WATCH: Policeman’s emotional reaction to a meal that reminded him of his mom’s cooking captivates millions
It's curious how food, which is fundamentally fuel for our bodies, also brings us joy.
From the meals we eat, we get essential macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which our bodies use for energy and growth.
We also absorb vital vitamins and minerals that support everything from bone health to brain function.
But food is so much more than just sustenance. It’s a source of comfort, a trigger for nostalgia, and a powerful connector to our past.
Even in tough times, sharing a meal can provide solace. it’s the warmth of a shared meal and the comfort of a deep conversation, like the Last Supper project with Joseph Nana Kwame Awuah-Darko, known as Okuntakinte, that can give you the strength to face life’s most imaginable challenges over a warm meal.
Sometimes, one bite can transport us back in time, to childhood kitchens filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals, reminding us of the people we love most.
That's exactly what happened to a police officer recently when his heart-warming response to tasting a familiar dish went viral.
In the video, the officer sits down for a meal, unaware that the first bite would evoke an overwhelming wave of emotion.
@lovedonesforever Love this #love #police ♬ original sound - Loved Ones Forever
As he tastes the dish, something clicks that this is familiar. His face softens, his eyes well up, and within seconds, tears are streaming down his face. The flavours remind him of his mother’s cooking, a taste he hadn't encountered in years.
Instagram user @goawaywithjae, who reshared the viral clip, captioned it: "This made me tear up. There’s nothing as delicious as your mother’s cooking. My mom can’t cook anymore, and I can’t replicate what she used to make.
“But I remember everything she made for us from scratch."
Another commenter echoed this sentiment: "Sense memory especially smell and taste is such a powerful phenomenon because it’s so closely linked to the limbic system. Can anyone watch this without crying?"
This simple yet profound moment resonated deeply with many people on the internet, reminding us all of the emotional power of food.
Why does food trigger such powerful emotions?
Science has long explored the connection between food and emotions and the answer lies in both psychology and biology.
The sense of taste, combined with smell, is closely linked to the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for processing emotions and memories.
This is why a particular dish or aroma can instantly transport you back to childhood or a special moment in your life.
Many of us associate certain meals with comfort and security, especially those prepared by loved ones. In times of stress or sadness, we often crave the foods that remind us of home.
Everywhere around the globe, South Africa included, food is deeply tied to culture and community. Whether it’s a Sunday lunch of seven colours, a hearty plate of pap and vleis, or a warm bowl of umngqusho( a personal fave, raining or not) meals are often shared experiences that bring people together.
Some foods contain compounds that directly influence mood. For example, dark chocolate and bananas are known to boost serotonin levels, the "feel-good" hormone.
Meanwhile, comfort foods rich in carbohydrates can temporarily increase dopamine, enhancing feelings of happiness and relaxation.
For many people, home-cooked meals are more than just nourishment; they are an expression of love.
From grandmothers stirring pots of trotters to mothers perfecting their bobotie recipe, food is a language of care passed down through generations.
The policeman’s emotional reaction struck a chord with thousands of people online, many of whom shared their own stories of missing a loved one’s cooking.
His tears weren’t just about the food; they were about the memories, the love, and perhaps even the longing for a time that had passed.
In today’s fast-paced world, dominated by convenience and speed, this poignant moment urges us to pause and appreciate the value of seemingly mundane things.
Though our parents may be ageing or loved ones may have departed, their legacies are kept alive in our memories through stories, scents, and of course, food
If there’s one takeaway from this touching story, it’s that food is more than just fuel it’s an emotional experience.
Whether it’s the first sip of your grandmother’s rooibos tea or the familiar taste of a fresh Kota from usisi down the road, food has a unique way of bringing us back to the people and places we hold dear.