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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

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Eco-Friendly Dining: Enjoy Angolan Funge Without Utensils

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Eat Funge with Your Fingers to Cut Plastic Waste

Choosing to enjoy Angolan Funge with your fingers instead of a fork and spoon is an eco-friendly practice. Traditionally, diners use a small piece of Funge itself to scoop up soups and stews, eliminating the need for utensils.
Manufacturing metal or plastic cutlery requires large amounts of energy and raw materials. By skipping utensils, you conserve resources and support sustainable habits. Discover simple tips to reduce plastic waste .
Eating with Funge honors Angola’s culinary heritage while reducing waste and preserving the planet. Embracing this mindful way of dining is both environmentally responsible and culturally respectful. Explore traditional African food habits that help the planet .

Funge: Angola’s Classic Side Dish

Traditional Angolan Funge served with stew
Funge
Funge is a traditional Angolan side dish made by cooking cassava’s history and uses across Africa into boiling water until it forms a firm, sticky dough. Its texture is denser than mashed potatoes and perfect for scooping sauces.
Unlike fufu, which is pounded, Funge is prepared by stirring cassava or maize flour in hot water. Learn how to make fufu, West Africa’s beloved starch . Its name comes from the Kimbundu language, spoken in Angola, reflecting the dish’s deep cultural roots.
Over centuries, Portuguese influence blended with local traditions, but Funge remains a cornerstone of Angolan cuisine and identity.

How to Make Funge (Cassava Dough)

Ingredients
  • 1¼ cups cassava flour (naturally gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups water
Directions
  1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. In a bowl, mix cassava flour and salt, then whisk into the boiling water.
  3. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until smooth.
  4. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring until thick and firm.
  5. Shape small balls to scoop up stews or sauces — no fork or spoon needed!
About Us
Since 2007, Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet have shared Africa’s vibrant food stories. Through our Food Charity projects, we promote sustainable eating, empower communities, and preserve culinary traditions.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.