There’s something uniquely powerful about food—it’s more than just fuel for the body; it’s a storyteller, a tradition, and a connector. And when you’re living in a diverse culture like Sri Lanka’s, food is the thread that weaves generations together. Tea Podu, a beloved TikTok page that reviews food spots around Sri Lanka, has captured the hearts of viewers by exploring Sri Lanka’s rich culinary culture, particularly during Ramadan. What began as a simple love for food has evolved into a space where culture, family, and food intersect in vibrant, meaningful ways.
At the heart of this captivating TikTok journey is Mohammed Usama Naufer, whose passion for food runs deep. “When Tea Podu started, it was the first page to create food videos in Tamil in Sri Lanka,” Usama says. “I have always been someone who loves sharing knowledge, so I started Tea Podu by making random videos of food places whenever I went out with my friends.” Little did Usama know that this simple passion would evolve into a platform where not only the flavors of Sri Lanka are celebrated, but also the profound cultural connections that food facilitates.
Celebrating Tradition with a Modern Twist
Ramadan, a month of fasting and reflection, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many. For Usama, it’s an opportunity to showcase the timeless tradition of sharing meals with loved ones. “Growing up in a Sri Lankan household, iftar was always a time of togetherness, filled with flavorful dishes like samosas, falooda, and pol roti,” he reflects. These moments of togetherness, steeped in tradition, are brought to life on TikTok through Tea Podu’s vibrant content, filled with mouthwatering food reviews and Ramadan specials.
Yet, there’s something more to it than just nostalgia. With each video, Usama brings a modern twist to these traditional experiences, ensuring they remain relevant and exciting for today’s audience. Whether it’s discovering the best food places to break fast during Ramadan or the fun way of making the content relatable with a Tamil voiceover and trending TikTok songs, Tea Podu beautifully preserves the essence of tradition while making it accessible to a new generation through TikTok.
The Power of TikTok in Connecting Communities
TikTok is more than just a platform for entertainment—it’s become a stage for cultural exchange. “TikTok has been a powerful platform for creators like us to reach a wider audience in a short time. Since people of all ages use TikTok, its large user base has helped Tea Podu connect with a massive audience,” Usama shares. With its short-form videos and dynamic format, TikTok has enabled Tea Podu to not only review the best food spots but also tell the stories behind them—stories that transcend borders, bringing people together over the love of food and tradition.
What makes TikTok so special is its ability to amplify voices that might otherwise remain unheard, and for Tea Podu, this has meant connecting with people who share the same love for Ramadan and Sri Lankan culture. The platform has allowed Usama to bridge gaps and spark conversations about shared experiences. “I’ve been able to reach so many people— It’s incredible to see how something as simple as food can bring people together,” he reflects.
Food, Family, and the Heart of Ramadan
At its core, Tea Podu isn’t just about showcasing food—it’s about celebrating what food represents: family, tradition, and the ties that bind us together. Ramadan is a deeply personal time, one where family and community take center stage. “For me, Ramadan is all about tradition, family, and togetherness, and I strive to reflect that in my content. Through my food reviews, Ramadan specials, and Iftar features, I highlight the cultural significance of sharing meals, just as we do in Sri Lankan households,” Usama explains.
With every review and food feature, there’s a deeper message: the importance of unity, the beauty of sharing, and the cultural significance of what we eat. The videos resonate because they’re rooted in something timeless, yet fresh and accessible to all. “When I create these videos, it’s not just about the food. It’s about reminding people of the joy of sharing a meal with others,” Usama says with passion.
The impact of Tea Podu extends far beyond the app itself. For many of its followers, the page has become a guide to finding the best places to break fast, discovering new foods, and celebrating the essence of Ramadan. “Our content has helped people find the best places to break their fast with family and friends, and even discover unique Sri Lankan dishes they may not have known about,” Usama shares. Through this exploration, Tea Podu has built a sense of community—one that celebrates not only food but the shared values of togetherness and belonging.
A Journey That’s Just Beginning
In a time when the world feels more connected than ever, platforms like TikTok are redefining how we share our cultures. Creators like Usama, with Tea Podu, are not just offering us a window into Sri Lankan food culture but are building bridges through the stories behind the dishes. “TikTok has given us the chance to not just share food, but to share our culture, our traditions, and our stories with the world,” Usama reflects. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful to be part of this vibrant community.”
As Tea Podu continues to inspire with its food reviews and cultural stories, it’s clear that TikTok isn’t just a platform for entertainment—it’s a space for true cultural exchange, one meal at a time. With every new video, Usama is not just sharing food, but fostering a deeper understanding of tradition, one dish and one TikTok at a time.
