Day in the Life of Japanese Hawker in Singapore

[@anna_wong]

Such a humble businessman! I can see all his passion for cooking when he cooks! He really has a great passion for cooking especially noodles, feel kinda shocked when he mentioned he works as a Ramen chef part-time even when he has a full-time job in Japan. I thought having a full-time job in Japan is already no life? Still have time to do part-time? Really salute to him! Localised Japanese who likes to eat local food with a "Good Morning" towel over his shoulder. Cool!

[@minecraftingguy123]

Really not easy as a boss, working in Singapore for so many years and his family is in Japan. Mad respect for this dude.

[@aciel-tv]

his immediate family - daughter, son, wife are all in singapore... they are also cooking/mending the stalls (the last time i ate at westcoast, they were there). haha

[@leederek]

mad respect for stealing his boss recipe after 6 months

[@shotaroinagaki]

@@leederek trust me when I say this, while the dishes served definitely have a hint of Japanese methods, they are fundamentally different and surely required a significant level of ingenuity to craft.

[@avijeet1670]

@@aciel-tv he said in the video that they're all in Japan though

[@wt5219]

you know he's steeped in the local ways when he embraces the 'Good Morning' towels! 叔父さん頑張りましょう！ミーポック美味しそう！食べたい ^>^

[@yogeshwarihozumi8980]

Oh, wow!!!! He is amazing!! I’m inspired by his hard work and the way he works with his employees. I’m Japanese and maybe coming to Singapore for my work next year. ( in 2022) I wish to visit one of his shops and hope to meet him! ✨

[@Danrify]

All the best to you! 頑張ってください

[@yogeshwarihozumi8980]

@@Danrify Thank you! 😊✨

[@syarifahnajwa5491]

U ar most welcome😃

[@MasouShizuka]

Please do so. Most Singaporeans will even recommend delicious local cheap hawker foods too. So do not be afraid to approach us in public.

[@vanwangye]

Welcome to Singapore. Hope you are doing good now.

[@pendiemz]

Hawker in a BMW. But from the bottom of my heart, I feel like he deserves every bit of success he has.

[@blueypink19]

He owns the whole coffee shop so he is more than a hawker haha but yes his hardwork paid off!

[@mickeytang440]

@@blueypink19 ya, the title should be "Day in the Life of Japanese Hawkers Boss in Singapore"

[@happy1288]

@@blueypink19 Oh wow ! I didnt knew that

[@dw7647]

a bmw in singapore costs like 200k or something insane (atleast for Americans)

[@LimYQS]

Lol many other hawkers in Luxury cars, some are so successful they stay in condos and private houses

[@Blurwrong]

That face he made after drinking a nice gulp of beer after a long day was so genuine. Shows how hard he worked throughout the day.

[@seriousyrius7334]

Can tell he is really very hardworking and have certain kind of ethics towards his stalls and businesses. Got to try his fusion mee pok one day!

[@annanishikinomiya2765]

Then?

[@seriousyrius7334]

@@annanishikinomiya2765 Such an unwanted and nonsensical comment.

[@ronhan1612]

I have worked with both Japanese and Korean. They really are proud of their jobs, no matter in what profession. I wish our locals could copy their ethics and bring our local hawker food to a higher level. Just try any ramen stalls in Japan and you will find their standards are all so good.

[@nathanchang7713]

Working in the F&B sector is really hard even in North America where the weather is cold & far more comfortable to work in, it’s still very tiring especially when you’re new, I can’t imagine these hawkers in Singapore who has to work and stand long hours in the extreme heat from both the fire & ovens and the hot & humid Singaporean climate.

[@limbehh8494]

Well say.. please support our hawker stalls.

[@Z4U3398]

Singapore climate. Not Singaporean climate. Lol!

[@nathanchang7713]

@@Z4U3398 It is Singaporean climate when referring to the country’s climate. When we talk about a country’s climate like for example American climate or Hawaiian climate, we don’t say ‘America climate’ or ‘Hawaii climate’…. I’m Canadian I think I’ll know better than you.

[@Z4U3398]

@@nathanchang7713 Singaporean. Definition: "Singaporean *people* who identify with the city state of Singapore i.e. Singapore citizen." Look it up. Singapore is the country. Singaporean is the citizen. So, no you do not affix citizenship to climate, my friend. Thus, it's *Singapore* climate. Not Singaporean climate. And no, being Canadian does not automatically make you an English expert. It does however, mean that your maple syrup is delicious. So, back to the maple woodlands ye go! Lol! 🤣

[@nathanchang7713]

@@Z4U3398 When we say 'Singapore' climate we would say hot Singaporean weather that's the way it is or Singapore's climate we don't say cold 'Alaska climate' we say cold 'Alaskan climate' or warm Hawaiian climate not 'hawaii climate'

[@karjeecheng9024]

A fascinating interview with a fascinating subject. He is so passionate about ramen/noodle - it is obvious this is not merely a business for him. This covid has dealt very hard blows to the F&B business - I hope his business survives and thrives through these difficult times. Take care everybody, and stay safe.

[@JimmBradley]

I live in and watched your Bedok Reservoir video and got a hint that he opened an outlet here! I'm so glad I didn't have to travel far to try it and even had the pleasure of eating Meepok cooked by Kuribara-san himself! Definitely will be a regular of the Bedok outlet as it is walking distance for me =)

[@loveispatient0808]

Where is the Bedok stall? Anyone knows the address? Would like to try his food, thanks in advance!😄

[@JimmBradley]

@@loveispatient0808 760 Bedok Reservoir View coffeeshop. The address is in the description also

[@graeyeeshii]

It’s so interesting to look at the life in Singapore from a foreigner’s perspective! It’s really heartwarming to see you/you guys blending into our local culture here. 私の日本語の先生もシンガポールに20年ぐらい住んでいます。日本とシンガポールの生活は全然違いますから、20年この時間もすごく長くて、とても大変だったし、辛かったに違いないんですね。

[@edwinkwan4343]

I ate at his first stall when he opened in 2016. The food is very good. Glad that he came back to Singapore and continue to open more outlets.

[@writerideright632]

His work ethic is wow. Hustle hustle hustle. Mad respect

[@crowkumaglitter]

12:04 “he will always force you to drink something” I love that 😂😂 explains the aggressive kindness in some people hahaha

[@GabeWatchesAnime]

Typical chinese uncle in singapore

[@tancelestine1555]

Very happy to know Kuribara-san is opening a stall in bedok. Will definitely pop by as i have been wanting to try his fusion mee pok since you featured his Jurong stall!👍

[@JimmBradley]

It's opened already, this video was taken few weeks back

[@tancelestine1555]

Tried the shoyu and miso mee pok soup. Definitely worth the 55 min wait. Yum, the umami from the soup base is undeniable👍. Gambatte Li Yuan Fusion Meepok.

[@Wolfedge75]

Just went to bedok specifically to try out the new stall, and suffice to say, it was worth the hassle. Now about the hougang stall (or lack thereof....)

[@russelyong1045]

You worked so hard to come up with this video! You had a long day too. Thanks for sharing this with us :) Hope you had a good rest after!

[@GhibOjisan]

Thanks Russel!

[@ohmjustsketch]

I love to see more expat turn to local entrepreneur. His passion is so inspiring ❤️

[@hawkhea7527]

7:16 powerful! He own the whole coffeeshop 👍🏻

[@alvinc75]

Went to try the outlet at Bedok Reservoir because of this video. It did not disappoint 👍 ordered at 1140am, and it was a 1 hour wait. Good that it has a ticket system, so you can go for a stroll before the meal.

[@tristikully6186]

1 hour wait? damn

[@44jwong]

One hour wait? Must be damn good business. But good, no need to queue because of the ticket system.

