Former Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew Turns Nasi Lemak Star

A former Singapore Airlines cabin crew member, Masita Ghani, has gained unexpected online fame after old photographs of her as an SQ calendar girl resurfaced. The 56-year-old has been operating the Aliff Nasi Lemak stall at Serangoon Garden Market with her husband Mohammad Firuz Samuri, 53, for 15 years. Her stunning past images have led to comparisons with popular singer and actress Selena Gomez, delighting netizens and drawing attention to their food stall.

Masita’s journey began in 1990 when she joined Singapore Airlines as a flight attendant. After a decade of service, she left her role in 2000 on her doctor’s advice as she was trying to conceive. Her son, Ashraff, was born the following year. Recently, Masita was thrust back into the spotlight when fellow former SIA crew member Serena Wong visited her food stall and shared videos of their encounter on social media. Wong praised Masita’s beauty, calling her “cantik,” which means pretty in Malay.

From the Skies to the Stall

The old photographs featured in Wong’s videos sparked a wave of nostalgia online, with one TikTok clip receiving over 460,000 views. Masita initially felt apprehensive about the viral attention, fearing it might be negative. Yet, the response remained overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers expressing their admiration for her natural beauty and warm personality.

Masita expressed her surprise at the attention, stating, “I didn’t understand why they chose me… There were so many more stunning girls around me.” Despite her humility, the nostalgia surrounding the Singapore Airlines calendars, which showcased a select few female crew members, highlights the prestige associated with her past.

While Masita did not retain her own copies of the calendar, she is grateful that friends and family preserved some of the images. The photographs capture her as the quintessential Singapore Girl, adorned in the iconic batik kebaya, radiating a youthful glow.

Building a Successful Food Business

Masita and Firuz’s Nasi Lemak stall has seen increased patronage since the videos went viral. The couple runs their business with dedication, serving traditional dishes such as fried chicken and goreng pisang. Masita’s background in customer service from her airline days complements her new role, although she admits she had to adjust her communication style to connect better with customers.

Initially hesitant about joining the food and beverage industry, Masita began working full-time at the stall at Firuz’s insistence. She now enjoys the flexibility and community spirit of hawker life, relishing the gestures of kindness from regular customers, especially during festive seasons.

Firuz, who originally trained as a computer analyst, transitioned to the food business after taking over a family butcher stall. He opened the first Aliff Nasi Lemak outlet in Bedok North and later expanded to Serangoon Garden, naming the stall after their son. Firuz handles the cooking, ensuring that each dish is prepared with care.

As their popularity grows, Masita dreams of one day opening a café, possibly featuring unique fusion dishes like fried bananas with ice cream. For now, the couple remains focused on their bustling stall, which has become a beloved spot in the community.

Their story exemplifies not only a personal journey from the skies to the kitchen but also the power of community support and the enduring charm of traditional food. Aliff Nasi Lemak continues to attract both new and returning customers, with Masita’s viral fame serving as a delightful backdrop to their culinary success.

Aliff Nasi Lemak (Ashraff) is located at 49A Serangoon Garden Way, #01-27, Serangoon Garden Market, Singapore 555945. The stall operates daily except on Mondays and Fridays, from 07:30 to 15:00.