
New Delhi, December 10, 2025: A heartwarming video of a Nigerian woman, a chef named Chef Braakman, joyfully embracing the flavors of India at a wedding has taken social media by storm. Dressed in a beautiful saree and standing by the street food counter, her pure delight while eating the popular Indian snack, pani puri, has charmed millions, turning her into an instant online sensation.
The video, which has garnered over a million views, captures a moment familiar to every Indian: the sheer, unadulterated happiness that comes from eating a perfectly assembled pani puri. Also known as golgappa or puchka, this savory street snack consists of a crispy, hollow fried ball (puri) filled with spiced mashed potato or chickpeas, and a burst of flavored water (pani), which is usually tangy and spicy.
In the viral clip, Chef Braakman demonstrates the proper technique—popping the whole puri into her mouth—and her reaction is priceless. She is seen breaking into an impromptu happy dance, her face lighting up with a smile that perfectly conveys the explosion of flavors.
The Nigerian chef’s caption for the video details her ongoing culinary adventure in India. She humorously noted how her food journey began in Mumbai with chicken biryani, but since then, she has “happily turned vegetarian,” with her “belly loving it.”
However, it was her declaration of love for the crunchy, tangy snack that resonated most with Indian netizens. She stated simply, “For now, give me all the pani puri,“ a sentiment that is instantly relatable across the country.
The response from social media users has been overwhelmingly positive. Commenters have praised her ability to eat the pani puri so neatly and have affectionately welcomed her to the “Pani Puri Fan Club.” Many complimented her elegant look in the blue saree, seeing her genuine enjoyment as a beautiful bridge between cultures.
This viral moment is more than just a food video; it’s a delightful reminder of how shared joy over something as simple as a snack can transcend borders and language. Chef Braakman’s enthusiasm showcases the universal appeal of Indian street food and has cemented pani puri‘s status as a global favorite. Her joyful experience has added a new, heart-warming chapter to the stories of cross-cultural connections forged through food.