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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.

Liberia is Africa's Oldest Republic South Sudan is the Newest

Liberia is Africa's oldest Republic since July 1847 and in July 2012, South Sudan became the newest African Republic. 

Africa rests on both sides of the equator the range of climate and soil conditions on the continent Africa has created a diverse continent which any map of Africa cannot sufficiently document.

Daily life in Mamobi neighborhood in Accra, Ghana
Daily life in Mamobi neighborhood in Accra, Ghana

North Africa South Africa West Africa East Africa  Central Africa

Africa’s geography is as diverse as its food from the Sahara and Kalahari deserts, tropical regions, subarctic snow-capped volcanic Mount Kilimanjaro, to savannas, plains, and rain forests. The range of climate and soil conditions in Africa has created a diversity of vegetables, fruits, wild and domesticated animals.


Africa is the only continent to extend from the northern temperate to southern temperate zones. The continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. 

Listing of the countries of Africa by regions

Africa
People of Africa
Eastern Africa
·       Burundi
·       Comoros
·       Djibouti
·       Eritrea
·       Ethiopia
·       Kenya
·       Madagascar
·       Malawi
·       Mauritius
·       Mozambique
·       Reunion
·       Rwanda
·       Seychelles
·       Somalia
·       Uganda
Two girls from the village of Suleja which is a city in Niger State, Nigeria
Two girls from the village of Suleja
which is a city in Niger State, Nigeria
·       Tanzania
·       Zambia
·       Zimbabwe

Central (middle) Africa
·       Angola
·       Cameroon
·       Central African Republic
·       Chad
·       Congo
·       Democratic Republic of the Congo
·       Equatorial Guinea
·       Gabon
·       Sao Tome and Principe

Friends playing chess in Kampala the capital and largest city of Uganda.
Friends playing chess in Kampala the
capital and largest city of Uganda.
Northern Africa
·       Algeria
·       Egypt
·       Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (Libya)
·       Morocco
·       Sudan
·       South Sudan
·       Tunisia

Southern Africa
·       Botswana
·       Lesotho
·       Namibia
·       South Africa
·       eSwatini

Western Africa
·       Benin
·       Burkina Faso
·       Republic of Cabo Verde
Teacher Elizabeth Toe teaches class at Billy Town Primary in Brewerville, Montserrado County, Liberia
Teacher Elizabeth Toe teaches class at Billy Town Primary
 in Brewerville, Montserrado County, Liberia
·       Côte d'Ivoire
·       The Gambia
·       Ghana
·       Guinea
·       Guinea-Bissau
·       Liberia
·       Mali
·       Mauritania
·       Niger
·       Nigeria
·       Senegal
·       Sierra Leone
·       Togo

Chic African Culture The African Gourmet Logo

Did you know
A Republic is a country that is governed by elected leaders rather than by a king or queen.

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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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions