23rd December 2025 – (Shenzhen) A 16-year-old Shenzhen entrepreneur, known as Xiao Chen, who left school due to family hardship and later launched a roast chicken business with RMB 30,000, has drawn scrutiny after admitting he used a flavouring compound known as “Rou Bao Wang”. His stall, which at peak reportedly sold hundreds of chickens a day and generated five-figure daily takings, has become a popular social media attraction.
In a video posted on 22nd December, Xiao Chen confirmed that the additive had been used during marination, stressing it was a legally produced seasoning from a licensed manufacturer. He pledged to discontinue any contentious flavourings going forward and said he is cooperating with local authorities on inspections, including sampling marinated and raw chicken. Test results are expected within about a week and will be displayed at the shop.
Public information describes “Rou Bao Wang” as a composite additive comprising food-grade synthetic flavourings such as methyl cyclopentenolone, ethyl maltol and butanol, used to enhance aroma, reduce odour and improve the taste of meat products. Under China’s GB2760-2011 food additive standards, its ingredients fall within the permitted category and may be used as needed in production, though regulators advise adherence to a “minimum necessary” principle.
Originally from Shanwei, Guangdong, and born in October 2008, Xiao Chen left school at 14 to support his family, later working as a factory porter to save start-up capital. He opened his roast chicken shop in Bao’an District in 2024, personally sourcing ingredients and handling marination and roasting. His business grew from selling only a handful of chickens a day to a record of 200, supplemented by other barbecue items. Monthly revenues reportedly reached around RMB 200,000, with weekends sometimes bringing in more than RMB 10,000 a day. He is also known for regularly giving a portion of his earnings to his parents.
His story went viral in April, with many of his videos garnering millions of views and drawing customers from districts such as Nanshan and Futian.
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