Small Wonder
Chef and restaurateur Nahji Chu is a great believer that fabulous things come in small packages.
Chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur Nahji Chu is a pint-sized powerhouse who has led a big, extraordinary life. Born in Laos, Nahji and her family were forced to flee their homeland in 1975, when Nahji was just five. The family arrived in Australia in 1978, among the first refugees from SouthEast Asia to settle on our shores.
Nahji’s culture and family history helped shape her business ventures, which began with MissChu in 2007. Established as a catering firm specialising in Vietnamese canapés, M is sChu evolved into a popular chain of restaurants serving hawker-style food.
While MissChu closed in 2015, Nahji has gone on to open another restaurant and catering business, Chutzpah, and become a respected commentator on refugee rights. Outside of work, she’s an avid collector of modern Australian art, which is displayed throughout her home. The terrace itself is located above what was once the beloved Sydney restaurant, Bayswater Brasserie.
Nahji’s sense of style is evident throughout, right down to the garage which houses two superb vintage cars. The first is a champagnegold 1968 Mercedes Pagoda 280SL. The second is a 1970 Mini Cooper Classic in British Racing Green – like the driver, it’s pint-sized, powerful and purposeful.
Have you always appreciated classic cars?
Yes, very much so. It takes a certain character to commit to, maintain and carry off a classic car. I also love beautiful things that have value.
What is it about your Mini that appeals?
Minis make you smile – they are just too cute. They’re zippy and very responsive, parking is easy and they’re economical on fuel. I feel like a racing driver when I’m behind the wheel! Although it’s a collector’s car, I use it as my city runabout. I bought it 13 years ago for my blue staffy, George. An English dog like him should get around in a British Racing Green car.
Which car do you prefer? The Mercedes 280SL is very powerful and easy to drive. It’s super elegant, by far the best car on the road. It glides like a dream, like a boat, like a plane, like cloud nine… oh, it makes me feel high! The longest trip I’ve done in the Mercedes is from Sydney to Byron Bay. You know the engine
is superior when it can keep up with more modern cars on the freeway. That said, I probably prefer driving the Mini because it requires more skill and is more fun.
Do you get admiring looks when driving them?
Hell, yes! These cars have so much personality; socially, they are pick-up machines. Once, a vintage Aston Martin pulled up next to my Mercedes at the lights and we dragged each other all the way to Bondi. I don’t do dating apps – there’s no need with these cars!
What do you love about your amazing property?
It’s a majestic heritage building with mansion proportions – high ceilings, generous rooms, thick walls, large windows and french doors. You just don’t get buildings like this in the city anymore. My commercial kitchen for MissChu was at the back of the Bayswater Brasserie. I took on this property because I wanted to be close to work. It’s so good, I simply never left.
Living an urban life is important to me. I like to walk out and see people immediately. It suits my lifestyle too. I can’t imagine commuting long distances to work.
What are your favourite pieces?
The art, hands down. Up in the Sky is a 25-piece collection by Tracey Moffatt that reads like stills from a movie. It really speaks to me.
Other favourites are the bone sculptures by Linde Ivimey; a big, bright painting by Tom Polo in the kitchen; and The Beatles in Limo (1964), a limited-edition print by Curt Gunther, in the living room. I adore my Lucy McRae Prickly lamp and Briggs Family Tea Service by Trent Jansen too.
What’s your next move?
I’ve turned my office into a private dining space, called Chutzpah (@chutzpahcatering), where we serve lunches and dinners for 10, three days per week. The business also provides private chef and catering options. I’ve gone back to my roots, which suits me just fine.
“Living an urban life is important to me. I like to walk out and see people immediately.” Nahji Chu