AI Photos of Celebrities at Penang's Nasi Kandar Stall Go Viral
AI-generated images of global stars "visiting" a Penang nasi kandar stall spark viral buzz and online laughter
What do Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Jackie Chan, Shah Rukh Khan, Tom Cruise, and Tim Cook have in common? Apparently, a shared love for nasi kandar — or so it seems, thanks to the internet’s latest AI-powered viral sensation.
Penang Eatery Goes Viral
Nasi Kandar Sulaiman (NKS), a humble eatery in Penang, Malaysia, has taken social media by storm after posting a series of AI-generated images depicting international celebrities dining at their stall. These images, shared on TikTok, show famous figures like Messi and Ronaldo enjoying the spicy Malaysian dish or posing for selfies with the restaurant’s signboard.
The first video, posted on Sept 4, featured both football stars in various candid moments at the restaurant, from sharing a meal to posing with staff. That clip alone attracted 1.4 million views.
Celebrity Cameos — With a Twist
The restaurant continued the trend with more AI-generated content. Highlights include:
Arnold Schwarzenegger taking a selfie with a robot — a nod to his Terminator days.
Jackie Chan leaping over a falling chair.
Vin Diesel playing with a remote-controlled car as staff go about their work.
Shah Rukh Khan casually paying a RM10 bill at the counter — his post becoming the most viewed at 2.4 million views.
Tom Cruise, hanging from a ceiling fan, as if mid-stunt in a Mission: Impossible movie.
Netizens React
Though most posts were captioned to clarify that the images were AI-generated, some users were genuinely confused by the photorealism. Comments ranged from “Is this real?” to “Since when did Messi and Ronaldo come to Malaysia?”
Others embraced the fun, leaving laughing emojis and requesting appearances by even more stars — from Ultraman to BTS’ Jung Kook.
Nasi Kandar: The Real Star
At the center of all the excitement is nasi kandar, a beloved Malaysian dish of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and flavorful side dishes. Known for being drenched in spicy gravies — or banjir style — it’s a comfort food staple with deep roots in the local food scene.
Thanks to NKS' creative use of AI and humor, nasi kandar is enjoying an unexpected moment in the global spotlight.
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