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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.

Whole Nother Level of Understanding African Proverbs

Whole Nother Level of Understanding African Proverbs

Hard to understand
People say they want to read you, to understand you, to see a side of you no one else gets to see; but they never do because you're on a whole nother level of understanding.
Your uniqueness is so awesome!

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music

Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture


The reason that you can sometimes be hard to understand is that we are all unique creatures.

Conakry is the capital of Guinea, a country in West Africa and the Keita Fodeba Centre for Acrobatic Arts in Conakry, Guinea produces some of Africa's most talented acrobats and contortionists. 

Whole Nother Level of Understanding African Proverbs

We are not obliged to answer a village message.


The hen cannot lay eggs of crocodiles and crocodiles cannot lay eggs of hens.


One who is bound to stray follows a defined path.


Eggs and stones should not dance with one another.


No matter how much a person changes goats will never lay eggs.


You should not sleep outside just because someone else did it and was lucky.


There is no king who is not gossiped about.


The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks.

Conakry is the capital of Guinea, a country in West Africa and the Keita Fodeba Centre for Acrobatic Arts in Conakry, Guinea produces some of Africa's most talented acrobats and contortionists.
Did you know?
Conakry is the capital of Guinea, a country in West Africa and the Keita Fodeba Centre for Acrobatic Arts in Conakry, Guinea produces some of Africa's most talented acrobats and contortionists.

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