American food vlogger Chris Lewis, known for his 1.6 million Facebook followers, embarked on a mission to discover the best Chicken 65 in Chennai, India. His journey began with Google Maps, leading him to a street vendor rumored to offer a tastier version than the iconic Buhari Hotel, a Chennai landmark since 1951. Legend has it that Chicken 65 was invented at Buhari, but Lewis found that the restaurant had received negative reviews for its signature dish.
His search brought him to Tarul Rayan, a street vendor with a dedicated following. Before meeting Rayan, Lewis encountered a group of young people who had just enjoyed the vendor’s Chicken 65. When asked about his spice tolerance, Lewis enthusiastically declared his love for spicy food. Rayan’s stall, open from 6 PM to 9 PM, operates on a fast-paced schedule, selling out of all its food within a mere three hours. Lewis was impressed by Rayan’s clean cooking area and his use of gloves for hygiene.
Rayan shared his secret recipe, explaining that he marinates the chicken for three hours before deep frying it in hot oil. Lewis then sampled the Chicken 65, finding it incredibly flavorful. He also tried Rayan’s chicken cutlet. However, the biggest surprise was yet to come. Rayan revealed that he was pursuing a PhD in biotechnology, showcasing his research articles available on Google Scholar. He explained that selling Chicken 65 was a part-time venture for him.
Touched by Rayan’s dedication to both his studies and his street food business, Lewis inquired about the price. A plate of Chicken 65 and a cutlet cost ₹55. Lewis, impressed by Rayan’s work ethic and the deliciousness of his food, asked if selling Chicken 65 was his way of funding his education. Rayan confirmed that it was. In a gesture of support, Chris gave Rayan $100 (over ₹8,000), which Rayan initially refused. Lewis insisted, expressing admiration for Rayan’s hard work and dedication. He wanted to help the young Tamil Nadu student achieve his academic goals. “You’re working hard for your schoolwork. And, you’re doing a great job, man!” Lewis said.
