Mo, owner of the popular Mac Thi Chicken Hotpot restaurant in Foshan, Guangdong province, was eliminated in the initial round of a culinary competition, despite his establishment attracting thousands of customers daily. The elimination occurred on 29/7, during the first episode of the second season of the variety show Yi Fan Feng Shen.

Judge Zhang Yong noted that while Mo's hotpot featured quality ingredients, it lacked sophisticated cooking techniques. He explained that patrons were primarily drawn to the chicken's natural flavor rather than complex culinary artistry.

Mo revealed his unusual reason for participating: exhaustion. His restaurant had been continuously overwhelmed for two months, prompting him to join the show for a much-needed break.

The elimination sparked a lively debate online. Some viewers felt a dish popular with many deserved recognition, while others supported the judges, arguing that common cuisine couldn't match the technical skill of high-end restaurants.

Mo, owner of Mac Thi Chicken Hotpot in Foshan, China, participated in a televised cooking competition on 29/7. Photo: Mo's Chicken Pot

Speaking to Jimu News on 29/7, Mo confirmed the show was filmed in May and he accepted the judge's feedback. He stated, "This chicken hotpot inherently doesn't involve any sophisticated techniques."

On his personal account, Mo clarified he does not represent Guangdong cuisine, but simply cooks with respect for ingredients. He described the grueling filming schedule, from 9h until late night, as exhausting for an older person. He requested a break at 23h and vowed not to participate in similar programs again.

Mo's restaurant in Chen Cun town (Shunde district) became an Internet sensation in early April after a food blogger's video. In the video, Mo advised customers against visiting, citing overcrowding and his inability to manage the business volume.

Ironically, this plea had the opposite effect. During the Thanh Minh holiday, crowds caused traffic jams and brought in 2,000 to 3,000 customers daily. The restaurant, initially with four tables, expanded to over 60.

Mo now plans to open a new branch in Luohu district (Shenzhen) by year-end. He is prioritizing quality control and building a lasting reputation.

"My biggest concern is ensuring I can pay 20 employees once the social media hype fades," Mo stated.

Minh Phuong (Source: Jimu News, iFeng)