Nahji Chu, owner of the Sydney Vietnamese restaurant Lady Chu, has developed a reputation for her sharp and often humorous comebacks to negative online reviews. These responses, frequently posted on Google, have garnered significant attention, contributing to the restaurant's popularity.
One notable exchange occurred on Valentine's Day when a customer complained that the restaurant had "ruined" his evening. Chu responded, "Your girlfriend looked really bored. You might want to pay attention to her instead of your phone on the night." In another instance, a reviewer suggested other Vietnamese restaurants in the area offered "smaller menus, better food, kind and gracious service." Chu retorted, "Is this one Viet business owner trying to sabotage its competition?"
Chu's direct approach extends to longer critiques as well. To one extensive review, she quipped, "Thanks for your 1000-word review thesis. I admire the commitment. Most people only write this much when applying for a visa or divorcing their husband."
Chu, who arrived in Australia as a Vietnamese refugee at age eight and has worked in hospitality for two decades, opened Lady Chu as a takeaway venue in 2019 and expanded it into a sit-down restaurant in 2021. She explained on The Betoota Advocate podcast that her feisty responses began when she noticed receiving more one-star reviews than five-star ones.
"I was receiving more one-star reviews than five-star reviews, so I decided to give it back," she stated. Her candid replies have occasionally been aimed at customers who questioned her demeanor, with one reviewer calling her an "angry, sour and bitter person." Chu's response was, "WHO are you?? lols. You clearly have not been here or even know how kind and generous the owner is."
Despite the array of critical feedback, Lady Chu maintains an average of four stars on Google. Chu credits these responses, alongside the food and staff, as a draw for diners. "We are packed every night," she said. "And I mean, look, it's the food and the staff that speaks for itself. But I dare say people are now coming for the one-star reviews as well." The restaurant's notoriety, partly fueled by her viral clapbacks, even led to a recommendation in Qantas magazine.