BananaBro and Fishermen’s “Banana Leaf Blankie” turns food comas into a fun experience
The age-old Malaysian tradition of indulging in a heavy banana leaf rice meal followed by a blissful midday snooze just got a cheeky upgrade, courtesy of BananaBro and Fishermen Integrated. Originally an April Fools’ day gag, the brand’s “Banana Leaf Blankie” has morphed into a real-life phenomenon.
BananaBro set social media abuzz when they reintroduced the Banana Leaf Blankie through a playful giveaway. The response was remarkable:
• 1.3 million views
• 11,000+ interactions and more
Fans flooded the comments section proclaiming they were “daun” (leaf) for the cozy creation—proving that the post-meal food coma is not just a universal experience, but also an opportunity for a lighthearted, relatable campaign that resonates deeply with local audiences. Adding to the buzz, prominent personalities and publications—including Two Time Malaysian Olympic medalist Pandelela Rinong, Ling Yien, Joshua Michael (@joshmadj), WeirdKaya and KL Foodie —all shared the Blankie on their platforms, further amplifying the excitement around this delightfully quirky innovation.
“After enjoying our signature banana leaf rice, Malaysians often feel that irresistible wave of drowsiness,” said Aaron Gan, CEO. “Instead of fighting it, we decided to lean into it. The Banana Leaf Blankie captures the fun-loving, laid-back spirit of our diners—and the overwhelming response we received shows we’re all on the same page.”
Mark Darren Lee, Co-founder of Fishermen, added: “This campaign perfectly shows how tapping into a genuine local insight—the post-meal food coma—can spark conversations that go beyond social media, engaging with Malaysians in a fun, relatable way.”
The Banana Leaf Blankie’s journey began with an outpouring of requests on social media. In response, BananaBro surprised fans with personalized blankets—each featuring a unique sleeve message inspired by witty, friendly banter shared online.
The excitement reached new heights when BananaBro offered fans the chance to win the Banana Leaf Blankie at their newest outlet in One Utama. Customers who purchased a meal were invited to join a contest, transforming the quest for this cozy keepsake into a fun, interactive experience. Lucky winners soon found themselves drifting into post-meal bliss under their brand-new Banana Leaf Blankie—turning a simple midday nap into a memorable ritual.
At its heart, the Banana Leaf Blankie exemplifies BananaBro’s playful brand ethos—celebrating local culture and turning everyday routines (like the inevitable food coma) into positive, share-worthy moments. By blending humor, authenticity, and community spirit, the campaign has garnered genuine engagement on social media and beyond.