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Nigel Ng

As a stand-up, he was winner of the Amused Moose Laugh-Off 2016; and finalist in the Leicester Square Theatre and Laughing Horse new act of the year competitions in 2015. But he really found his niche online, as creator of viral alter ego 'Uncle Roger' and as host of the Rice To Meet You podcast.

Uncle Roger opens his own restaurant

After criticising chefs online, comic Nigel Ng puts his money where his mouth is

Comic Nigel Ng, who shot to fame criticising examples of Asian cooking on social media, has opened his own restaurant.

The stand-up has opened Fuiyoh! It’s Uncle Roger – named after his online alter-ego- in his hometown of Kuala Lumpur.

Writing on social media, he said: ‘Never in my life would I expect this to be a reality. Four years ago I was just a comedian making silly videos in my apartment. And now I have a fried rice restaurant that’s going to get roasted by everyone HAIYAAA.

‘The team and I have been eating so much fried rice wok hei is now my favorite cologne. We’re all really proud of the food we’re putting out.’

‘But seriously, a sincere thank you to all the love and support all you nieces and nephews have shown me since the beginning. I hope to one day expand the restaurant internationally so everyone can try Uncle Roger’s fried rice.’

The eatery opened today, and on Saturday he is inviting fans to come dressed as his alter-ego to set a Guinness World Record for the ‘largest gathering of Uncle Rogers’.

Malay Mail reported big crowds turning out for the opening in the Pavilion KL shopping centre, with some arriving two hours ahead of its opening, and some wearing Uncle Roger’s signature organge polo shirt.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nigel Ng (Uncle Roger) (@mrnigelng)

Ng, 33, originally created the character of a judgmental middle-aged uncle who speaks with an exaggerated Cantonese accent with UK-based Swedish comedian Evelyn Mok. His reaction videos, making exasperated comments on cookery demos, have won him 11million followers on TikTok, 9million on YouTube and 4.5million on Instagram

Ng cut his teeth on the UK stand-up circuit, making the finals of several new act competitions before being nominated for best newcomer at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe.

Here he is cooking with Gordon Ramsay in Brighton:

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Published: 11 Sep 2024