The 'Miss' behind Miss Chu
(WOOLLOOMOOLOO)

Nahji Chu is the woman behind our favourite street-side Vietnamese lunch spot in Woolloomooloo. She took a breather under the shade of a banana tree to tell us about business, coconut milk shakes and dedication.

Tell us a little about your business?
Miss Chu is an Asian canape specialist as well as being a Vietnamese hawker hole in the wall serving yum cha and Vietnamese dishes during the week. I started Misschu because I was so dismayed by the quality of lunch foods on offer that were quick, easy, really good and fresh - and mostly because no one could do rice paper rolls the way I did, not even the Vietnamese!

How did your journey start?
I left my office job as a Credit Analyst for a bank with no money but I knew Miss Chu just had to happen. I sold a piece of art for $1500 and went to do a 10 day Vapassana course in the Blue Mountains to meditate on my new business plan. I also participated in the New Enterprise Initiative Scheme (NEIS) which has really helped me to set up business with no money.

What have been your biggest challenges?
It is still a challenge to get to the stage where we can do another store but we have to do it really soon as there are already people stealing our concept. But hey, to quote Winston Churchill, "it is better to fail at originality than to succeed in imitation," not that Miss Chu is anywhere near failure.

What keeps you motivated to continue creating?
The fact that my creation (Miss Chu) works is reason enough to get out of bed. People are always congratulating me on my great concept and that definitely helps with my motivation.

Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by growth, technology and new ways of doing things. My staff are also inspiring!

What is Sydney’s best-kept secret?
The little surf club at Neilsen Park Beach in Vaucluse - it's an old cottage literally right on the beach and you can rent it out for the day for only $750! It's a rare find.

What makes Misschu special?
The banana trees, the chickens and the bamboo awning - we are in a league of our own.

Tell us your favourite thing on the menu?
Miss Chu's banana lassi which aren't really lassi but I don't know what else to call them. It's frozen coconut young juice mixes with banana and mint and they are amazing.

Miss Chu
1/150 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo.
T: 8356 9988
Open M to F 11-9pm
SPECIAL OFFER: Hire a zero emissions electric bike and receive your first hour free.