A recent TikTok post by Nur Ellanie (@nurellanie_) has gone viral, showcasing the amusing antics of an American man named Asher at a local farmers market in Malaysia. In the video, Asher, who hails from California, is seen enthusiastically helping Ellanie's mother sell mi rojak, a popular Malaysian dish.
@nurellanie_ Staff baru mak. #Asherdarling original sound - ʟᴀɴʏɪꜱᴍᴀɪʟ - ʟᴀɴʏ.ɪꜱᴍᴀɪʟ
Accompanied by his friend Parker, Asher didn't just stand behind the stall; he threw himself into the experience, shouting out promotional lines in a blend of English and Malay slang that immediately caught the attention of many online.
"Rojak mi, rojak mi. Buy buy, delicious 'namampus'. You can look like me if you eat (mi rojak)," Asher shouted with enthusiasm, drawing smiles and laughs from passersby and netizens alike.
According to Ellanie, Asher is her adoptive brother during her time studying in Malaysia. She revealed that his mother once lived in Malaysia and is fluent in Malay, which helped Asher pick up the language, especially the unique "rojak" style of mixing Malay and English, from both her and his Malaysian friends.
Despite the fact that the dish sold rapidly within two hours, Asher reportedly became a little stressed when a portion of the mi rojak remained unsold. His dedication and dramatic efforts to sell every last bite amused many who watched the video.
His approach to selling wasn't far off from that of seasoned local vendors who rely on energy, humour, and catchy lines to attract customers. Clearly, Asher has a hidden talent for entrepreneurship and a flair for local-style marketing.
In the comment section, many netizens praised Asher for his fun-loving personality and his willingness to connect with the local crowd, even if his Malay wasn't perfect. The video sparked a wave of positive reactions, with users commending his efforts and expressing delight at the wholesome cross-cultural moment.
From California to a Malaysian pasar tani, Asher's spirited attempt to sell mi rojak was not only heartwarming but also a brilliant reminder of how food, and a good sense of humour, can bring people together.