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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.

Short African Folklore Story Have Common Sense Before Acting

This African folklore story is a very quick read and explains do not believe all you hear.

Leopard Boils his Mother's Teeth African Story teaches to have common sense before acting. Even very smart people sometimes lack common sense, but in this Short African Story, Leopard has no sense by literally believing everything Gazelle says.

Short African Story Leopard Boils his Mother's Teeth
Leopard had no common sense

Short African Folklore Story - Have Common Sense Before Acting 

So the elders say, one day a Gazelle bought some corn at the market, and while he was boiling them at home, the Leopard paid him a visit and asked him: "Sister Gazelle, what are you cooking on the stove?"

The Gazelle replied, "I am boiling my mother's teeth."

"Really!" exclaimed the Leopard "let me taste them." So the Gazelle gave him some of the cooked corn, and the Leopard thought the food so good that he went home and pulled out all his mother's teeth, and put them to boil on the stove.

The Gazelle, passing the house, called in, and seeing the pot on the fire, asked the Leopard what he was cooking. "I am cooking my mother's teeth, but they don't get soft," answered the Leopard.

The Gazelle laughingly said, "I meant corn, and you have pulled out and are boiling all your mother's teeth!" The Leopard was so angry at what he had foolishly done but before he could chase the Gazelle, it ran away laughing at the Leopard for his foolishness in mistaking corn for teeth.


Leopard Boils his Mother's Teeth African Folklore teaches us to hear and understand what is said and discern jokiness from actuality.
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Short African Folklore Story
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Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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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.

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African Culture and traditions