The Best Secret Chinese Restaurant in Chicago
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- Опубліковано 19 жов 2022
- Henry Cai, the owner of 3 Little Pigs Chi in Chicago, has no signs, no sit-down, and takes orders over Instagram DMs for his BBQ Chinese and fried chicken.
He preps his meals in a 200-square-foot shared kitchen, yet has people traveling for hours out of state to get a taste of his menu.
Cai tells MUNCHIES how he learned to cook without any restaurant experience, how he views success, and how he plans to evolve Chinese American food.
Although Cai may attribute his business as an "accidental success," it's clear that people on social media and writing blogs will say differently. We can confirm his salt and pepper chicken sandwich, 3LP fried rice, and smoked BBQ pork aren't being sought after by chance.
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Used to work with this guy. One of the most genuine people you'd meet who is not afraid to say it how it is. It's rare to meet someone who is so unashamedly themself. Big respect. Keep killing it, Henry, You deserve all the success and hype.
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Damn, that's cool. Thanks for sharing :)
You can feel that about him. His genuine spirit comes through the screen. Just real with you no matter what.
No one cares
@@illesttrickshotter obviously you did since you commented
Never forget the first time we ordered 3 Little Pigs, I off handedly mentioned that it was my birthday, Henry ran back and bought out some free extra goodies. Seriously one of the most generous dudes! We love ya Henry!
Happy bday!
We have a place called little pigs in Asheville NC and it's the best in the world I tell you
To anyone wondering, Henry got his restaurant and it'll be opening February 10th! So happy for him. Keep supporting local business everyone.
I was wondering. thanks for the update.
Name of it???
*I'm excited to find out where the new location will be. This video got me hyped.*
This guy is so awesome, love when chefs are personable and want to be a part of the community and show love to their customers, wishing him all the success in the world!
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Unlike that pink sauce lady
If I lived in Chicago or, frankly, anywhere in Chicagoland, I would be ordering food from this guy. Not only does the food that he's making look delicious but it strikes a chord with me. It looks Cantonese and Chinese-American all rolled into one. Plus, I'd want to support a guy with his story. When he said he's carrying on his dad's legacy with his char siu marinade, that was a powerful moment. I can only wish Chef Henry the best.
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Agreed, his desire for his father to live on though his food was really touching.
WHAT?! He said he never work in a restaurant before! Wow! For someone who never work in a restaurant but he really got the skills as if he had lots of experiences. I wish him great success.
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@@SitaraYasmeenBrother 👍
All it takes is passion, dedication and technique. Honestly, culinary school and work experience are very important but aren't 100% a must.
@@FactStorm yes u are so right. thank u for the encouragement.
Anybody can be a great cook. You don't need restaurant experience to put out great food. Would it help with the logistics of running a business? Absolutely, but at the end of the day, if the food is great, people will pay to have it.
3 little pigs chi catered my wedding and the food really is amazing. We’re saving the brown bag with the personalized note forever
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Wow, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing, and I am glad you've saved the bag haha
That’s so awesome
He's trying to run his restaurant like an old school grocer, it's a more personable interaction. I respect that.
this man is so humble, he even said "i am very proud of what WE have done up till now". Yall gotta give the asian americans a chance, lots of special creative people out there!
Generational cooking techniques are disappearing much respect for this man for taking the torch from his father.
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These are the people keeping Chicago alive. Humboldt park has changed over the years but one thing I know from traveling to different places is Chicago has some of the best food. It makes me want to move back.
This man exudes everything wholesome that people have lost. You don’t get this kind of love and amazing relationship between mom and pop shops anymore. I love this content.
This guy is literally the definition of the American Dream and then some, hope to see his success grow!!!
A lot of these features show how humble and close to their food the best chefs are, but for him it's on a whole different level, and it's so clear the love is there. This place is like. Perfect 5 star on Google with hundreds of reviews.
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I wish we had chefs like him in Canada
I love the whole word of mouth thing. That’s how you know people really like your food, they go out their way to find you and support what you’re doing.
He seems like such a nice, cool guy. I love that it is about the food and sharing it since he doesn't care if people pay later. He just cares that the people get their food. I really liked this story.
This is why I LOVE CHICAGO!!!! ♥♥♥In my opinion the food scene is amazing, and then you get little gems like this that pop up. Can't wait till I return. I will definitely be trying this spot!!!
What other places would you recommend?
@@miketyler677 the pasta bowl has the best pasta I. The world
I grew up in the restaurant business. I was a 3rd generation chef/owner until I retired. This gentleman is what my grandfather, father and I harp to young cooks all the time. It’s about passion, hard work. All the training and accolades will never out hustle hard work and passion.
