American Tourist Tries Skopo at Kwa Mai Mai in Johannesburg
- An American TikTok creator visited Kwa Mai Mai in Johannesburg and posted his food experience, trying skopo
- The video went viral, with South Africans reacting proudly that Kwa Mai Mai was now reaching a global audience
- The man enjoyed the flavours, while online users used the moment to celebrate local food and share stories about their own Kwa Mai Mai visits
South Africans reacted with pride after an American tourist posted his first skopo meal from Kwa Mai Mai, sparking cultural conversations online.
Source: TikTok
An American TikTok creator, @trentonjdavis, posted a video on 17 September 2025 after visiting the famous Kwa Mai Mai market in Johannesburg. Within two days, the video picked up over 1,000 likes as South Africans flocked to the comments, saying that Kwa Mai Mai had officially gone global. In the clip, the tourist tried a full plate of skopo, phuthu, and chilli sauce, all of which are staples in local township cuisine. His reaction quickly caught the attention of food lovers online, many of whom praised him for embracing true South African flavours.
Kwa Mai Mai is a cultural hub in Johannesburg, known for its food, fashion, and history. For locals, it is more than just a food spot; it is a gathering space filled with tradition and street culture. Seeing an international visitor enjoy skopo gave many South Africans a sense of pride, with some joking in the comments that their beloved hangout was now 'world-famous.' The post also reminded many that township street food remains a big part of South Africa’s identity.
Kwa Mai Mai experience goes global online
The man said he enjoyed the mix of flavours, describing the skopo and phuthu as hearty, while the chilli sauce added just the right amount of heat. The response from TikTok users showed how food content often sparks cultural conversations, bridging the gap between locals and visitors. For some, it was a reminder that authentic South African food experiences could become global attractions.
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In the end, the short video highlighted more than just a food experience; it represented how South African culture continues to travel worldwide. While the man enjoyed his plate, netizens used the moment to share memories of their own Kwa Mai Mai visits, showing how powerful food is in connecting people across backgrounds.
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacted to the man trying skopo
BaristaInChief (BiC) said:
"Bro, I appreciate you for taking the opportunity and experiencing the real South Africa, not the packaged experience of Cape Town."
Pulza commented:
"I'm a South African, I stay minutes away from Kwa Maimai and you got there before me tjo. 😳"
Veevuvu wrote:
"Just so you know. It’s not abnormal to eat pap with a spoon. I haven’t eaten pap using my hands in decades. 😅"
Tau said:
"Thank you for trying traditional food like I requested, brother... I hope you enjoyed it. 👊"
Ntokozo Radebe added:
"That is really us Africans. Zulu, Tswana, Sotho, etc. That is us, my brother. All other things are just foreign."
The Opinionated Bonnet wrote:
"You’re so open-minded! 😭😭😭😭 As a native, I’ve never even seen Mai Mai with my eyes."
Saeed Dawood asked:
"Bro, why don't you try other foods from other cultures in South Africa as well? Portuguese? Indian? Coloured?"
Murendeni_Rendi said:
"Wait, isn't there a difference between nyama ye ntloko, which is cow head and skopo, which is sheep head?"
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 other Briefly News stories about Kwa Mai Mai
- A rapper hailing from the UK had Mzansi thoroughly entertained and curious after he shared that he visited Kwa Mai-Mai.
- A giant rat was spotted allegedly crawling on the floors of Kwa Mai Mai while patrons were enjoying the food and vibes.
- A choreographer had an interesting encounter at one of Gauteng's popular places, the Kwa Mai Mai market.
Source: Briefly News
