Mzansi Reacts to Man Making Popcorn Using Atchaar Oil: “Was it Urgent?”

• A South African man went viral after demonstrating an unconventional cooking hack due to running out of regular cooking oil
• The video humorously showcased his confident approach to this bold substitution, sparking widespread amusement
• Beyond the humour, the clip served as a relatable commentary on the economic pressures faced by ordinary South Africans

South Africans were amused and found a viral TikTok video relatable, where a user made popcorn with mango atchaar oil, humorously reflecting the resourcefulness and unconventional choices many face due to economic pressures.

A South African TikTok user has gone viral after sharing an unusual cooking hack that left the internet buzzing. In the video, posted by user @glensmangaliso, he shows how he ended up using mango atchaar oil to make popcorn after running out of traditional cooking oil. The clip, which quickly gained traction on the platform, features Glen casually pouring the bright orange oil from the atchaar jar into a pot before adding popcorn kernels, treating it like an everyday solution.

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What caught viewers off guard was how confidently he approached the task, as if this bold substitution was completely normal. The rich, spicy colour of the atchaar oil painted a vivid picture, and people couldn’t help but imagine how the snack must have tasted and smelled.

As expected, the video stirred up plenty of laughter across social media. People were amused by the idea of combining a sweet-and-sour Indian condiment with a staple movie-time snack. Some wondered how it would affect the flavour, while others were more focused on the colour the popcorn might take on once popped in the oil.

South Africans use humour to cope with rising food costs

While the post sparked endless jokes and playful roasting, it also opened a window into a more serious conversation. For many viewers, the video was a humorous reminder of the current economic pressures faced by ordinary South Africans. With food prices constantly climbing, more people are finding themselves making unconventional choices in the kitchen. Whether it’s mixing ingredients or substituting essentials, creativity is becoming a survival tool.

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Glen’s content hit that sweet spot between comedy and real life, a moment that was both funny and painfully relatable. In a way, the video reflects how people are using humour to cope with everyday challenges. The use of atchaar oil might have started as a joke or a necessity, but it resonated with many who’ve had to stretch their groceries or experiment when resources are limited.

From the comments to the shares, the clip has become more than just viral entertainment; it’s a quirky symbol of resourcefulness and the kind of content that speaks directly to the lived experiences of many South Africans. Whether you'd try it or not, it’s clear that atchaar oil popcorn has officially entered internet legend.

Mzansi reacted to the video

Thando said:

“Was it urgent?”

Underscore commented:

“Res life is an extreme sport. 😭😂”

Thandeka_Emm questioned:

“Is that a duvet? You are stressing us. 😭”

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Sani shared:

“I'm the first person in my bloodline to witness such. 😭🤚🏾”

Dieketsengsekese🇿🇦 said:

“A win is a win. 🙌🤣😂”

NthabeeMo25 asked:

“Wenzela phezu kwe bed chomi? 😩”

Okayise Mbhele said:

“You can actually make popcorn even without oil.”

BWZ asked:

“You can afford popcorn but not oil? 😂”

Check out the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News stories related to food and cooking

• A content creator on Facebook shared with the online world that he had made a batch of magwinya after following a recipe he saw.
• A Gauteng food content creator shared a video showing how to make chilli pap by adding sliced green chillies and olive oil to traditional maize meal.
• A South African radio star, Anele Mdoda, took to social media to show off her cooking skills, and went viral on social media.

Source: Briefly News