[@stephanieyong978]

Hi may I know it’s next to the NTUC ? Thank you

[@TheEthan1992]

Loving this new series. Although small but Singapore do have stories to tell!

[@alexs_33]

I'm happy for Kuribara-san that he assimilates to our culture very well. I'll be sure to try out his food when I get the chance! Wishing him well on running his business.

[@raydenquek]

Me as a Singaporean working as a chef in a Japanese restaurant. I would say he is really a nice and wonderful Japanese boss, compared to my Japanese manager and boss. Really not all Japanese bosses in Singapore are like him.

[@tekkotoharu0608]

素晴らしい動画をありがとうございます!日本人がこんなにも活躍している姿が嬉しいです！ 密着で、色々な裏側を見ることが出来ました! ミーポック食べたい🤤！

[@GhibOjisan]

海外には色んなチャンスがあることを知ってもらえたら幸いです！

[@RayMak]

He's so amazing

[@johnong7348]

How are you everywhere? 😂

[@DougBrighTan_o7]

Pretty true 😎👍

[@manchuriancandybar864]

Like Spiderman; the amazing Spiderman.

[@Mexaze_]

@@johnong7348 he just a normal human being like us, he browse any videos he likes, and he comments on it...🤣🤣🤣

[@hollyxytphh]

he always comment yet the comments never longer than 5 words every single time

[@oldtabrough1026]

I was expecting him to drive a van or truck since he needs to transport goods. This guy really understand Singaporean's taste buds @16:35mins its very common for hawker owners to do that, especially when both the stalls are selling similar products next to each other.

[@amusedtofu]

Actually alot of hawker bosses drive sedan cars but they tend to be the slightly younger generation as in the younger middle aged folks. The chicken rice stall boss near my place drives mercs, convenience stall boss drives Lexus. Only the really older generations like 55+ onwards drive those delivery vans or trucks.

[@oldtabrough1026]

@@amusedtofu oic. ..anyway based on this video looks like he worked hard all these years to achieve the level of success he now has. So I guess he is enjoying his rewards by getting a beemer

[@Robert84700]

My aunt is a hawker and she does earn quite a good bit. She now stays in a condo. I think not many ppl know that Hawkers actually earn well especially if the food is good.

[@oldtabrough1026]

@@Robert84700 agree....but they sacrificed a lot to get there, I am sure.

[@Juumonji]

Dang, considering Singapore’s vehicle tax, it is a special something to be able to own a luxury car there.

[@gala1684]

Nice informative video its actually amazing how a born and bred local Singaporean like me can watch your videos introducing things about Singapore with interest. Great job.... keep up the good work and I hope the government or tourism board can give you some kind of benefits for all these promotional videos about our country.

[@ジャニーズポー]

Oh my god, full of respect for kuribara San. 👍

[@kentheman88]

The simplicity and the humble personality just display a wonderful human beings in Singapore. love it.

[@IZTheOne]

This is a great video, a whole day shoot and planning it is never easy and then the editing from all the footages is another level of dedication lol! Thank you for sharing this experience. I can't taste these food but I admire the passion of hawkers. Only if you are able to withstand heat and long hours are you able to become one.

[@GhibOjisan]

It was indeed tiring for both of us but what saves us are comments like your's. Thanks IZ!

[@christwg07]

He’s localised and one of the few who embraces our culture, food, climate, heritage etc. Got to try his food 😊

[@aquariuscaesar2858]

Very interesting. Please do this kind of video more. It's always refreshing to see daily lives.

[@ezekielk.3629]

4:00 Hello Ghib! Welcome to Bedok North! This is the most eye-opening video ever! watching a japanese run a chinese food stall like a Ramen shop!! See the way he drain the strainer!!!

[@chenyinmei6466]

oh my goodness..all that work and preparation..he really have passion for this stuff..admire indeed...this fusion..beautiful fusion..so meaningful

[@alexsolosm]

He eats just like a singaporean! I agree most young Singaporean youth don't like to work as hawkers, but there are still some exceptions. I have two friends who went and started their own hawker stalls, despite having a degree. One sells chinese food, the other selling thai. They have been at it for years now, and I think they found their calling. The chinese stall friend even opened his second stall now, and he is only in the mid-thirties. Thai one the business not so good 😅.

[@amusedtofu]

I mean that's pretty understandable. You work more than 12 hours hours in a hot tiring place but the pay might only be around 2k+. What's more if you get injured on the job, alot of hawker stall owners will not compensate you for the off days or even for the hospital bill. I once help out my hawker relative because they are short-staffed. I have 1 rest day, no sick leave, no PH, no off days, no OT pay. Lunch break is 30mins. Min 10 hours work and getting scalded is an everyday occurrence and the pay is miserable. So i don't blame people who don't want to be hawker assistant. Maybe as a boss where the business is blooming is ok.

[@macrick]

it's not primarily the sweltering conditions. It's the PAY and the RENT

[@xiongsamsung]

Im a regular at his clementi stall since he opened. Still remember he had his daughter taking orders. Stopped visiting initially when he sold it and went back to japan. But after a few more visits, its still my favorite mee pok stall. Visited the tradehub stall, waited for an hour eventhough its only 10 plus am. Its good, but Need some time commitment if want to eat there.

[@junweitan1413]

Just went down to bedok reservoir and had japanese fusion mee pok shoyu dry. Worth it ☺️

[@obiwan88]

Commonwealth crescent! A mature estate with great character. Very interesting and well made video, thank you Ghib Ojisan!

[@singaporedan7701]

Ojisan - a very well produced video. 👌 well done 👏

[@ely9347]

always see this uncle at Tradehub 21! Didn’t know his story behind his fusion meepok until now. That shall be my lunch for the whole week haha!

[@ahyapchow2459]

MR Kuribara- San he looking very humble and kind gentle man, Nice video, Ojisan Ghib 👍👍👍❤️🇸🇬

[@paecpc]

A hardworking, down to earth guy! All the best!

[@butterflylofu]

I’ve seen tons of “day in the life”, this is one my favourite. Very interactive. ❤️

[@suadi1630]

Hey i own a malay food stall at changi south st 3.....im a singaporean..in my 30s....he's right not many young singaporeans will do this kind of job....its hot sweating for 12hrs a day!!! I start way early 4am to 4pm!! Stay strong!!!

[@84vietskater]

Definitely going to this place when I’m back in Singapore.

[@willie8452]

Very nice video! I prefer this style compared to Paolo's as there is more dialogue. Great job! :)

[@dannyhow728]

Will try one day of his Japanese fusion Mee pok .

[@ezekielk.3629]

Paolo style gives more in-depth knowledge into the industry and the co-worker

[@maiyamiyaki]

Maybe bcos both of them are japanese and living in sg so it's easier for them to communicate? Thus more dialogue? Whereas paolo is a foreigner communicating with Japanese. Regardless what, i think shldnt compare? Respect the individuals of their hardwork, styles and direction.

[@willie8452]

@@maiyamiyaki don't think Paolo's a 'foreigner'. He's been living in Japan for years, and married a Japanese wife.

[@maiyamiyaki]

@@willie8452 yes but that doesnt make him japanese? Marrying someone of whichever nationality and living in a said country doesnt mean u are that nationality? My point is, if you're living overseas and you meet someone from your hometown, naturally it is easier for you to communicate with that person, better understanding and maybe better connection with the person?

[@nakajimasara]

シングリッシュって完璧ですね！😳 さすが20年間以上シンガポールに住んでるのです！ 羨ましい！！😭😭😭

[@lowlaychoo4363]

Chao cho! Your Singapore family taught you well.

[@jamesho5139]

Singapore currently seeing more and more pao fan stalls, so I think there will be demand if Kuribara-san tries his hand at fusion zosui

[@japplesin]

That was very inspiring. Thanks for doing this video Ojisan.

[@JimmyNeo-wr6wn]

Respect . Hardworking Japanese boss , who showed the way and lead by example . Deserved the success he is having now .

