Sarawak’s “Kolo Mee Beauty” Draws Crowds After Viral Photos Spark Buzz
A female hawker in Kuching has become an overnight sensation after photos of her selling Sarawak’s iconic Kolo Mee went viral on social media. Her striking appearance and stylish attire caught the attention of netizens across Malaysia, drawing both admiration and curiosity.
Operating at a food centre in Kuching, the young stall owner was photographed wearing a black low-cut top and a white spaghetti-strap tank, attire that highlighted her curvy figure and charming features. The images circulated rapidly, earning her the nickname “Kolo Mee Xi Shi,” likening her to the legendary beauty of ancient China.
The public reaction was swift. Within days, her modest noodle stall transformed into a must-visit destination, with many locals and even West Malaysians expressing interest in flying to Sarawak just for a taste of her cooking.
Netizen Interest Turns a Local Noodle Stall into a Tourist Attraction
Among the flood of social media comments, one particularly enthusiastic post stood out. A netizen claimed he had purchased a plane ticket from West Malaysia just to try a bowl of her Kolo Mee, which reportedly costs only RM5. He joked that with such affordable pricing and her star appeal, a few visits would make the airfare worthwhile.
Others flooded the comments with admiration, with many calling her the “pride of Kuching” and some even suggesting the stall should be listed as a food and tourism hotspot. Comments ranged from “the most beautiful hawker I’ve ever seen” to playful remarks such as “finally, food that looks as good as it tastes.”
The attention has not only benefited the hawker’s business but also brought renewed interest to Sarawak’s culinary heritage. Kolo Mee, a dry noodle dish tossed in lard and shallot oil, has long been a staple of Sarawakian cuisine, but this recent viral wave has given it a fresh platform in Malaysia’s food culture conversation.
Viral Fame Raises Profile of Sarawak Cuisine and Small Business Owners
While some critics have cautioned against focusing solely on appearances, many others argue that her popularity has helped spotlight the hardworking nature of local food operators — especially young entrepreneurs who are modernising traditional fare.
Her rise to fame echoes similar cases in Asia where street vendors have gained popularity due to social media virality, drawing attention not only to themselves but also to the cultural significance of their food.
This incident reflects how digital platforms can rapidly transform small businesses, with visual appeal and social engagement acting as powerful marketing tools. With Kuching now on the radar of many who previously had no plans to visit, the “Kolo Mee Xi Shi” may have done more for tourism than any official campaign — all with just a bowl of noodles and a smile.