Kenyan TikToker Owen Githanga, who resides in the United States, has gone viral after sharing a video showcasing his unusual food haul following a recent visit to Kenya.
The content creator amused his followers when he revealed that he had returned to the US with 500 chapatis, among other Kenyan delicacies.
In the viral video, Owen explained his unique decision:
“One of the goals was that when I leave Kenya and return here to the US, I come back with 500 chapatis. Every time I visit home, I carry chapatis back with me, but it used to be around 250. This time, I decided to double the amount. I just found a lady who was kind enough to prepare the 500 chapatis for me.”
Cherishing the Taste of Home
Owen shared that his love for Kenyan chapatis stems from their unique taste, which he says is difficult to replicate in the US.
“It’s not that I don’t know how to make chapatis; I just like this better. There’s a certain taste that chapatis from home have, which is different from those prepared here,” he explained.
To ensure the chapatis remain fresh, Owen plans to freeze them.
“The idea is to put them in ziplock bags, store them in the freezer, and consume them over time,” he added.
Clearing Customs with Chapatis
Addressing concerns about customs regulations, Owen revealed how he managed to clear the unique cargo.
“There are some things that are prohibited or restricted by customs when entering the US, such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, and meat products. However, chapatis are not among the restricted items,” he clarified.
TikTok Fame
Owen’s practical yet humorous approach to preserving a taste of Kenya while abroad resonated with many of his followers, who praised his ingenuity. The video has sparked discussions online about the lengths diaspora Kenyans go to stay connected with their roots.
