BananaBro, Boat Noodle founder Tony Lim dies at 47

SHAH ALAM - Tony Lim, the founder of popular Malaysian restaurant chains BananaBro and Boat Noodle, has died at the age of 47.

BananaBro announced his passing in a statement, paying tribute to Lim for his vision of bringing Malaysia’s banana leaf dining culture to the world.

The company said Lim built BananaBro on his passion, generosity and unwavering belief in his dream, adding that his legacy would live on through the food served at its outlets and the people he had touched.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder.

“Though he is no longer with us, his dream lives on in every banana leaf we serve and every life he has touched,” it said.

Lim founded Boat Noodle in 2014, introducing Malaysian diners to Thai-style boat noodles served in small bowls, inspired by the traditional street food culture of Thailand.

The concept gained popularity for its distinctive dining experience, with customers able to enjoy different noodle varieties in smaller portions. The chain currently has 49 outlets nationwide.

In 2018, Lim went on to establish BananaBro, bringing banana leaf rice to more diners through a restaurant concept centred on Malaysian Indian cuisine. The brand has since grown to more than 40 outlets across the country.

Beyond the food and beverage industry, Lim was also involved in the logistics sector through his family business.

According to Prestige, Lim began his career in the family’s trucking business in 2005 and remained actively involved in its operations while expanding his restaurant ventures.

Lim's business ventures spanned multiple industries, with Boat Noodle and BananaBro becoming established names in Malaysia's dining scene.