Juniper
Actually, I don’t know anyone who would say “Fuiyoh”! other than Uncle Roger and that is something that will always be associated with him. I started watching Uncle Roger’s videos a few years ago, probably during the pandemic when everyone was stuck at home. Of course, like most fans of Uncle Roger, it started with that video of UR criticizing the BBC Food video of Hersha Patel cooking egg fried rice. I’m not a fan of the pidgin accent but it was fascinating to watch UR speaking like a middle-aged Chinese uncle who complains about everything.
Although I missed out on the official opening of UR’s restaurants at Pavilion KL, MyTown and IPC, I was invited to his latest and 4th outlet located at Central i-City and finally met the person who is now arguably best associated with fried rice in Malaysia. The man behind the persona, Nigel Ng speaks completely differently from his alter ego, UR. There’s no doubt that the person behind the character is charming, well-spoken and highly intelligent.
My brief interview with UR made my day as it isn’t every day I get to meet such a famous person who has done so much to promote Malaysian fried rice and make this comforting dish well known to tourists from abroad.
What was the journey like from comedian to restaurateur?
UR: My comedy character UR has an inclination towards food & I personally love food. Westerners don’t do Asian food justice, and I felt that fried rice is underrated. I tasted different fried rice. In Southeast Asia, the fried rice flavours are heavy. Taiwanese, Japanese and Korean fried rice flavours are wet and sweet. Southeast Asia combines the best flavours. I find Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian fried rice to be the best.
What challenges have you faced along the way?
UR: The haters have commented on how good the (Uncle Roger) fried rice can be. As someone who is in the entertainment industry, I have got used to the hate but my team had to get used to the hate. The team had to understand that you will always get haters. Sometimes through you have to acknowledge the ones who give constructive criticism.
How has the response been so far?
UR: It’s been very good. What you read on the Internet may be different from the reality on the ground.
You are about to open 2 more outlets in KLIA2 and Johor?
UR: Yes, KLIA2 is a great international hub. When passengers land in KLIA2, they are likely to be hungry. We are opening in KLIA2 in early February and Johor in late March.
Will there be any outlets opening in other states?
UR: I am not sure if anything has been fixed.
Why have you chosen to open in Central i-City?
UR: Central i-City is a good business hub. After eating here, you can head on over to Klang for bak kut teh.
