(Source: TikTok | Kaniboy)
Most people bring back souvenirs from overseas trips. But for one man from India, he brought home something even better – a deep love for Malaysian food, and entrepreneurial skills!
Known online as “Kani Boy”, he was once a foreign worker in Malaysia who fell head over heels for iconic dishes like rojak and nasi lemak. He missed those familiar flavours so much that he made a bold move: he returned to his hometown in Tamil Nadu and decided to build his own Malaysian‑style food haven.
(Source: TikTok | Kaniboy)
On 2 July, he launched a restaurant called Tomyam Malaysia, bringing beloved Malaysian classics to a new audience.
The restaurant’s menu reads like a love letter to Malaysian street food: nasi lemak, rojak, apam balik and even satay feature in colourful offerings under one roof. He gets creative too: he showcases roti prata and dishes like tom yam, all presented as part of his take on Malaysian fare.
(Source: TikTok | Kaniboy)
(Source: TikTok | Kaniboy)
Response has been remarkable. Social media users, especially Malaysians, expressed their surprise and support. On TikTok he even spoke in Bahasa Malaysia to say "terima kasih" to his fans in Malaysia and thanked them for believing in his venture, calling out “Malaysia boleh” in heartfelt gratitude.
"Brother, where is your restaurant in India? We may drop by if we're in India."
"Wow, you have Malaysian tomyam, nasi lemak, satay, rojak and chicken rice. A lot of options on your menu."
"What's impressive and a proud moment is how Kani Boy honoured the Malaysian national language in his home country. From the name of the restaurant to the menu items, he never forgot the country where he once worked to earn a living. He learned the Malay language, embraced all the good things from here, and when he had everything he needed, he returned to his homeland, opened a restaurant, and brought along dishes that Malaysians are proud of - like nasi lemak and more."
This journey clearly shows how food can be a bridge between cultures.
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