Chin Chin – A Reminder of Every Mother’s Care and Love
Imagine you are sitting in your room in Canada. It feels foreign. It feels colder and darker, and the warmth and familiarity of home and the sense of security is missing. You miss the scent of your favorite food being cooked by your mom. You miss her calling your name out from the kitchen, telling you that dinner is ready. You’re far away from home and there is no returning home for a while. You challenged yourself to reach this stage of life and you are giving it your all.
We asked Aline, an immigrant from Nigeria about her fondest memory from home.
Like Aline, a 24-year-old student from Nigeria, many international students go through homesickness every minute of every day. “I won’t lie, there have been days where I went to sleep on an empty stomach. Between college assignments and part-time jobs, it was difficult to keep track of food and healthy meals. I can’t remember the last time I had a full meal. Oh dear, I miss sitting with my entire family, laughing, and having plenty of options to eat from. I think that’s the memory I think of when I’m missing home the most. My mom used to have this side dish of crunchy snacks, they were called Chin Chin, they were on the sweeter side so I always had them after my meal.”
Now, thousands of miles away, Chin Chin became her comfort food. It takes her back to those beautiful memories and gives her the strength to keep going.
All mothers are the same, hence, their concerns are the same.
We may become 40 years old one day but the first question our mothers would ask us would be “Have you eaten?” It’s every mother’s love language. They care about us so deeply and with all their heart. They live each day concerned about their children, their health and their safety. They always care about our well-being.
A mother’s worries increase when their child is far from home. With no means of seeing them in real life, mothers tend to worry over every day phone calls. Students have to take care of themselves, for their mothers. It is their duty and responsibility to ensure their well-being and upkeep. Mothers wish for their children to be happy and healthy, no matter where they are. We can provide about a snack size of that: Chin Chin Vanilla! It’s only a small piece of motherly care, but also a nourishment that warms the heart.
Your healthier-than-junk-food 2 AM Snack
It’s super easy to put a cup-noodle in the microwave for an easy 2 AM snack or have a pack of chips and pop while using the other hand for your laptop to make that early morning deadline. It’s not, however, the safest option. While there may be plenty of unhealthy options available, you don’t want to fall sick and worry your mothers. It’s super easy to replace unhealthy snacks with Chin Chin, traditionally made with wheat flour, sugar, and milk. They are the safest option and your best bet for that midnight snack. All African Delight offers just that! The quality is assured and the snack provides minerals, and vitamins like A, B6, and D. It also has iron and magnesium. Something is better than nothing and just like how your mom wants it!
Cultural Significance
Snacks are more than just a means to fill the stomach. The taste takes our brain back to those memories and surroundings in which we first enjoyed those snacks. It’s a unique connection with our roots back home that we can carry anywhere in the world. Chin Chin is a special snack that keeps many connected to the African Communities. They’re well-consumed during festivities, family events, and celebrations. It signifies joy and togetherness and is widely used at weddings and on Christmas. Students working hard and creating a mark for themselves may be missing out on these occasions, but through Chin Chin, can feel a connection to home. Chin Chin in Canada is a part of their Cultural Identity being acknowledged and appreciated.
+1 Recipe Idea: Chin Chin Parfait
As a Student, it’s impossible to make a Michelin Star Meal, or as a matter of fact, a proper meal. We’d like to introduce you to an easy and quick recipe that is a healthy midnight snack. You can utilize this recipe during busy commitments and late-night study sessions. Don’t forget the main ingredient, Chin Chin by All African Delights.
Chin Chin Parfait Ingredients:
- 1 cup of All African Delights’ Chin Chin
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- A sprinkle of granola (optional)
Instructions:
- In a glass or bowl, start with a layer of Greek yogurt.
- Add a handful of Chin Chin for that perfect crunch.
- Top with mixed berries and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Repeat the layers as desired.
- Finish with a sprinkle of granola for extra texture.
This is a simple yet delicious parfait that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a refreshing snack.
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq8aO7Lz_2A
Take Away
It’s not easy being away from home. It’s new and exciting in the new country but also fresh and scary. Students try their best to figure out a path for themselves and learn new skills. They start making a name for themselves, in expectations of making their parents proud. At All African Delights, we understand the yearning and longing you feel so often. We relate with you on the days you feel homesick away from the comfort of home and from the love of your mothers. They are always, especially when you’re adjusting to a new country and culture. We understand the longing for the familiar, the comfort of home, and the love of a mother. Our Chin Chin is a bit-sized comfort of home; it’s a bridge to your roots. It is a recollection of every mother’s care and love and a taste of the joy that showcases African heritage.
We want to remind you that you are not alone in this journey and the hard work will one day make a difference. We want you to smile and feel the warmth in your heart through our Chin Chin bites. When you are out conquering the world, a piece of home awaits you in those snacks. Don’t forget to give your mom a call, inform her of your latest accomplishments, assure her of your health, and enjoy Chin Chin.
