A Culinary Journey Begins

In Singapore, a young British teen’s love for chicken rice has turned into the ultimate dream job experience. Joshua Alexander Jun Wei Gilby, who has adored this national dish since childhood, took a leap of faith by applying to Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant.

Persistence Pays Off

Despite being turned down at age 13 due to his age, Joshua didn’t let that stop him. A year later, after turning 14, he tried again and was finally hired, marking a significant milestone in his quest to work at his favorite restaurant.

A Hands-On Education

Working from mid-July to August, Joshua gained invaluable experience, embracing tasks like taking orders, cleaning tables, and mastering the art of picking fresh bean sprouts. "I’ve been coming here since I was five, always wanting to learn their secret recipe," he excitedly shared.

Proud to Be 'Mr. Chicken Rice'

As friends started teasingly referring to him as 'Mr. Chicken Rice,' Joshua embraced the nickname. The experience not only allowed him to indulge in his favorite dish daily but also made him a local celebrity, with videos of him working garnering nearly 180,000 views on TikTok.

Breaking Cultural Barriers

Owner Dave Chew noted the uniqueness of having a British teen at a traditional eatery. He encouraged Joshua to practice his Mandarin and connect with local customers, leaving many surprised at his dedication and charm.

A Family Support System

Joshua's journey has been a family affair, with his mother Jeanette and father Robert cheering him on from the sidelines. Robert took to Instagram to show his pride, acknowledging how working at Nam Kee helped Joshua build confidence and camaraderie.

An Inspiring Future Ahead

Though the job left him exhausted, Joshua found it profoundly rewarding. He dreams of opening his own chicken rice shop someday, though after seeing how Nam Kee operates, he knows it will be no easy feat. With extra plates of chicken rice to take home to his loved ones, this teen's adventure into culinary dreams is just the beginning.

A Young Entrepreneurial Spirit

Joshua’s experience serves as a reminder that passion and determination can lead to incredible opportunities. From his humble beginnings as a loyal customer to becoming a beloved employee, ‘Mr. Chicken Rice’ proves that every dream can start with an unyielding love for food.