[@gnparticle]

Mr Ojisan! That uncle was saying "but you're speaking Mandarin now!" when you told him "wo bu hui jiang zhong wen"(i don't speak Mandarin) haha

[@AmbientWalking]

There's always something to see and to experience whenever I watch your videos. Always a great feeling. Thank you! : )

[@puayhoonlee]

I used to have the same thoughts of retiring in Malaysia but have second thoughts after understanding the medical system , crime rate etc. Now with covids and future trends of virus mutation, home is still the best for retirement with family/friends nearby to help out (if necessary).

[@commieskungflu1635]

What’s wrong with their medical system?

[@ylein6508]

I have to concur,stayed there for 2 years and can't wait to get back

[@wisteria7772]

Malaysia is actually pretty good esp. if you live in neighbourhoods like Hartamas/bangsar you can always see expats running late at night and the medical system is the same as sg imo

[@commieskungflu1635]

@@wisteria7772 Yeah I had the same impression. Though I haven’t lived in Malaysia, I lived in a western country but I consider myself well traveled and sufficiently familiar with Malaysia. I thought the medical system is the same as SG’s. It’s not like I’m one of those struggling in Singapore either. I live a very comfortable life in Singapore. I don’t need to work basically.

[@wisteria7772]

@@commieskungflu1635 Anywhere is paradise with $$

[@wwpoof]

Oh my gosh. This guy deserves all the good business he can get! He does everything himself, it's hard tiring work. As for retirement, other than Msia, northern Thailand is not a bad place too. There's a Taiwanese community there. The good thing abt Msia is that we have many similarities, so this maybe useful for him. Now after Ghibs video, his stalls will soon have long queues. If possible, please ask him to open a stall/ outlet in Jurong East area. Maybe by then, he needs a central kitchen to prep all his ingredients. Lol.

[@andrewlee1579]

After watching this video I have my utmost respect for Kuribara-San! Wishing him every success in all his endeavours!

[@mk-nw2pp]

OMG! I used to have Japanese apartment mates and classmates, I would never imagine seeing a Japanese making chilli balachan, kudos to him!

[@simplyme3306]

Hohoho at Bedok Reservor! My area! I shall bookmark this place. That fermented prawn paste is called belachan. Basically added to all sambal

[@XR_YULGUMI]

Woah respect live in singapore 20 years! I believe he is used to singapore foods already 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ylein6508]

Actually the setting up of barrier isn't because you are a foreigner, it's because they are worried people think their stall has many people and will not want to queue. The barrier is to differentiate themselves from your queue. This happens quite often near popular stalls with long queues

[@gabrielchan4420]

This is one reason, but there is probably more to his story and he didn share here..

[@てぃび-w5y]

密着撮影、お疲れさまでした！！とても興味深く拝見することができました。ありがとうございます！

[@xanthus7168]

I love this style of video!!! Please make more 🙏

[@sashaa4412]

2:55 That little 'conversation' with the play-hard-to-get Neko-chan was hilarious ! 😂 "You always come to my room what...!"

[@Rachael_khoo]

I like your videos. Very natural in answers. Keep it up. I just added myself as your new member

[@marilynchua2331]

Nice. Some BGM parts actually reminded me of Casey Neistat. I know the container place. 😂 It’s really great that Kuribara-san is able to expand his business. He’s so hardworking. It’s laborious work that not many people can do. I like that he is understanding of Singaporeans and make do.

[@jlc3288]

Great video. Nice to know a former expat embracing our local culture as a hawker and succeeding as one of us rather than to come here and milk our success and be a fake admirer. We need more of him and you. 👍🏻

[@mikaneko1]

1日密着と編集お疲れ様でした とても素晴らしい動画でした 今の日本には活気がない。私もそう思います 現状維持という名のゆるやかな衰退 国全体で成長していこうという活気のある雰囲気が羨ましいです

[@sihanchen7552]

Who says Singapore people are xenophobic? We very much appreciate foreign persons like Kuribara san and Ghib san who can integrate Singaporean lifestyles to their own !!

