An Australian burger restaurant has been deemed racist for naming one of its dishes ‘Ching Chong Burger’.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Perth-based restaurant Johnny’s Burgers has been slammed for giving one of its dishes a “racist” name.
The ‘Ching Chong Burger’ was available on Johnny’s Burgers’ menu for three years. In a Facebook post, the restaurant claimed the name of the burger was inspired by their owner, Johnny Wong, and his Malaysian heritage.
“Our Ching Chong burger is inspired by Johnny’s Malaysian heritage,” the post read. “This guy is an explosion of fresh and spicy flavours on Jonny’s secret recipe beef patty.”
Lisa Chappell, a Perth local, started an online petition to have the dish removed after seeing the burger on the menu in April. Chappell asked Mr Wong to remove the burger but he declined.
“Johnny’s Burger joint serves up an extra side dish that is frowned upon by many,” she said. “Racism! The offensively named Ching Chong Burger has sat proudly on Johnny’s menu for many years, however enough is enough!”
“Help us stand up to racism and force Johnny’s Burger Joint to remove this burger from their laminated menus.”
Chappell’s petition began a few weeks ago and has over 80 signatures and many agreed with Chappell’s stance. One commenter wrote in a review of the restaurant, “Ching Chong burger is on their menu. That phrase has been used to mock Asian kids for ages. If the owners are not aware of this, then they are lying. No one should support this racist establishment. Who knows what they do to their foods behind closed doors when serving Asian customers (or any customers)?”
However, some defended the burger joint, claiming that Mr Wong had the right to name his burger ‘Ching Chong’ as he is of Asian descent. One commenter wrote,“will that half wit woman Lisa Chappell who is making stupid claims about Johnny’s burger names please go away and STFU. Go Johnny.
