For one Indian man, Malaysia was more than just a workplace, it was a vibrant tapestry of flavors, cultures, and culinary delights that left an indelible mark.
Now, his passion for Malaysian cuisine has blossomed into a thriving business in his hometown of Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
A recent viral video introduced the world to this former foreign worker, known on social media as Kani Boy, and his new venture, a restaurant dedicated to bringing the tastes of Malaysia to India.
Kani Boy’s restaurant, aptly named Tomyam Malaysia, officially opened its doors on July 2, 2025.
It boasts a diverse menu of Malaysian favourites, with Tom Yum taking center stage and quickly becoming a hit among locals.
Beyond the fiery soup, customers can savour a wide array of dishes including fried noodles, rojak, apam balik, satay, mee sotong, and the ever-popular nasi lemak served with crispy fried chicken.
Known for his skill in preparing roti canai, Kani Boy shared that his restaurant has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
He even filmed a video, speaking fluent Malay, to thank Malaysians for their support.
The comment section of the viral video is brimming with praise and admiration for Kani Boy’s inspiring story.
One commenter summarized the sentiment: “A unique business idea! He used his skills to open a restaurant that doesn’t exist in India.”