Chennai, India – In a delightful turn of events, Rayan, a PhD student in biotechnology, has captured the attention of social media after an American vlogger, Christopher Lewis, stumbled upon his food stall in the vibrant streets of Chennai. What initially drew Lewis to Rayan’s stall was the mouthwatering aroma of Chicken 65, a popular local dish, but it was the story behind the stall that truly left him astounded. During their interaction, Rayan revealed that he has been running his food stall for an impressive 13 years, having started the venture at the young age of 16.
Lewis, who was exploring the city using Google Maps, was not only impressed by the delectable offerings but also by the humility and dedication of the young entrepreneur balancing academic pursuits with his culinary passion. Lewis enthusiastically shared his remarkable encounter with his followers on social media, highlighting Rayan's story and offering a USD 100 gift to the hardworking student. His post quickly gained traction, resonating with audiences around the globe. “USD 100 gift for hard-working student selling Chicken 65 in Chennai, India,” Lewis captioned the video, which has since gone viral.
In a surprising twist, Rayan invited Lewis to review his research papers published online, showcasing his commitment to academia alongside his entrepreneurial spirit. Interest in Rayan’s story has surged, with social media users expressing admiration for his ability to juggle a successful street food business while pursuing higher education. The vlogger’s original destination was the Buhari Hotel, a staple in Chennai known for inventing the iconic Chicken 65 dish in 1965. The hotel’s legacy has continued with variations of the dish, including Chicken 78, Chicken 82, and Chicken 90, but it was Rayan’s stall that captured Lewis’s heart and camera.
Industrialist Anand Mahindra also shared the viral video, expressing surprise at Rayan's dual achievements. Mahindra remarked on social media platform X, “What struck me as truly special, however, was the end, when he picks up his phone & the vlogger thinks he’s going to show him social media mentions of his stall—but instead, he proudly shows him online the research papers he has authored!” Rayan’s inspiring journey of balancing work and studies has ignited discussions about the challenges and rewards of such a lifestyle, encouraging others to follow their passions while pursuing their dreams.
As Rayan’s story continues to spread, it serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and determination found in the bustling streets of Chennai.
