THE CHIKO ROLL The humble Chiko roll stands next to the stereotypical Aussie icons of meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars. It celebrates its 50th birthday next year after making its first appearance in 1951 at the Wagga Wagga show in New South Wales. Its creator Mr McEnroe (no, not the tennis superbrat!) was a Bendigo boilermaker who combined fresh vegetables with meat to create a unique Aussie snack. It was conceived as a hot snack to be eaten with one hand leaving the other free for the cold beer stubby. In appearance, it resembled a giant Chinese spring roll wrapped in its quintessential trademark serving bag. Contrary to local public opinion, its ingredients do not include chicken! This misconception stems from the fact that Chiko rolls were originally called chicken rolls. Today the Chiko roll is exported to Japan. The controversial "Chiko roll chick" 
Chiko is aimed at young males and is usually sold from the fast disappearing corner milk bars and fish �n� chip shops. It is usually eaten at lunchtimes and on weekdays. Their latest advertising campaign has created controversy among the politically correct. As far back as the 1950s, Chiko roll posters featured their infamous female models in suggestive pose perched on a motorbike. This has continued with their latest outdoor campaign featuring a leggy blonde with an abundance of cleavage sitting on a Harley-Davidson with her hand strategically placed in front of her crutch. After receiving several complaints from the public, this poster has been withdrawn.
Links: www.chiko.com.au |