[@bapeforfun93]

wow this video reminds me of Paolo from Tokyo except this is longer and has more interaction and wow the room is so clean for a man living alone.

[@Rei-cd6mw]

栗原さんはシンガポールでお店を出すのにかなり苦労なさったのではないでしょうか？栗原さんは海外で頑張られて同じ日本人としてとても尊敬するし誇りに思います。

[@timothytay8108]

Nice video. Keep up the good work!

[@lowhuiphing]

Yes, he is very hardworking. All the best.

[@太田こじもん]

ここずっと行きたいと思ってるんだよなぁ😁

[@iAxianguy]

Awesome story telling! It always interesting to see how the love of food bring people together.

[@vanessayeo7756]

This is a brilliant video, an interesting and candid look at the life of a hawker.

[@malekabumeri7175]

Very cool video! Subscribed for this video and the fact that you have other “Day in the Life videos”. Very cool!

[@aniqaliq7291]

amazing hardworking japanese man...so inspirational esp for person of my age as i will be 53 tis year

[@jaychow3208]

Love your videos ghib-san!

[@paistefever]

Thank you, sir for this amazing episode! Such a great thing he loves what he does and he works very hard!

[@Yilinsim10]

Very nice video done

[@oribarsan9873]

you ask some very pertinent and intelligent questions. It really showcases what a 'gaijin' feels and the experiences they have in a country like SG, by doing that, you show both sides of humans, the good as well as bad. I do wonder if he considers himself SPorean, or still a 'gaijin', or something in between? great video!

[@lemonshirley]

Gotta say the zichar dinner they had at the end looks really good :p

[@singaporekako]

How I wish I could work in Singapore! I totally understand that he never want to come back to Japan. 😅 All the best, 栗原さん！ I will visit your stall when I go to Singapore after the entry restrictions are lifted.

[@mt.sefuri3909]

Will actually come and try his stall, looks great!

[@aidahabdghani5098]

A humble hardworking businessman.He doing very well I see.

[@StrafingHunter]

1:48 They have this coffee with gula melaka that is pretty nice. If you aren't a coffee person, you can choose tea too!

[@prisng1667]

It's true Singaporeans like to eat Mee pok very much . And so happen I stay at Bedok . I can visit your new eatery stall very easily. I wish you good success.

[@jevteamy2048]

Wow I want more of this day in a life !

[@aldinlapinig]

Awesome "Day in the Life" video. Keep 'em coming. May I ask Mr. Kuribara what POS brand he is using? I can see at 12:14. Thank you.

[@jinxc1620]

Watching a Japanese interviewing a Japanese in a foreign land compared to watching a foreigner interviewing a Japanese in Japan really hits different

[@Clammer999]

Definitely planning to try out his stalls

[@kelvineus]

I am proud to say that I have tasted the meepok that Kuribara-san cooked himself. It is really a cut above the rest.

[@cloudgazer750]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video! Thank U 🌻

[@HbbH38]

I haven't been home for 6 years now. Will definitely look for it when I go back to Sg. Hopefully soon.

[@Ariel-12345]

シンガポール行ったらぜひ栗原さんのお店行ってみたいです🍜！！

[@dablackink5484]

Ah he owns a coffee shop, mad respect.

[@Killerpants1125channel]

The moment I saw him with the good morning towel around his neck, I knew the good was gonna be good haha

[@nuhguguh6842]

Awesome story!

[@seokguekeng928]

Hardworking. Good in cooking for survival.

[@sleepy_dobe]

I know the estate he stays in. I used to stay there. Very very good fried chicken wings. Don't know if still there now or not, though.

[@starwith90]

Nice video !! 😊👍 Thank for sharing

[@jameslatief1]

Very cool video. I always think that the owner of a coffeeshop only brew coffee with socks, but this one actually go open new stalls too.