Meet the kids who grew up in Chinese takeaways - BBC Stories

BBC Stories meets the children of Chinese immigrants who sacrificed their childhoods by working. From peeling shrimp to confronting racist customers, they grew up fast to help their immigrant parents.
#bbcstories #takeaway #britishchinese

[Lotusfrog]

This video really highlights what it feels like to be a takeaway kid and the efforts and sacrifices our parents made to give us a good life. I’m really touched by this video and glad to hear that other takeaway kids have shared the same experiences as I have :’) ❤️

[yhong]

Media rarely cover the British chinese. This is enlightening.

[pollumG]

I was one of these kids... No regrets..respect to my parents. Fed all my friends, always had cash and had a private education. Now my life is easy thanks to businesses running themselves .. I thank my parents for that

[simsimran]

Really respect the first generation immigrants who worked so hard to earn a living in the UK. Im Indian and my grandparents came over in the 50's and I am so thankful to them and even my parents for how I am living now ♥️♥️

[soniabechus]

I live in New Zealand and the young girl at our local Chinese restaurant is about 10. I asked her what type of seafood was on the menu. She was incredibly smart and named all the types of fish straight away and how it was served! Not only that, she took orders and payments and gave change. Really blew me away 🤗

[shon]

Growing up in a takeaway where social life was zero, only day off was Tuesday, however I was fortunate to afford things other kids didn't. 30 years on I thank my mum and dad for literally slaving over a hot stove to ensure us kids have a decent education and future.

[richysixx]

I'm not Chinese but I remember all of my Chinese friends when we were children that used to translate for their parents, I remember thinking that was a lot of responsibility for a child, I had a lot of respect for them.

[Kevinsph]

Could BBC hire that guy second from the right. I could listen to him all day.

[Burningredroses]

The story about his father getting spit on made me cry.

[rebeccawcleung]

Hi from a former Takeaway kid from East London!!! This video brought back fond memories.. I worked at the shop front since 12, taking orders and also helped out with food prepping/chopping/cleaning.. I used to do my homework in between taking orders too... Glad to say I never lost my focus, did my GCSE with 11As, got into 4 of the best medical schools in London and I have been a doctor for 10+ years... the years at the takeaway was challenging, but it really made me grow up and taught me how to handle difficult /nasty people... those years shape who I am today!!!

[chasewong]

A message from a former Chinese take-away kid to all those that have made racist remarks towards me and my family: I contributed £45, 000 in taxes last year so that we can live in a better place together.

[ryanphung]

CAN WE MAKE A VIETNAMESE VERSION !!! The nailshop kids and the KOREAN ONES the beauty supply kids

[xoidragon]

Just shows how hardworking, dedicated, resilient, and loving the Chinese people are. I have to admit, this brought tears of admiration to my eyes.

[wazoowi]

Growing up in a Chinese restaurant that my parents owned, seeing this tugs my heartstrings because it's the closest representation of my childhood that I've ever seen in media. We had a fair share of those racist experiences from rude customers but you just bounce back and keep working. Thank you BBC for making this and putting it out there.

[tobiastranetellefsen]

There is a chinese takeaway at Hundvåg in Stavanger in Norway were I live wich have been here for decades. The guy running that shop even has his own facebook page that someone made just for fun. The facebook page is just meant out of respect and apreaciation for his hard work. He is kinda like a little local celebrity here.

[chasewong]

Even though I am a take-away kid from Canada, I can relate to everything these UK take-away kids have said. I have a similar story for every story they had and that's pretty cool. Watching my parent's work tirelessly 7 days a week is what motivated me to make the best out of the opportunity they provided. I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering from a top Canadian university, worked in investment banks, and now live a luxury high rise in London. Thank you, Mom and Dad, and to all the honest hard-working immigrant parents out there.

[AJamal-yjnl]

I really respect East Asians, they came with nothing to the uk and managed to make it out. Big respect to them👌🏾

[megabigblur]

Once when I was visiting my sister in the UK we went to Cornwall and at some point popped into a Chinese takeaway in some random small town and the people there were so obviously happy to see other Chinese people it's literally the only time in my life I've been truly sorry I can't speak Mandarin.

[Anhl-vi]

I'm chinese born and raised in Italy. I work for my family in a clothing store. We get prank calls and teens coming in the shop putting up a fake accent or elders asking me if I can speak italian pretty often... Duuude what a life

[tommychong]

Well im the kid that grew up in a Chinese restaurant in Ireland. Hats off to the people that sacrifice their life and shine on a clear pathway for us generations.