Culture Craze
Haibo China! Zulu Man’s KFC Experience Abroad Leaves Mzansi Amused
When Home Comforts Go Global
Picture this: you’re far from home, craving something familiar. You spot a KFC logo, that red and white beacon of comfort food, and think, “At least I’ll get a proper meal.” But when your order arrives, it looks nothing like the crispy, golden pieces you know from back home.
That was the scene for a South African TikToker who filmed his KFC experience in China, and sparked an internet storm in the process.
The Viral KFC Moment
TikTok user @collincebelihle25 shared a short clip on 5 October 2025 showing what his Chinese KFC takeaway looked like. What landed on his tray left him stunned: small, uneven bits of meat, some dry, some bone-like, and all far from the familiar crunch of South Africa’s version.
Within hours, his post had gone viral, earning over 14,000 likes and nearly 2,000 comments, as South Africans rushed to weigh in on the culinary culture shock.
Mzansi’s Hilarious Reaction
From disbelief to outright laughter, Mzansi had plenty to say. “Biltong yenkukhu!” one person joked, comparing the dry-looking pieces to chicken biltong. Another teased, “Bro, what did you order? That’s not KFC, that’s KFCZ!”
What started as mild shock quickly turned into light-hearted pride. South Africans began defending the quality of their local KFC, claiming our country’s recipes are “elite,” “properly seasoned,” and “the best in the world.”
Even TikTok users from other countries chimed in, confirming that KFC menus around the world can be wildly different, from rice bowls in Asia to fried chicken wraps in Europe.
@collincebelihle25 China mani! China! 😩😩🇨🇳 #china #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #shanghai #zulutiktok #explore ♬ original sound – Cebelihle Collin🇰🇷
Why It Hit Home
It wasn’t just about fried chicken. The video tapped into something much deeper: how food shapes our sense of belonging. South Africans have a unique attachment to their KFC; it’s a social staple, a weekend comfort, and a part of our road trips and braai breaks.
Seeing a version of it stripped of that identity felt strange, even funny. For many, the moment became a gentle reminder of home and how “our way” of doing things holds its own charm.
Global Brands, Local Flavours
This viral post sheds light on how even the biggest global brands adapt to local tastes. KFC in China, for instance, offers menu items inspired by regional cuisine, often featuring lighter portions or spicier profiles that fit the local palate.
It’s a fascinating reminder that globalisation doesn’t mean sameness. In fact, it highlights how food can carry local culture across borders, even when it surprises us.
So next time you dig into a box of crispy wings or dunk wings in Mzansi, remember: that exact experience doesn’t exist anywhere else. And that’s what makes it special.
Also read: From Runway to Fingertips: How the Tabi Shoe Sparked a Viral Nail Art Craze
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: MSN