Living in the Midwest I gotta check him out he seems so genuine and very passionate love it
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Cy and y have found zero cost in
Wrong and that funny
I hope this goes viral. I want people to see this man
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It starts with us liking and sharing this video :)
NOT a single business owner has EVER tried to make "healthy" Chinese food because most asian food (especially Indian) is pure trash. it will give you a potbelly in a week. that is such an untapped market. I used to eat Chinese food at a friend's house in 1996 and 1997. it was very light clean healthy. they were all slim too. just bring it to market. this is all grease.
That extra effort to know your customer is a key component to a successful business. I wish him further success in his venture.
I’m definitely pulling up when I visit Chicago. Rare energy from the chef.
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Same here
I am Chinese Cantonese immigrant. I have not tried your food yet but I am touched by your story.
His food is absolutely delicious and the char siu is honestly the best I’ve ever had. Glad to see him getting the recognition he deserves!!!
NO CULINARY EXPERIENCE! biggest take away of this video, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. super proud of this dude.💯
Henry got me wanting to plan a weekend trip to Chicago.
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I’m over hour away in Rockford and definitely making the trip 🤤
lol shit his spots like 20-25 minutes from me
He gets it. Most important thing for him his to be able to stand behind his food and make a difference in the connections he makes every day.
There's no place like Chicago and all the food here is amazing, we are blessed to have everything from a to z, thanks for blessing us Henry!
Agreed. People can get authentic cuisine from almost every culture.
Just carry a piece when you go out to eat, and don't make eye contact with anyone and you're good to go.....
Yes, I live in Nashville now ..I can't find any good Chinese food!!
So genuine and inspirational. Even if he goes no further, he is a tremendous success.
This!!! We need more “hole in the wall” restaurants that serve delicious food so that we can support them! I’m from Chicago, and I’ll try this place next weekend!!!
When he talks about his dad’s connection with food and legacy is so awesome, man.
People like this, are why I travel far for a meal. Keep pushing Henry!
"I don't want to say that I am successful, but that I'm proud of what I've done and where I'm today"
😭😭😭 This man is so wholesome!
Big ups to this guy! I love how much love he puts into everything! AMAZING
That's awesome! He seems genuine and kind-hearted and that food looks amazing--love the message he's putting forth through his food :)
wishing you nothing but success, happiness, and good health Henry. keep going, one day you'll make it big and have a chain of restaurants!
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Chains are the death of amazing food, let’s not wish something terrible like that
Congrats on all your success so far. Stay humble my dude. I’ll always remember buying cha siu from you out of your car and look at where you are now. Awesome!
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It is so rare to find someone who never had to go to culinary school and still makes it to the top all from the experience cooking from their crib
culinary school is a sham.
Go to food hawker place in singapre no one there go to culinary school.
F 🕉 is the only way
From
Best thing about the internet: if you're good people will find you, if you're not you can't hide. He's a creative craftsman and gets my respect.
This man is way too humble for what he's achieved, Amazing guy!
I’m rooting for you man, seems like a down to earth guy. Much success to you 🤙🏽
this is an AWESOME story!!!! Congrats to this gentleman! He deserves alllllll the good stuff coming his way!!!!!
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Love his style. The way he deals with his customers is top tier
His way of serving food reminds me of my grandmother in Mexico, everyone ate weather you were homeless or Rich. keep up the good work.
I’m 100% gonna order some food from this dude. I watch a ton of amazing food videos on UA-cam, but this guy is such a good dude that I just gotta try it out & support the movement
Man your story is awesome and I know you are a humble man. Stranger from alabama hoping the best for you sir! Well done man!
Live in suburbs, and def making a trip to try this place! And what an inspiration his story is - Wishing him nothing but success.
Love his story and mom and pop spots. Much respect.
This guy here is a gem of a person!
Just by his personality you can tell his food is delicious!!!❤
Genius! So true about people wanting a personalized anything and want their name written down. Love this
Henry's mission is admirable. I love it
Such a humble down to earth guy, wishing you all the success and happiness in the world, add oil!
He seems like he has a really good vibe and spirit!
Nothing but respect my guy!! Keep on grinding!! I'm an immigrant myself and know the struggle and all I can say is keep it up dude!!
What an inspiration... The love for food and humans is unparalled😘👍
I used to ball with him back in the day. Glad he's doing awesome. Keep it up dude.
