Africa

Historical African Country Name
Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa
How many countries does Africa have?

Learn more about Africa.

Roots of Africanized Christianity Spiritual Songs
Chocolate Processing Facts History and Recipes
Awesome Kenyan Woman
Land is Not For Women in Sierra Leone
African Kente Cloth Facts
Accra the Ghanaian Capital Ultimate Mall Experience

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.

⋯ ✦ ⋯

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