Nigerian Buns vs Nigerian Puff Puff

-The Journey to The Extraordinary Issue 002–2020

January is in full gear, the Christmas decorations are fast disappearing, deadlines flowing in, the children are back in school…in summary, life has recommenced.

I often derive life lessons from simple, mundane things. On the Nigerian street, it is not unusual to find roadside food vendors. Some foods are also traditionally associated with different times of the day. Let us take a quick morning stroll this beautiful Saturday.

Roadside snacks in Nigeria are not gendered or age-specific; school children, adults, elderlies, workers etc. all want to have a bite once in a while. The popular Nigerian small chops cannot be complete without Puff Puff (no caterer dares to make this 404 error). It is such a uniting force and the story of Puff Puff will not be complete without its cousin, Buns. I bet that some of you will make or buy some after reading this piece (you are welcome…winks). We will be taking our quick morning stroll to the tent of the Buns and Puff Puff fryer, hold my hands.

From afar, Buns and Puff Puff can easily be mistaken for each other. Note, because something looks like another does not make them the same. Fakes also look like originals, until properly examined. For me, so many lessons are hidden in their (Buns and Puff Puff) differences, tag along, let us learn.

The composition is everything.

If you observe their preparatory processes, you will notice the dough of buns is thick and Puff Puff’s is a fluffy batter. When the Buns’ dough is mixed, it is good to go into the hot oil but not for Puff Puff. Puff Puff has to be given some time to rise because of the yeast. When it has risen, it can then be put into the hot oil to fry but compared to the Buns’ dough, it is quicker to fry and turn brown. After the frying process, Puff Puff comes out soft and tender inside and outside but the Buns comes out crunchy on the outside and dense on the inside. Also, Buns gives a lighter shade of brown than Puff Puff after frying. Need I say they taste differently? So you see, they are indeed different.

What is to be learnt from all these? you ask.

1. Never compare yourself to others. Be your original.

You have probably heard this a thousand and one times but let me reiterate it. For a second, just imagine that Puff Puff was intimidated by Buns or vice versa and one of them went into extinction because of the other. Oh my! The world would have lost a life-saving snack. Yes! That is what you do when you live in the shadow of another.

I am very picky when it comes to Puff Puff, unlike my sister who likes Puff Puff. I am more open to Buns. That is how life is, some people will value you and some people will not, either way, it does not reduce or eliminate your value.

2. Give yourself time. Know and acknowledge what you carry.

Puff Puff because of what it carries cannot get into the hot oil immediately. It carries yeast, so it needs to rise. Discover what you carry and know when it is time to launch out.

3. Know your hot oil. Time is only a balancing force for humans and not God.

For we are God’s (own) handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live) (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC)

Puff Puff, only after rising, gets into the hot oil. It fries quickly but Buns gets in quicker but stays longer in the hot oil. Build yourself. Identify your season. Trust your season. Do not be in a hurry. Enjoy the process. Focus. Do not be distracted by timing.

4. Love your skin.

Puff Puff spends a short time in the hot oil but is darker than Buns. Whatever your skin type, love you. Your skin tells your bespoke story. Remember, you were uniquely and wonderfully created.

5. Step up!

I mentioned at the beginning that Puff Puff is a constant component of the Nigerian small chops*. Sadly, Buns is not. Do not remain a local champion. Be in touch with the ever-evolving world. Step up to the place of being a global citizen and if there is something greater than global, rise to that also!

Do you know more differences? Please share with me in the comment section and also share what life lessons are inherent.

P.S: Giving titles to articles isn’t my superpower. How would you suggest this article be titled?

*This is commonly composed of Puff Puff, Mosa, Gizzard, Spring Roll, Chicken and Samosa. It is served at Nigerian celebrations. You need to attend a Nigerian event to relish in its goodness.