His story is so dope!!! This is how you get it from the mud! The chef life truly chose him.
People like Henry are what makes America great! We are forever a better nation because of Henry and his family.
I remember watching this a year ago and it motivated me to start a pop-up Chinese restaurant in Kyoto, Japan. Big thanks!
Keep grinding man! Always love supporting Asian businesses!
Wow - we have all kinds of Chinese food in my city, but I really would love to have Henry's close to me! He's the real deal! His heart is big and generous and that makes food taste wonderful!
Grabbed food from Henry during the early days, we met up in a parking lot, gotta go check out the shop, super friendly and nice.
this is awesome. keep staying real and authentic and business will continue to boom. great stuff
This Chinese restaurant is really one of the best restaurants in the Chicago city.Definitely worth going restaurant.
I’m happy this came up in my feed! I’ve never heard of this spot. Can’t wait to check this out this weekend. 😊
I love Henry! Most humble chef man I know! Guy is a 🐐
Seeing this video profile of this Chicago chef is the reason I'm subscribing to your UA-cam channel. Keep up the good work. This is why I come to UA-cam. Excellent review and profile! Will definitely seek him out when I'm back in the Chi.
Henryyyy!!!! So happy for you!!! Congratulations!!
Ayee I’m proud of your Henry! Glad to see Chicago on the map!
This looks way too delicious.
Thank you munchies. This content is second to none. Thank you thank you thank you. Really making me think about my life and goals. Much love from Cali xoxoxo
if there was a place like this in my area, I'd love to support--not just because the food looks amazing & helping out a small biz, but there is always just that something special about being a regular & It goes both ways.
relate to this guy and i hope he keeps it going. I run by business the very same way and it's nice to see the commnity receive it well
Keep cooking and may your business grow. All that food looks awesome.
I left HP about 20 yrs ago.
This gives me a reason to go back at least for a visit.
Henry mfuggin cai. Lfg! We used to ball at mcguane. Good times. All love and respect homie
I love seeing when you come from the bottom an don't have the most expensive equipment make it to where people recognize you! Keep grinding!
What a story bro, wow. All damm hard work and customer first mindset at its best! I hope someone invests a billion dollars on this man and his attitude.
If I had a million dollars I would give it to this man.
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humble chef... what a great thing he has going
There's a lot to like here. Definitely keepin' it real, representing his culture and all immigrants. He is a success.
Can't wait to try his BBQ pork. It looks amazing. We live near a Hong Kong style Chinese restaurant in DC and their pork is delicious. This style of cooking lends itself to the American palate. Learning to cook at home is the best way to pick up little secrets that make food taste delicious. I learned that way from my Grandmother, Aunt and my Mom. Best of luck Chef!
2:21 Love that he "loves" each message lol
Hats off to u Sir ...This is inspiring to me REAL TALK....my path is almost the same ...Learnt form my father too ,wanna keep his legacy alive 2...MISS U "PAPPY"
Smart man. Secret to success is to build relationships w/your customers and keep humble.
Next time I am in Chicago, I will definitely try this place. Looks amazing.
You seem like such a down-to-Earth neighbor who's obviously richly gifted with chef instincts, skills and family traditions. I sure wish I'm in your town so I can come by and buy/eat your creations. Stay real.
As a Chef starting off in Chicago this is very inspirational to keep going it isn’t easy out here, grew up around that kitchen too and trust me they ain’t showing those area of Chicago in the movies or shows!!
I love this guy's enthusiasm and passion. I live in Chicago and have been to 3 Little Pigs :)
Great timing for this video to show up. I'm about to head to Chicago for work. I'll be trying this place out on Friday.
So cool! You gotta startup somehow, and I like that Idea and personal touch for the customers too. Good looking menu! When 3 little pigs has a restaurant in Chicago in a few years I will go visit and eat some 🥰
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What a humble man and story. Thank you for sharing his story with us, Munchies!
this is so awesome. this guys reminds me of why i love cooking, and got into this industry.
Great video - wholesome, inspiring. Seems like a cool dude and the food looks awesome!
Food looks amazing would love to try it. Blessings from Australia
i will 100% be stopping by on the way home from work, looks so good
Glad to see his resources fullness in setting up his shop in my former Chicago neighborhood.
I wish this guy live near me, I would be ordering his foods every single week, lol. Such a down to earth chef that making bomb Chinese takeout dishes!!
Henry is the best!!! Chi is lucky to have him
Wow Henry! Randomly stumbled onto this video and wow! Keep killing it brother! Will def need to check out your spot when Im back home.