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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.

Silly in love African Proverbs

Silly in love African Proverbs

Love can change a person, one greedy for love makes himself playful and is silly in love.

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Silly in love African Proverbs

You cannot make someone love you, people who are on the verge of death by love do not hear the drum beat.

African Proverbs

By Chic African Culture

You must not fool yourself, after being fooled once, one should be wary so they cannot be fooled again.

Constant dropping wears away the stone.

The greatest crime in a desert is to find water and keep silent about it.

One half of the world laughs at the other.

What is enough was never little.

  Lions rush to attack bulls; they do not attack butterflies.

Lions rush to attack bulls; they do not attack butterflies.

To wait is not to tremble.

To wash a donkeys tail is loss of time and soap. After mischance everyone is wise.

The good looking fruit could be rotten inside. 

 The good looking fruit could be rotten inside.

A honey tongue and a foul heart leads to unhappiness.

What was, won't come back. When things are done with, they are done with.

Never love anybody who treats you like you're ordinary.

Never love anybody who treats you like you're ordinary.

Who doesn't appreciate the little does not deserve the big.

A bird sits on a tree it likes.

A sweet potato cannot be straightened.

The ladle cannot serve anything if the pot is empty.

The conditions that one can comfortably live with, might be unacceptable to another.

The ladle cannot serve anything if the pot is empty.


More African Proverbs from the motherland.

  1. Your Attitude African Proverbs
  2. What is an African Proverb
  3. Do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry
  4. Mean Coworkers African Proverbs
  5. Having Faith African Proverbs

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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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