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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.

I got work to do pics of Africa

Working to Live, Living to Work, Photos tell a story about Africa.

A hand that's dirty with honest labor is fit to shake with a King.

A hand that's dirty with honest labor is fit to shake with a King.

I got work to do pics of Africa

Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture


Kameru preparing a meal for her family in Yaounde the capital of Cameroon.

Small family business selling meat


A villager hollows out a canoe with an adze. The canoe is hollowed next to the water to test the buoyancy. By periodically launching the boat the canoe-builder can judge where it is best to remove material for an even-keel. The shape of the canoe gives stability and permits propulsion.


Woman carrying cassava, Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Woman carrying cassava, Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The shape of the canoe gives stability and permits propulsion.


Ugwono Pauline plants Gnetum (okok) in the village of Minwoho, Lekié, Center Region, Cameroon.


Ugwono Pauline plants Gnetum (okok) in the village of Minwoho, Lekié, Center Region, Cameroon.

Jean Mombombi Nyangue a fisherman on the Congo River, Lukolela, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fishing with a net

Son of the soil, a small family farmer working harvesting grapes.


Son of the soil, a small family farmer working harvesting grapes.


Madou (foreground) a 14 year old farmer and Zakari a 23 year old farmer are making bricks to sell, Sibi village, Burkina Faso.

Farmers in Afy

A charcoal maker in Nyimba district, Zambia, holds up a piece of charcoal.


Making charcoal in Ghana

Gold mining in Tamiougou just south of Kongoussi. A gold miner pans the crushed ore to find gold. Burkina Faso.

Gold mining in DRC

Words to remember about about honest labor


Words to remember about about honest labor

Promise little and do much. 
Words are mere bubbles of water; deeds are drops of gold. 
A hand that's dirty with honest labor is fit to shake with a King.

Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. African Country Names Your Saying Wrong
  2. What do Waist Beads Symbolize in Africa?
  3. About African Healers and Witchdoctors
  4. Hurricanes are Angry African Ancestors
  5. Highest Temperature and Lowest Temperature in Africa
  6. About African Night Running


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