06-07-2025
Gen Z Woman Opens Carry-On for Flight—Can't Believe What Her Mom Packed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A Canadian woman could not believe what had been snuck into her carry-on bag by her mom.
Liliane Lai (@hardpastrybun) posted a clip on TikTok to reveal what her mother packed for her as a "snack" for a short flight: a boiled turmeric chicken.
The 27-year-old—who goes by Lili—was travelling from Montreal (YUL) to Toronto (YYZ) when she made the viral video in the airport.
Liliane Lai, 27, opening her light purple carry-on and posing with her thumb up.
Liliane Lai, 27, opening her light purple carry-on and posing with her thumb up.
@hardpastrybun
"It's not the first time, so I wasn't surprised," Lili told Newsweek. "[My mom] actually wanted me to bring two."
Lili said her mother, who still lives in Montreal along with the rest of her family, is known for sending her back to Toronto with bags of home-cooked food. She's also the first of her siblings to move out of the family home.
"[She] is a silly, goofy Vietnamese mom," Lili told Newsweek. "Since I only had a carry on, she had to limit herself."
Vietnamese gà luộc is actually a smart choice for travel food. The traditional dish doesn't contain any perishable sauces or high-risk ingredients that spoil quickly at room temperature.
And contrary to what other passengers might think, gà luộc doesn't give off a strong smell either, especially when wrapped well.
Lili's clip has been viewed 2 million times and sparked over a thousand comments from many users who understood the gesture.
"Asian parents really do show their love in their own special way," one user laughed.
"In my culture, when someone visits you from far away and they leave, it's customary to pack them a boiled chicken and rice, so this is very understandable," another wrote.
"You never know how hungry you can get in an hour. Food is Asian parents' love language," a third commenter added.
It's true. In many Vietnamese households, gà luộc is commonly packed for road trips, train rides or given to children traveling back to university or work.
Lili, who goes by @softpastrybun on Instagram, told Newsweek that no other passengers said anything, but her bag did catch the attention of airport security. "My bag did get flagged, but he asked if I had chicken and laughed before saying it was fine and I was free to go," she said.
While the clip struck a chord with many, not all feedback was focused on the poultry. "[The reaction has] been hilarious," Lili said. "Everyone is either relating or just laughing along. I did get some criticism on my hair though, lol."
