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Owen Githanga, better known as "Kenyan American Home" on social media, has captured attention with his latest viral video documenting his journey back to the U.S. from Kenya
The highlight? Githanga packed 500 chapatis for his trip, doubling his previous record of 250 chapatis.
After enjoying the December festivities in Kenya, Githanga decided to bring a taste of home with him, explaining that he freezes the chapatis to savour them while abroad.
In the video, Githanga cited the stark contrast in food culture between Kenya and the U.S. as a major reason for his move.
He explained that while it is possible to buy ingredients and attempt to make chapatis in the U.S., they never quite capture the authentic flavour of Kenyan-made ones.
If you live in Kenya, it's hard to understand why I carried 500 chapatis. Chapatis are abundant in Kenya; you can literally find them anywhere, unlike in the U.S. Many stores sell wheat flour here, but it does not taste the same way.
He also explained that chapatis are very affordable in Kenya vis a vis in the U.S where the same 500 chapatis would have cost him hundreds of thousands.
How He Managed to Carry 500 Chapatis
Githanga revealed that he packed some chapatis in his carry-on bag and placed the rest in boxes to bring them through customs.
He noted that U.S. customs generally does not prohibit non-perishable food items like cooked chapatis, making his unique culinary cargo perfectly acceptable.
However, he also acknowledged that travelers should always verify food import regulations before attempting similar endeavors.
READ: How Zimmerman vendor makes 700 chapatis each day [Video]
What Foods Are Banned in U.S. Customs?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has strict rules regarding the import of food items, especially those that might pose a risk to public health or agriculture. Some commonly prohibited items include:
Fresh fruits and vegetables – These may carry pests or diseases that can harm American crops.
Meat and meat products – Raw or cooked meat is often restricted unless certified by specific authorities.
Dairy products – Certain unpasteurized milk and cheese products may be disallowed.
Plants and seeds – These require permits due to potential agricultural risks.
Cooked items like chapatis generally fall into the permissible category, provided they are free of meat fillings or ingredients banned under CBP guidelines.
READ: Data shows Kenyan immigrants in the U.S. have skyrocketed in four years
Social Media Reactions
The video has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Kenyans in the diaspora applauding Githanga’s ingenuity.
Others shared similar experiences of carrying traditional Kenyan foods abroad to stay connected with their roots.
Food is a fundamental part of cultural identity and an integral way through which people connect to their heritage.
For immigrants or travellers, food often becomes a source of comfort and nostalgia, but it can also highlight stark cultural differences, leading to a phenomenon known as food culture shock.