Amasi Wars: The Great Debate Over Sugar In Your African Salad
- A TikTok user reignited an age-old debate about adding sugar to Amasi in African salads
- This dish is a favorite among the Xhosa and Zulu tribes, often enhanced with cream or milk for a refreshing treat on hot days
- Social media was predictably split, with users passionately defending their taste preferences
Aphelele Zinyane thought he'd educate South Africa on proper food pairing, but instead, he stirred up quite the storm in the comments section. The video quickly became a battlefield of opinions on how Amasi should be enjoyed.

In his video, Zinyane advises fellow South Africans to skip the sugar when enjoying their African salad with Amasi, claiming it ruins the authentic taste. But as we all know, taste is subjective, and opinions vary widely.
Amasi: How Should It Be Enjoyed? Mzansi Weighs In
We often hear people talk about embracing individuality, but the moment someone steps outside the norm, the judgment begins. Food preferences are deeply personal, just like music, books, or fashion. Yet, when it comes to Amasi, people seem to have strong opinions.
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Aphelele Zinyane sparked a lively discussion when he posted a video advising against adding sugar to Amasi. For many, this fermented milk drink is a staple, and how you enjoy it says a lot about your palate. Zinyane’s simple advice, “Don’t do it,” set off a wave of reactions from social media users who were eager to defend their food choices.
Here's what he had to say in his caption:
“Don’t do it.”
Check out the video below to see the controversy unfold.
Mzansi Reacts: The Social Media Divide
The debate sparked intense reactions, with users passionately defending their preferred Amasi preparation methods. Some agreed wholeheartedly with Zinyane, while others couldn’t fathom skipping the sugar. Here’s a sampling of the diverse responses:
@King wasn’t shy about expressing his feelings:
“Eating Amasi without sugar should be a crime.”
@Bogolo added a humorous twist with a biblical reference:
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“Jesus said each and every time you eat Amasi; you must add sugar so that the angels recognize you.”
@New Name couldn’t stand the idea of unconventional food pairings:
“I broke up with a girl because she put sugar in Amasi. Some lines just can’t be crossed.”
@Yolanda _lupindo offered an alternative solution:
“Why not try adding a pinch of salt instead? It brings out the natural flavors.”
@FundiswaPalesaLuthuli stood firmly with Zinyane:
“Finally, someone said it. Amasi is perfect on its own. No sugar needed.”
@😈stunna 1hunna💯 agreed wholeheartedly:
“Bro, facts. This isn’t cornflakes. Why would you add sugar?”
@Sanza_Lezinto had a suggestion for those who love sugar:
“If you’re craving sweetness, maybe it’s time to try yogurt instead.”
@Paballo👾🌟 defended his love for the sugary version:
“Amasi and sugar is the best combo ever. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
@lyndi Dee wasn’t afraid to assert her independence:
“Don’t control me. I’ll eat my Amasi however I please.”
Rhodes University Food Sparks Another TikTok Debate
The Amasi debate wasn’t the only food-related controversy making waves on TikTok. Briefly News reported on another viral video showing the state of residential food at Rhodes University. A student’s honest take on the university’s dining options sparked a wide range of reactions from the public.
While some South Africans praised the quality of the meals, comparing it favorably to their own daily fare, others expressed disappointment. It’s clear that food, whether it’s Amasi or university cafeteria offerings, continues to be a hot topic for discussion. Whatever side you’re on, one thing is certain: our love for food brings us together in unexpected ways.


