The fiery Sydney restaurateur whose explosive confrontation with council officers over a sliver of footpath captivated the internet has confirmed the saga will be featured in a new Netflix reality series.
From Viral Video to Global Streaming
Nahji Chu, the owner of the acclaimed Potts Point Vietnamese restaurant Lady Chu, told media that the US streaming giant has commissioned an eight-episode documentary series. The show will chart her remarkable journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a powerhouse in Australia's hospitality scene.
Production crews are scheduled to fly from Los Angeles to Sydney in mid-January to film for approximately four days at her restaurant. They will then travel to Melbourne to interview members of her family, weaving a comprehensive narrative of her life and career.
The Infamous Footpath Showdown
The series is expected to prominently feature the now-viral incident from May, which sparked widespread debate. The conflict erupted when City of Sydney Council rangers instructed Ms Chu to remove potted palms from the footpath outside her venue.
The officials stated the plants infringed a rule mandating a clear 1.5-metre path for pedestrians between the kerb and outdoor dining furniture. A staff member recorded the ensuing heated exchange, where Ms Chu defiantly declared she would rather 'go to jail' than comply.
In the video, she told an officer: 'This is f***ed up, this whole city is f***ed up. I'm paying f***ing taxes and I'm paying your wages, so f*** off. I'm trying to activate this f***ing dead city, so don't shut it down.'
Council Backlash and Lasting Impact
Following the incident, Lord Mayor Clover Moore took to social media to criticise Ms Chu's treatment of council staff. Moore emphasised that the footpath was public land and that accessibility for wheelchair users and parents with prams must be maintained.
Despite the controversy, Ms Chu claims the publicity ultimately benefited her business. She reported no winter downturn and noted that other restaurateurs travelled interstate to visit, inspired by her stance.
She also revealed that her ongoing 'beef' with Lord Mayor Moore will be a central storyline. 'She's actually going to have her own episode!' Ms Chu said. 'I want that episode to be called "Council beef with Nahji".'
Ms Chu believes her advocacy has been instrumental in prompting the council to review red tape affecting small businesses. Moore has since confirmed the council will remove certain requirements for outdoor dining and increase flexibility for placing planter boxes.
The series, initially developed by Beyond Productions for SBS, was pitched to Netflix to reach a global audience. Ms Chu expects the pilot to be released in late 2026 or early 2027, pending viewer reception.
