Former SQ Calendar Girl Finds Fame as Nasi Lemak Hawker

Masita Ghani, a former Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight attendant, has gained viral fame after old photographs of her as an SIA calendar girl resurfaced online. The 56-year-old has been running her stall, Aliff Nasi Lemak, at Serangoon Garden Market alongside her husband, Mohammad Firuz Samuri, for the past 15 years. The renewed interest in her past followed a TikTok and Instagram post by fellow former SIA crew member, Serena Wong, showcasing their encounter at the food stall.

In the videos, Wong praised Masita’s charm and beauty, affectionately calling her “cantik,” which translates to “pretty” in Malay. The clips quickly captured the attention of social media users, with one TikTok video amassing over 460,000 views. Masita, who initially felt apprehensive about the sudden attention, expressed her surprise at the positive response from viewers. “I thought going viral meant negative things,” she admitted, adding that she was delighted to reconnect with former colleagues as a result of the online buzz.

Masita began her career with Singapore Airlines in 1990, where she served as a flight attendant for a decade. She left the profession in 2000 on her doctor’s advice while trying to conceive. Her son, Ashraff, was born in 2001. Although she contemplated returning to her aviation career, Masita ultimately prioritized family over flying. “Family comes first,” she emphasized, acknowledging the challenges of balancing long hours with motherhood.

From Skies to Stall

Fifteen years ago, Firuz expanded his nasi lemak business by opening a second outlet in Serangoon Garden, after starting the original stall in Bedok North. Masita joined him at the new location, leaving her position as a retail supervisor at Sephora. Despite initial hesitations, she embraced the full-time commitment to the food business. “It was difficult at first, but I grew to like the flexible schedule. It’s my own time, own target,” she reflected.

The couple’s day begins at 6 a.m. and winds down by mid-afternoon. Masita’s past as a flight attendant influences her customer service approach. She recalls needing to adjust her communication style to make customers feel more at ease, saying, “At first, I spoke too formally, like SQ style.” The couple has built a loyal customer base, with many patrons showing support and generosity during festive seasons.

The viral videos featuring Masita’s past have not only rekindled connections with former colleagues but also significantly boosted their business. Aliff Nasi Lemak has seen a surge in customers eager to try their popular dishes, such as goreng pisang (fried bananas) and fried fish. The stall has become a local favorite, drawing in crowds and creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Community and Culinary Dreams

Firuz, who originally pursued a career in IT, shifted his focus after taking over the family butcher stall. His passion for cooking led him to establish Aliff Nasi Lemak, named after their son, Ashraff. He takes pride in preparing each dish, from frying chicken wings to making sambal from scratch.

Their popular nasi lemak sets, priced at S$5 and S$6, showcase the couple’s commitment to quality. The rice is fragrant and coconut-infused, complemented by expertly fried fish and chicken. The couple’s dedication to their craft is evident in the attention to detail they maintain.

Looking ahead, Masita dreams of owning a shophouse while Firuz fantasizes about opening a café that serves creative fusion dishes. “It’s very expensive… so it’s just a dream for now,” Masita noted with a chuckle. Despite the challenges, they remain focused on their current venture, combining their culinary skills with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers returning.

As the couple continues to navigate the busy hawker scene, Masita’s story serves as a reminder of the power of community and connection, proving that even in a bustling city, the human touch remains invaluable.