Fact Finder - Food and Drink

Fact
The Origin of the Chiko Roll
Category
Food and Drink
Subcategory
Global Cuisine
Country
Australia
Description
The Chiko Roll is an Australian cultural icon, often found at sporting events and fish-and-chip shops. It was inspired by the Chinese spring roll but designed to be much sturdier. Frank McEncroe, a boilermaker from Bendigo, wanted a snack that could be held in one hand at a football match, leaving the other hand free to hold a beer. The name 'Chiko' is short for 'Chicken Roll,' although the original recipe ironically contained no chicken—it was a mix of mutton, barley, cabbage, carrots, and celery. The roll is famous for its thick, doughy skin that is deep-fried to a hard crunch, making it durable enough to survive the rough environment of a sports stadium.