The Best Secret Chinese Restaurant in Chicago
Ойын-сауық
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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Пікірлер: 815
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.
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@FactStorm
Жыл бұрын
Damn, that's cool. Thanks for sharing :)
@careful7951
Жыл бұрын
You can feel that about him. His genuine spirit comes through the screen. Just real with you no matter what.
@illesttrickshotter
Жыл бұрын
No one cares
@yungcreate7555
Жыл бұрын
@@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!
@johndoe-fy1ho
Жыл бұрын
Happy bday!
@bighungry4727
Жыл бұрын
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.
@tizzubestar
Жыл бұрын
I was wondering. thanks for the update.
@martian_4348
Жыл бұрын
Name of it???
@theorulez
Жыл бұрын
*I'm excited to find out where the new location will be. This video got me hyped.*
3 little pigs chi catered my wedding and the food really is amazing. We’re saving the brown bag with the personalized note forever
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@FactStorm
Жыл бұрын
Wow, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing, and I am glad you've saved the bag haha
@moto3463
Жыл бұрын
That’s so awesome
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!
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@Allious131
Жыл бұрын
Unlike that pink sauce lady
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.
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@noorimeldaelle3403
Жыл бұрын
@@SitaraYasmeenBrother 👍
@FactStorm
Жыл бұрын
All it takes is passion, dedication and technique. Honestly, culinary school and work experience are very important but aren't 100% a must.
@noorimeldaelle3403
Жыл бұрын
@@FactStorm yes u are so right. thank u for the encouragement.
@DoctorMcHerp
Жыл бұрын
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.
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.
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@AnalogWolf
Жыл бұрын
Agreed, his desire for his father to live on though his food was really touching.
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!
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.
Generational cooking techniques are disappearing much respect for this man for taking the torch from his father.
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
This guy is literally the definition of the American Dream and then some, hope to see his success grow!!!
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!!!
@miketyler677
Жыл бұрын
What other places would you recommend?
@jeremyanderson2805
Жыл бұрын
@@miketyler677 the pasta bowl has the best pasta I. The world
I hope this goes viral. I want people to see this man
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@FactStorm
Жыл бұрын
It starts with us liking and sharing this video :)
@defaultworkouts
Жыл бұрын
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.
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.
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.
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@Bunny11344
Жыл бұрын
I wish we had chefs like him in Canada
Living in the Midwest I gotta check him out he seems so genuine and very passionate love it
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@dannybadillo1805
Жыл бұрын
Cy and y have found zero cost in Wrong and that funny
I am Chinese Cantonese immigrant. I have not tried your food yet but I am touched by your story.
Henry got me wanting to plan a weekend trip to Chicago.
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@dimplesp4046
Жыл бұрын
I’m over hour away in Rockford and definitely making the trip 🤤
@nicoperez9984
Жыл бұрын
lol shit his spots like 20-25 minutes from me
That extra effort to know your customer is a key component to a successful business. I wish him further success in his venture.
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.
I’m definitely pulling up when I visit Chicago. Rare energy from the chef.
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@winter6276
Жыл бұрын
Same here
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.
NO CULINARY EXPERIENCE! biggest take away of this video, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. super proud of this dude.💯
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!!!
Big ups to this guy! I love how much love he puts into everything! AMAZING
So genuine and inspirational. Even if he goes no further, he is a tremendous success.
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!
@gerald4535
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. People can get authentic cuisine from almost every culture.
@kerbygator
Жыл бұрын
Just carry a piece when you go out to eat, and don't make eye contact with anyone and you're good to go.....
@wildonez3076
Жыл бұрын
Yes, I live in Nashville now ..I can't find any good Chinese food!!
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.
Love his story and mom and pop spots. Much respect.
This looks way too delicious.
People like this, are why I travel far for a meal. Keep pushing Henry!
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!
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
@ShyamKumar-zh1oq
Жыл бұрын
Chains are the death of amazing food, let’s not wish something terrible like that
This man is way too humble for what he's achieved, Amazing guy!
