In a bizarre and ironic twist on this "East meets West" theme, the Chinese Hamburger Shop in Moonee Ponds, Vic, has taken the fine Australian culinary masterpiece of beef and three veg., and turned it into an Aussie/Chinese delight. 

"The Chinese Hamburger is like two potato cakes, deep fried with mince inside", describes Tye Leung, owner/manager of the establishment. With vegetables and spices mixed into the meat, the Chinese Hamburger is certainly a unique taste sensation. Served with a plum sauce, the burger includes ingredients from all five food groups and is available on its own ($2.60) or in one of four combo deals, which include other various products such as Curry Crisps, Crisp Beef Parcels, Home made Dim Sims, Potato Cakes and Herb Rings($4.60 - $5.60 per pack). All in all, truly a deep fried treat. They are also available in Holiday Freezer Packs: "Grab a bag or two. Great for that snow, fishing or any type of getaway". "You’ll definitely have the most precious freezer in town !" their leaflet boasts. 

Situated at 702 Mount Alexander Road, the restaurant has been operating for 36 years. Though sparsely furnished, it is cheerfully decorated with adornments from the Far East and despite the sign on the wall which states "Warning, hidden camera", Mr Leung is extremely friendly and hospitable. He happily recounted the history of the shop to me, from its humble origins as a regular fish and chip shop, to its present fame and success as a specialist in Chinese Hamburgers. Tye and his wife, Annie Leung explained that the literal translation of the Chinese characters (for Chinese Hamburger) is "to touch the heart". "Well", they say, "with our Dim Sums we think we’ve won many hearts !". 

Whilst conducting my research, I encountered varied opinions from patrons of the strore. "OHHH MY GOD...It’s FANTASTIC!!!!!!", said Danielle Keating of Hawthorn. "My parents had their first date here and we have been going since we were young.....and the  

food is sensational. The Chinese Hamburgers are like fried, spicy Aussie ones - very yummy though a little salty - still good though", she said. Ai-Ling Tham of Ballarat exclaimed "Bullshit! Chinese don’t eat potatoes!", while Jonny Allen of Prahran, Vic, said "I think it’s a lot better than Fish and Chips, because Fish and Chips is just Fish and Chips. This is four different food products". 

It is well worth paying a visit in order to experience the unique taste, interesting texture and splendid concept that is the Chinese Hamburger. One can only wonder what will be next - the Italian Chiko Roll, or the Lebanese Fish Finger ? As we eagerly await the next development in Australian culinary culture, we can only hope that its impact will be as great, and as tasty as the Chinese Hamburger.