Woman claims African food “isn’t good” in video and sparks major cultural debate [VIDEO]

Criticism of African Food Ignites Cultural Backlash on Social Media

A new video has thrown African cuisine into the center of a cultural firestorm. The clip was shared by Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) yesterday. It features a woman cooking what appears to be a richly seasoned West African dish. The visuals show a stew brimming with chicken, peppers, onions, and seasoning. So, that’s possibly egusi or a similar dish. However, the audio sharply contrasts with the scene. A voiceover declares African food “ain’t good.” Therefore, claiming it’s made from “necessity” rather than culinary choice and lacks spices or flavor.

The result? A clash of visuals versus commentary that has sparked an intense and multifaceted debate across social media. As a result, the debate is a popular topic on X.

Visuals Undermine the Criticism

The most striking part of the video isn’t the criticism. Instead, it’s the contradiction. The cook is possibly associated with the @learn_as_you_cook account based on visible watermarks. She carefully prepares a colorful, complex meal. She was using a wide array of ingredients: marinated and baked chicken, blended tomato-pepper base, fried onions, garlic, Maggi cubes, and boiled eggs. The dish is served with what appears to be fufu or pounded yam alongside rice. That’s a combination popular in Nigerian and Ghanaian households.

The irony was not lost on viewers. Many pointed out that the food being cooked was clearly seasoned and vibrant. Therefore, directly contradicting the voiceover’s claim that African food is “bland,” has “no salt or pepper,” and is undesirable. As a result, all of this helped fuel the argument. That said, everyone in the debate had a strong opinion. However, these opinions veered into the culture, and not just food.

Misleading Audio Fuels Controversy

While the video went viral, many initially assumed the woman cooking was also the one speaking. However, further research revealed this is a response-style video common on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). In this format, creators overlay controversial audio on their own visuals to debunk or challenge the message visually.

In this case, the cook is using the voiceover to challenge stereotypes about African food, not to support them. Unfortunately, the post’s caption did little to clarify this, leading to confusion and a flood of backlash aimed at the wrong person.

Historical and Cultural Context Matters

The criticism in the audio echoes a long-standing issue: the undervaluation of African cuisines on the global stage. Despite the rich culinary heritage across Africa’s 54 countries, dishes from the continent are often absent from mainstream restaurant menus and underrepresented in global food media.

Historian Jessica B. Harris, in her work High on the Hog, outlines how African cooking traditions influenced global cuisines, from Southern American dishes to Caribbean staples like Jamaican jerk and rice and peas. These techniques, ingredients, and flavor profiles trace directly back to African origins—a fact often overlooked in modern culinary conversations.

Scholars like Marianne Elisabeth Lien and Brigitte Nerlich have also noted in “The Politics of Food” that colonial histories and media representation shape global food preferences. The notion that African food is merely utilitarian ignores the creativity, technique, and cultural storytelling embedded in traditional dishes like Nigerian jollof rice, Ethiopian injera with wat, and Senegalese thieboudienne.

Diaspora Divides and Misunderstandings

This post also taps into a broader phenomenon known as “diaspora wars” on social media, where cultural tensions emerge between Black Americans, Africans, and Caribbeans. These debates often revolve around issues of identity, heritage, and authenticity.

While the video highlights a critique of African food, it unintentionally reinforces these divides. Some viewers echoed the voiceover’s sentiments, claiming they preferred Jamaican or Chinese cuisine. Others pushed back forcefully. Therefore, asserting that a lack of access or familiarity doesn’t equate to inferiority.

Viral Reaction on X

The post quickly amassed over 567,000 views, 2,500 likes, and hundreds of quote tweets and replies. Comments covered a wide spectrum, from cultural education to humor:

• “Africa is a continent with 54 countries. Saying ‘African food’ is like saying ‘Asian food’ — be specific and respectful.”
• “The irony—she’s cooking African food with all the seasoning in the world. That stew looks amazing.”
• “I tried African food once, wasn’t for me. But I’d never say it’s bad. Just different.”
• “The only reason you don’t see lines at African restaurants is because they’re not as widespread.”
• “This is why unity in the diaspora is hard. We keep tearing each other down.”

The backlash also sparked educational responses, with users linking recipes and food documentaries, and even sharing their own cooking videos to uplift African cuisine.

Culinary Innovation Born from Necessity and Creativity

The voiceover’s assertion that African food stems from “necessity” ignores a crucial truth: many of the world’s greatest cuisines emerged from resourcefulness. Soul food, Mexican cuisine, and Southern Italian dishes were all born from economic limitations—yet they’re globally revered today.

African cooks historically made magic from minimal ingredients, developing stews, sauces, and preservation methods that maximized flavor. From the fermentation of injera to the intricate spice blends in Moroccan tagines, African culinary traditions reflect resilience, innovation, and deep cultural identity.

Conclusion: A Teachable Moment For All

This viral video, while divisive, offers an opportunity for cultural dialogue and education. Misrepresenting African cuisine or generalizing its quality undermines centuries of culinary wisdom and the lived experiences of millions across the diaspora.

As more people engage with African food through content creators, cookbooks, and cultural exchange, outdated narratives can be challenged. Rather than fueling division, moments like this can inspire appreciation, curiosity, and respect.

Whether you’re a fan of jollof rice, a newcomer to fufu, or curious about Ethiopian cuisine, one thing is clear: African food deserves a seat at the global table—and it doesn’t need to prove its worth to anyone.

Anyone who tuned into this thread probably learned more than they expected to about race and culture. When it comes to all nationalities and ethnicities, there are a lot of misconceptions. These misconceptions are believed by those not of those cultures to be truth. As a result, there is a risk people run of being offensive. This thread captured all of this with just one video.