“Makan On Wheels”: From Roadside Classics to East Coast Adventures

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English | 中文

The scent of sizzling oil, a steaming claypot, and the low hum of a truck engine. This isn’t a busy mall or a fancy restaurant — it’s the world of Makan On Wheels (Chinese title: 开着餐车趴趴走), MediaCorp’s food-travel show that rolls through Malaysia in a humble food truck. Across two seasons, the series has grown from exploring local food culture to blending adventure, nature, and culinary storytelling.

Season 1 (2024): The Road as Restaurant

Season 1 introduces the core trio — Bryan Wong, Herman Keh, and Chef Melvyn Lee — as they navigate Malaysia’s towns and streets. From Sekinchan’s paddy fields to Ipoh’s heritage cafés, the show dives into local dishes like nasi lemak, kopitiam snacks, and regional sweet treats.

The magic lies in the hosts’ interactions with local vendors. Chef Melvyn reflects: 

I love seeing familiar dishes in new towns — it reminds me that food connects people, no matter where you go.

Viewers are invited to experience food as cultural exchange, not just consumption. Season 1 frames each stop as a living classroom: tastes, techniques, and stories are equally celebrated. Social chatter may be modest, but those who catch clips on YouTube or micro-posts on TikTok note the authentic, grounded approach that distinguishes it from polished culinary travel shows.


Season 2 (2025): Expanding Horizons

Building on Season 1’s foundation, Season 2 brings new dynamics and broader geography. A new host, Lai Yuhan, joins the team, adding fresh energy and perspectives. The road now stretches to Malaysia’s East Coast, combining coastal towns, mountains, and mangroves with the familiar food-truck format.

Culinary highlights in Season 2 include Chaozhou oyster omelette, claypot rice, Hainan beef noodles, and Nyonya braised chicken — dishes paired with the environmental and cultural context of their origins. Episodes show the physicality of travel, from early starts to climbing hills, making the hosts’ experiences as tangible as the meals themselves.

This season leans into adventure-food storytelling, blending traditional culinary exploration with the thrill of travel and environmental immersion. For viewers, it’s a reminder that food is inseparable from the place, people, and culture that produce it.



Quiet Buzz, Rich Insight

Across both seasons, Makan On Wheels has maintained a low-key social footprint. It’s not dominating TikTok or trending hashtags, yet its quiet presence is meaningful. Long-form, culturally-rich content often thrives in niche communities, viewers who value depth over spectacle. A YouTube comment captures this sentiment:

I wish more shows explored Malaysian streets like this — feels authentic.

The series shows that meaningful storytelling does not need viral buzz to be culturally impactful. By focusing on food, people, and place, it quietly cements itself as a reference for mobile food culture and regional culinary identity.

Why This Matters

Makan On Wheels demonstrates how food, mobility, and culture intersect across seasons:

  1. Creativity in motion: Entrepreneurs and creators can tell stories beyond static restaurants, using mobility to engage communities.

  2. Authenticity over hype: Both seasons show that audience resonance is built through lived experiences, not just viral clips.

  3. Cultural storytelling evolves: Season 1 grounds viewers in heritage and local identity; Season 2 expands to adventure and natural context, showing growth without losing the original charm.

Ultimately, the series reminds us that the journey matters as much as the meal. From roadside stalls to East Coast adventures, these rolling kitchens reveal that food is a bridge, connecting people, places, and culture in ways that stick quietly but powerfully.

References & Sources

  • MediaCorp Content Distribution: Makan On Wheels Product Page
  • meWATCH.sg: Episode Clips & Program Details
  • Apple TV: Show Listing and Synopsis
  • Astro GO / Asian Food Network HD: Streaming Information
  • YouTube micro-posts: Viewer comments and clip engagement
  • ZaoBao & Shicheng News: Season 2 coverage, cast interviews, and culinary highlights

 Resource: MediaCorp

Location: Malaysia

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