Debate over origin of the Chiko Roll

Debate over origin of the Chiko Roll

THE humble Chiko Roll has driven a wedge through Parliament, sparking a bitter rivalry between three regional MPs.

NSW National MP Andrew Gee, Labor’s Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack all claim the delicious savoury snack originated in their town.

Mr Gee was the first to stake Bathurst’s claim during his first speech to Federal Parliament.

“We aim to please in the central west, and if it is Tic Tacs or Nutella that you enjoy — and I have to confess I am partial to both — they were definitely made in Lithgow,” he said.

Or, if Australia’s iconic Chiko Roll is more to your liking ... it is made in Bathurst.”

Mr Gee said he knew the “Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister” and even “the Prime Minister himself” were all fans of the Chiko roll.

Mr McCormack told ABC News the Chiko Roll was launched at the 1951 Wagga Wagga Agricultural Society Show.

“We have in our Riverina Museum in Wagga Wagga the Gold Chiko Roll given to us by the manufacturers, acknowledging the fact that Wagga Wagga is home of the Chiko Roll.”

But Ms Chesters stepped in, claiming the Chiko Roll’s identity theft was “outrageous” and that it was invented by a Bendigonian.

“I’d strongly request the National Party to do their research, at least start with the back of the packet; it says on the back of the packet that the Chiko Roll was born in Bendigo,” she said.

Ms Chesters posted a Tweet with a picture of the Chiko Roll packaging, which states the Chiko Roll was indeed “born in Bendigo”.

The Chiko Roll, which is an iconic Australian snack akin to meat pies, was invented by Australian businessman Frank McEnroe.

Inspired by the Chinese spring roll, Mr McEnroe rose to fame after inventing the fast food phenomenon.

It first sold in 1951 as the “Chicken Roll” — despite not containing any chicken.

It’s filling is comprised of cabbage, barley, carrot, green beans, beef, wheat, celery and onion.