Move over Saltbae, there's a new Chinese chef taking over the Internet

The Straits Times
26 February 2017

A chef from Chengdu in China's southwest Sichuan province, has become a celebrity for his smooth moves in the kitchen.

A video of Mr Tian Bo, 31, dancing while making noodles went viral over the Chinese New Year holiday, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

He reportedly started his act in March last year, to attract more customers as business was not doing well.

Over time, he added pop music and dramatic facial expressions to the routine, which includes spinning, jumping and waving the noodles in a flamboyant manner.

The signature "longevity noodles", a speciality in the town of Huanglongxi, is made of a single strand of noodle long enough to fill an entire bowl.

With the video going viral, tourists have visited the town just to watch him. He has even received job offers promising higher pay.

According to SCMP, Mr Tian said he would remain at the restaurant for now, but hoped to start his own noodle shop. He added that the routine was all an act.

Social media users were drawn to the video of him.

"He is so tantalising. I just stared at him and did not think about the noodles," said one Weibo blogger.

Another user said: "I've seen him and I think he works too hard. He must get so tired from dancing and making noodles for long time."