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!!!
I’m rooting for you man, seems like a down to earth guy. Much success to you 🤙🏽
That's awesome! He seems genuine and kind-hearted and that food looks amazing--love the message he's putting forth through his food :)
I’m 100% gonna order some food from this dude. I watch a ton of amazing food videos on KZread, but this guy is such a good dude that I just gotta try it out & support the movement
When he talks about his dad’s connection with food and legacy is so awesome, man.
"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!
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!
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
Henry's mission is admirable. I love it
this is an AWESOME story!!!! Congrats to this gentleman! He deserves alllllll the good stuff coming his way!!!!!
@SitaraYasmeenBrother
Жыл бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGGxMyefK_UkdI.html
this is awesome. keep staying real and authentic and business will continue to boom. great stuff
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!!
Just by his personality you can tell his food is delicious!!!❤
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.
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. 😊
Love his style. The way he deals with his customers is top tier
What an inspiration... The love for food and humans is unparalled😘👍
Live in suburbs, and def making a trip to try this place! And what an inspiration his story is - Wishing him nothing but success.
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
He’s lucky he’s not in Los Angeles. (Because if he was I’d be camping outside the door!!) Absolutely dying to try some Three Pigs now
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.
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!
What a humble man and story. Thank you for sharing his story with us, Munchies!
This guy here is a gem of a person!
This Chinese restaurant is really one of the best restaurants in the Chicago city.Definitely worth going restaurant.
I used to ball with him back in the day. Glad he's doing awesome. Keep it up dude.
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!
Such a humble down to earth guy, wishing you all the success and happiness in the world, add oil!
Love These Story's ❤️
I remember watching this a year ago and it motivated me to start a pop-up Chinese restaurant in Kyoto, Japan. Big thanks!
Can't wait to go and try it!! Looks delicious!!!!!!!!!
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
@MariusiDZ
Жыл бұрын
culinary school is a sham.
@kawaiipotatoes7888
Жыл бұрын
Go to food hawker place in singapre no one there go to culinary school.
@dannybadillo1805
Жыл бұрын
F 🕉 is the only way From
Looks yum!! hope you get to expand.
He seems like he has a really good vibe and spirit!
Henryyyy!!!! So happy for you!!! Congratulations!!
So talented so humble
humble chef... what a great thing he has going
Keep cooking and may your business grow. All that food looks awesome.
Genius! So true about people wanting a personalized anything and want their name written down. Love this
People like Henry are what makes America great! We are forever a better nation because of Henry and his family.
Next time I am in Chicago, I will definitely try this place. Looks amazing.
We’re in Chicago! Definitely paying a visit soon!
Awesome definitely trying When in Chicago ASAP
I love finding new places in the city I’m goin this weekend
Ayee I’m proud of your Henry! Glad to see Chicago on the map!
I like this guy, simple and real
Very inspiring man! God bless!
Respect man. Looks really good 🎉
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.
I left HP about 20 yrs ago. This gives me a reason to go back at least for a visit.
Proud of you Henry!
Just cause I’m from Chicago I have to try
@lastnamefirstname2390
Жыл бұрын
Same. Let's go!
Love the vibes
I love this guy's enthusiasm and passion. I live in Chicago and have been to 3 Little Pigs :)
this is so awesome. this guys reminds me of why i love cooking, and got into this industry.
Awesome Henry, love to see it brother!
Food looks amazing would love to try it. Blessings from Australia
His story is so dope!!! This is how you get it from the mud! The chef life truly chose him.
"Liking" this is not enough....LOVE this!!!
This looks absolutely amazing...
already try his food and oh boi it's freaking delicious!!!
Thanks for sharing this 👍
Gonna try to pick up some stuff sometime soon. The video is making my mouth water!
Looks so good! 😊
I love Henry! Most humble chef man I know! Guy is a 🐐