Uncle Roger, the comedic character brought to life by Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, has become a global internet sensation.
With his signature orange polo shirt and sharp wit, he humorously critiques cooking videos, especially those attempting Asian dishes.
His persona embodies the quintessential Asian uncle, combining stern traditionalism with side-splitting humor.
Through his videos, Uncle Roger not only entertains but also educates viewers on the authentic ways to prepare beloved Asian cuisines.
Let's delve into the 10 food critiques that propelled Uncle Roger to fame.
His Critiques
1. Uncle Roger's Take on BBC Food's Egg Fried Rice
Uncle Roger's rise to fame began with his reaction to a BBC Food tutorial on making egg fried rice.
He hilariously pointed out the unconventional methods used, such as draining rice with a colander and rinsing it under tap water.
His exclamation, "You killing me, woman!", became an internet meme, and the video amassed millions of views.
2. Uncle Roger's Take on Jamie Oliver's Egg Fried Rice
In a now-iconic critique, Uncle Roger reviewed celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's egg fried rice.
He was particularly amused by Oliver's use of chili jam and the absence of a wok.
Calling it "rice murder," Uncle Roger's comedic disapproval resonated with fans who appreciated his advocacy for authenticity.
3. Uncle Roger's Take on Gordon Ramsay's Fried Rice
Contrasting his previous reviews, Uncle Roger praised Gordon Ramsay's fried rice, noting the chef's proper use of a wok and high heat.
He affectionately referred to Ramsay as "Uncle Gordon" and appreciated his efforts to respect traditional cooking techniques.
4. Uncle Roger's Take on Jamie Oliver's Pad Thai
Uncle Roger took aim at Jamie Oliver once again, this time for his Pad Thai recipe.
He humorously criticized the lack of authentic ingredients and the use of unconventional additions like lime leaves, which are not traditionally used in Pad Thai.
5. Uncle Roger's Take on Hersha Patel's Egg Fried Rice (Collaboration)
After his initial critique of BBC Food's egg fried rice, Uncle Roger collaborated with the video's presenter, Hersha Patel.
Together, they recreated the dish, with Uncle Roger guiding her through the traditional methods.
This collaboration showcased his ability to blend humor with education.
6. Uncle Roger's Take on BBC Good Food's Pho
Uncle Roger reviewed a BBC Good Food video on making Vietnamese pho.
He humorously highlighted the shortcuts and missing elements in the recipe, emphasizing the importance of patience and proper ingredients in achieving the dish's rich flavors.
7. Uncle Roger's Take on Mapo Tofu by Jamie Oliver
Continuing his light-hearted feud with Jamie Oliver, Uncle Roger critiqued Oliver's Mapo Tofu recipe.
He pointed out the deviations from the traditional Sichuan dish, such as the absence of Sichuan peppercorns and the use of non-traditional meats.
8. Uncle Roger's Take on Nigella Lawson's Mee Goreng
Uncle Roger reacted to Nigella Lawson's take on Mee Goreng, an Indonesian stir-fried noodle dish.
He humorously noted the lack of authentic elements and playfully questioned some of her ingredient choices, all while maintaining his signature comedic style.
9. Uncle Roger's Take on Rachel Ray's Pho
In this critique, Uncle Roger reviewed Rachel Ray's 15-minute pho recipe.
He jestingly criticized the feasibility of making authentic pho in such a short time and pointed out the missing traditional spices and techniques that give the dish its depth.
10. Uncle Roger's Take on Instant Noodles Gourmetization
Uncle Roger often jokes about instant noodles, a staple in many Asian households.
In various videos, he humorously critiques attempts to "gourmetize" instant noodles, emphasizing that sometimes simplicity is key and that instant noodles should be enjoyed as intended.
Conclusion
Uncle Roger's comedic critiques have struck a chord with audiences worldwide, blending humor with a sincere appreciation for culinary traditions.
His videos serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural authenticity in cooking, all while providing entertainment.
By highlighting the missteps in popular cooking tutorials, he not only amuses his viewers but also educates them on the rich heritage behind each dish.
Uncle Roger's rise to fame underscores the universal appeal of food and laughter in bringing people together across cultures.
