4-11-2023 (BEIJING) At the tender age of 12, when most children are occupied with thoughts of leisure and play, a young boy from China, affectionately known as NiuNiu, is consumed by thoughts of his parents’ restaurant. His unwavering dedication to the family business has seen him acquire impressive culinary skills through keen observation.
NiuNiu’s remarkable journey to culinary prowess recently thrust him into the online limelight when videos showcasing his expert cooking abilities went viral on Douyin, a Chinese social media platform. An influencer known as @Zenggezhendi posted a video of the young boy skillfully lifting and twirling a wok with nothing but a ladle, demonstrating exceptional control and finesse. Moreover, he effortlessly crafts delectable dishes, including hand-pulled noodles from scratch. During the video, NiuNiu revealed that he had been actively contributing to his parents’ noodle shop since the tender age of five, as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
NiuNiu’s culinary talents extend beyond the kitchen. He can frequently be seen serving customers and diligently tending to cleaning duties, all captured in a video shared by another influencer, @Haoshiyongge. His mother, Ms. Wang, proudly attested that her son’s nimble skills were developed purely through keen observation, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to lend a hand wherever necessary. He has even acquired the ability to prepare complex Chinese dishes such as ban mian and ground pot chicken (di guo ji).
Despite juggling his school commitments throughout the week, NiuNiu consistently dedicates his time to assisting his parents at their restaurant, and this dedication knows no bounds. Even on weekends, he rises early, commencing restaurant operations as early as 5 a.m., a fact shared by Ms. Wang. Astonishingly, when his parents encourage him to take a break or engage in leisure activities, NiuNiu’s response is sheer determination to keep working. In his own words, “Playing with phones and toys is childish.”
NiuNiu’s aspirations stretch beyond the confines of his parents’ restaurant. He harbors a grand vision of expanding the family business on a global scale. If he succeeds in this endeavor, he envisions himself as the company’s general manager, with his mother holding the esteemed position of president, as disclosed by SCMP. All his aspirations and efforts are driven by his love for his parents, as he strives to generate the financial means to gift his mother with elegant clothing.
