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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.

Listen to your Elders African Proverbs

Listen to your Elders African Proverbs
Those who are thought to be dying are the old, but those who actually die are the young. African proverb
Eyes have seen it all

Inspiring African proverbs from your Ancestors.

  1. You may deny that you were fed, but your body will tell.


  1. Rivers flow into each other but stomach do not.

 

  1. Food that is rejected at one place is accepted at another.

 

  1. One greedy for food makes himself playful.

 

  1. You cannot make new soups with old bones.

 

  1. Those who are thought to be dying are the old, but those who actually die are the young.

 

  1. People who are on the verge of death do not hear the drum beat.

 

  1. Those who do bad things, also die in a bad ways.

 

  1. A bad life does not overwhelm the person who leads it.

 

  1. The spider and the fly cannot make a bargain.

 

  1. The body of wise man has eyes.

 

  1. Do not fight for a coward; he will not fight for you.

 

  1. The tortoise can look up but cannot go up.

 

  1. Lead a fool into the house but just show the path to the wise.

 

  1. One should understand what happens in one’s absence by relating to what used to happen in one’s presence.

 

  1. God is the companion of truth.

 

  1. A wise man plans for tomorrow, a fool plans only for today.

 

  1. One builds a house for the future, not for the past.

 

  1. A good hunting dog cannot hunt down a lion.

 

  1. What you see in yourself is what you see in the world.
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

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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions