15 June 2008

The Chiko Roll and Potato Scallops

This is a flashback post that will mean much more to my Australian readers who lived the 70's and 80's like my family and I did. Simply, at least one day a week involved fish, chips, Chiko rolls, and potato scallops for dinner from the local milk bar or corner fish and chip shop.

The Chiko roll was created by Frank McEnroe in 1951 and looks like a Chinese spring roll on steroids. It is essentially the same shape as a spring roll although a lot larger. The contents have always been a bit of a mystery and in fact in all reality any old ingredients could be tossed in. Generally, there were some vegetables and occasionally some meat.

The Chiko roll is a thick dough in a cylindrical shape that was then deep fried and eaten hot. The very thought of the composition and the manner of its preparation would have nutritionists falling over themselves to tell you how bad it is for you. But, that is the way of the world is it not? Anything that is nice and enjoyable is bad for you!

My other favourite milk bar food is potato scallops. Once again another deep fried food and good for hardening your arteries. Essentially, sliced potato dipped in batter and then fried to ones own personal satisfaction. Then generously sprinkled with salt. Sounds delicious and has my mouth watering at just the thought of downing a potato scallop or four!

Well, that is my trip down memory lane for today!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

You evil bugger, now where am I going to find some potato scallops in Jakarta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My fav too, way better than the fish.

rimafauzi said...

It looks disgustingly delicious. As was the mince pies they used to sell in my primary school in wellington, NZ. How I miss those pies.

Rob Baiton said...

GJ...

I am an evil bugger, aren't I? There used to be a fish and chip shop in Kemang (behind the Kemang Hotel)...

I have not been to Kemang for ages so I do not know if it is still there.

Always better than the fish!

Rima...

Anything that is disgustingly delicious is undoubtedly bad for you.

Meat pies were / are still an Aussie classic specially when smothered generously with tomato sauce!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE potato scallops! I used to buy them when I was at the train station (boredom of having to wait) and it was so yummy with plenty of salt sprinkled on it.

I also love 4&20 Meat Pies... Too bad they don't sell it here! I don't care if its junk food, it tastes lovely! lol

Rob Baiton said...

Therry...

Just too Australianized! 4 & 20 pies with tomato sauce...enak sekali!

The Weary Traveller said...

I will stick to my diet of roasted penguins and seal a la orange thank you....

Rob Baiton said...

PB...

Since when have polar bears been able to harness the power of fire in order to roast penguins?