In 2020, when the Chinese daily Lianhe Wanbao featured zi char chef Devid Retanasamy, he found himself thrust into the limelight. A fresh-faced Indian cook fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, skilled in dishes like chilli crab and curry fish head, captivated readers.

Seeking more publicity to advance his career in Singapore, the Malaysian chef believed it would lead to success. However, what followed were years filled with extreme highs and lows, resembling a roller coaster ride.

Despite encountering setbacks like falling victim to a scam in August 2023, where he lost money meant for seafood and wine, Mr. Retanasamy remained resilient. He faced these challenges alone, using borrowed money and savings to cover the losses.

His determination to not give up led him to establish Xiao Hei Tze Char, which recently opened its first franchised outlet in Hougang Avenue 8 on Feb 1. The name, derived from a nickname given to him by customers, signifies a fresh start for the chef.

Mr. Retanasamy's journey was paved with challenges, starting from his tough childhood in Tanah Hitam, Chemor, Perak. Despite dropping out of school early, he persevered as a dishwasher and gradually honed his culinary skills, eventually venturing into operating his own zi char stall.

Over the years, he faced numerous setbacks in his culinary ventures, including failed partnerships and businesses. However, armed with resilience and a passion for cooking, he continued to push forward.

Today, with the support of new investors, he leads Xiao Hei Tze Char with a renewed sense of determination. The eatery features signature dishes like Curry Fish Head and Coffee Ribs, each prepared with his unique touch and dedication to quality.

As Xiao Hei Tze Char expands with new outlets, Chef Devid Retanasamy's focus has shifted towards building a stable source of income to support his family. His journey, marked by resilience and unwavering determination, serves as an inspiration to all aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs.