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If you’re a fan of fried pastry dough or sweet little snacks, you’re in the right place. This fragrant, crunchy, and mildly sweet snack will surely remind you of home, no matter where you are. Chin-Chin originated from West African countries like Nigeria and Cameroon and has been a comfort staple for generations. Every African Grandmother has her twist on the authentic Chin-Chin recipe, be it different flavors or shapes or the amount of crunchiness.
If not Chin-Chin, then you might have tasted one of its international counterparts.

Here is a list of 10 international snacks that are similar to Chin-Chin, from your home country.

KULKUL from GOA (INDIA): This sweet and decadent snack is usually consumed during the Christmas season by the Indian Catholics in Goa. KulKul looks like worms with curved ridges made by using a new comb or fork. The snack is made of Indian ingredients semolina and ghee which is clarified butter, bringing in the touch of nostalgia. Sometimes Kulkul is improvised by incorporating authentic Indian flavours like Cardomom or Saffron.

KHABSEY from TIBET:  This simple yet versatile snack is a go-to for Tibetans when they are in a celebration mood. While only four ingredients (milk, water, flour, sugar) go into the making of Khabsey, it has a very deep and symbolic meaning for the Tibetans. Alterations are also made to the snack by adding several flavors and food coloring. These biscuits are widely loved and consumed across Tibet.

PASTA FRITA from ITALY: Another international delicacy to try if you are a fan of fried dough. Pasta Fritta (Gnocco Fritto), is usually consumed as a savory snack but sometimes you might also find it in a sweet version with sugar and cinnamon. Italians prefer eating the savory Pasta Fritta with pickles, butter, or cheese. On the other hand, the sweet one is usually paired with the afternoon espresso.

URARO from PHILIPPINES: Since these cookies are made with Arrowroot powder as a main ingredient, they have a distinct powdery texture, with a buttery touch. Uraro is also a very famous alternative if you are looking for something without Gluten. These cookies are high in starch so are easily digestible. The cookies go well with a daily mid-day tea of coffee and are consumed across the country.

SHAKKAR PARA from INDIA: A big fat Indian wedding is never complete without a big box of Shakkar Para. This snack is a staple during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Rakhi as it symbolizes prosperity and happiness. This sweet snack also comes in a salty version and a spicy version. Every Indian state has its own take on Shakkar Para but they carry the same meaning throughout the diverse country.

MANDAZI from KENYA: Another deep-fried African snack on the list! Mandazi is an East African delicacy, with the dough kneaded with spices like cardamom making it a very aromatic snack. Mandazi is fluffy in texture and has a slight crunch to it because of dried coconut flakes. It is usually served with hot Kenyan chai and a spoonful of honey or fruit jelly for a sweeter taste.

OLLYBOLLEN from GERMANY: These deep-fried Dutch or German pastries are typically served with fillings made with raisins or rhubarbs and other berries and are topped with powdered sugar. Ollybollen or Oliebollen are always sold out on New Year’s Eve and around Christmas. Along with Chin Chin, Ollybollen also resembles Beignets, a traditional French pastry, dusted with powdered sugar.

KLEINA from ICELAND: Icelandic people can trace their love for Kleina as far as the 14th century. These doughnut-style pastries are made on special occasions as a celebratory treat for the people of Iceland. These are strongly spiced and are baked with a knot or a twist and is usually made in a cast iron pan on the stove. Other Scandinavian countries like Norway and Denmark, have their own unique version of Kleina.

FAWORKI from POLAND: These are traditional Polish pastries made during days of celebrations during the “Karnawal” or the Carnival, weddings, Christmas, and Easter. Faworki are light, sweet, and crispy and they resemble stiff ribbons. Its primary ingredient is Lard, something that is used in almost all Polish cuisines, mostly desserts. It is mildly aromatic because bakeries like to use citric fruit zests in the dough.

If you miss any of these international delicacies, you should try All African Delight’s authentic Chin Chin, It will instantly take you back home!

Click here to order your pack of Chin Chin now!