Toa Payoh zi char restaurant gifts head chef Rolex watch as thanks for 20 years of dedication

A zi char restaurant in Singapore surprised its head chef with a Rolex watch to thank him for 20 years of dedication.

Kelly Jie Seafood, formerly known as Toa Payoh Mellben Seafood, shared a video of the surprise on Mar. 23.

According to the caption, the chef has been with the restaurant since its first day in 2006.

The business is now run by Kelly Soon’s two daughters following her retirement.

20 years of dedication

The sisters said the chef had been more than just a head chef — he was also Soon’s closest partner and helped carry the kitchen through its toughest periods.

“As times changed and we stepped in to take over, he continued to give his 101%, guiding us patiently, supporting us wholeheartedly, and caring for us like his own daughters,” the caption read.

To show their appreciation, the family decided to gift him a Rolex watch — something they said he had always wanted but never brought himself to buy.

Bright smiles all around

In the video, the chef reacted with surprise upon receiving a paper bag and discovering a Rolex box inside.

He broke into a wide smile but double-checked if the gift was really for him.

When encouraged to try it on, he joked that his wrist was oily, to everyone's amusement.

He was given some hand sanitiser to clean his hands.

After finally putting on the watch, he beamed with joy.

Well deserved.

Top photos from kellyjieseafood/Instagram