Expat reveals huge South African food haul in viral post on Facebook

A South African expat living in Germany has revealed her massive food haul purchased back home in a viral Facebook post.

Malaika Mahlatsi – a columnist and social media commentator – hails from Soweto.

SA EXPAT STOCKS UP ON LOCAL FOOD

In a recent post, expat Malaika Mahlatsi shared a look at her grocery shopping haul from South Africa following a recent trip back home.

Included were local staples like Jungle Oats, Ouma rusks, rooibos tea, and an assortment of spices.

She captioned the image: “I bring Checkers back to Germany whenever I go to South Africa because one thing that I’ll never get used to about Europe is just how bad the food is. 

“I’ve been to more than 20 European countries. The food is bad – from east to west, north to south. The food is bad even in countries where lies have been told about how well the people cook (Italy being at the top of the list). Germany yona – if bland was a country!

“Europeans can’t cook, please. …Indian cuisine is especially horrific here, and I really love Indian food.”

She added: “That said, when you come here, bring your own food, especially spices. Otherwise, you’ll be eating food that tastes like the boots of a World War II soldier.”

With nearly 4000 comments under the post, many expats living abroad empathised with the woman.

Frank Malaba: “I keep telling people that I bring back to Norway a suitcase of African cooking products and foods.”

Goitseone Wood Soso: “I went home in January and came back armed.  At least now I enjoy my meals more. I added atchaar and four kilograms of polony.”

Mazibuko Mntungwa: “I’m in France, and the food really sucks. Especially their beef and chicken. Thankfully, I have iwisa and a few other spices”.

WHERE DO MOST SAFFAS LIVE ABROAD?

According to a Statistica report, the South African diaspora lives in various countries abroad.

The UK has the highest population of SA expats – at over 217,180.

Australia is next, with 206,730 Saffas now calling it home. The US takes the third spot with 139 332 

These countries also rank high on the list for immigration:

• New Zealand
• Canada
• Netherlands
• Ireland 
• Portugal
• Australia
• US
• UAE