“Where’s the Meat?”: SA Woman Introduces American Boyfriend to Chicken Feet in Hilarious Taste Test

• An American man trying South African food for the first time went viral after his girlfriend introduced him to chicken feet curry
• The long-distance couple's food adventure showed the cultural differences between American and South African cuisine
• South Africans flooded the comments section with laughter and mixed reactions, with some questioning whether the man was actually American
• Briefly News spoke to medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy regarding the nutritional value of chicken feet

An American pilot has left South Africans in stitches after his Cape Town girlfriend introduced him to chicken feet for the first time, and his hilarious reactions have become the talk of social media.

Content creator @uglyasstreyy, who regularly shares videos about his long-distance relationship and flight school journey, posted the viral food challenge on 2 September 2025, with the simple caption:

"Part 1 of me trying South African food."

The video quickly gained massive attention, racking up over 33,400 reactions, 1,400 comments, and 600 shares as viewers watched the American man navigate his first encounter with the popular South African delicacy. The couple sat together as his girlfriend patiently guided him through the process of eating chicken feet cooked in curry, served with slices of bread.

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The entertaining exchange began when the boyfriend picked up the chicken foot and immediately commented on the unexpected texture, saying he wasn't prepared for it to feel like "actual fingers." His Cape Town girlfriend then showed the proper technique, explaining that he needed to remove the nails first.

The confusion continued as he asked what to do with the removed nails, watching in amazement as his girlfriend used her teeth to extract them effortlessly. When he attempted the same method, he admitted defeat, saying "I can't do it" and resorting to using his fingers instead.

The real comedy began when the American man started eating the chicken foot, commenting that he could feel the knuckles crack and that it felt like eating a hand. His girlfriend continued to guide him through the process, explaining that he shouldn't swallow the bones and showing him which parts were edible.

His disappointment became evident when he searched for meat on the chicken's foot, asking:

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"Where's the chicken?"

His girlfriend explained that there isn't much meat, which led to his frustrated response that if it had meat, it would taste good.

SA reacts to the chicken feet challenge

@lwazi found the experience hilarious:

"He said he felt the knuckles crack😂😂😂"

@heytshepi was convinced about his identity:

"He looks so South African, though. I thought it was a prank. 😂 (he is South African, there's no way) am I crazy?"

@eunicekoenane quoted his confusion:

"Where is the chicken😭😂😂"

@shrimpfriedrice questioned the technique:

"Since when do we remove the nails?"

@drlegall shared cultural similarities:

"That's chicken foot, we also cook that here in the Caribbean."

@kells agreed about his appearance:

"Is it me or the guy just looks South African?"

Chicken feet around the world

According to Wikipedia, chicken feet are enjoyed in many countries worldwide, with different preparation methods across various cultures. In China, they're called "phoenix claws" and are often served as dim sum or beer snacks.

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South Africa isn't the only place where they're popular. Countries like Indonesia serve them in spicy soup called "soto ceker," while in Jamaica, they're used to make hearty chicken foot soup with vegetables and dumplings.

Speaking to Briefly News writer, Nerissa Naidoo, medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy discussed the nutritional value of chicken feet. She stated:

"Chicken feet are nutritious, with most of the protein coming from collagen, which supports skin elasticity, joint health, and bone strength. They are low in carbohydrates and rich in essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins such as folate and B12."

"However, their health benefits can be diminished by preparation methods like deep-frying, which adds unhealthy fats and calories. Additionally, chicken feet contain small bones that pose a choking hazard, especially for children and the elderly, and must be thoroughly cleaned and cooked to avoid bacterial contamination."

Watch the TikTok clip below:

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3 Other stories of food clashes

• Briefly News recently reported on a tourist who was shocked to discover the complete absence of vegan options in a South African township, but his reaction to trying the local meat dishes had everyone talking about cultural food differences.
• A young woman served her demanding in-laws a bright blue meal after they insisted she start cooking, but their reaction to the unusual coloured food was more dramatic than anyone expected.
• Another South African woman living in South Korea introduced her boyfriend to maotwana and melalana for the first time, but his response to the traditional dish served with pap sparked heated debates about cultural acceptance.

Source: Briefly News