German restaurant’s French chef tells Chinese diners they’re not wanted

Restaurant receives backlash from Chinese racism post on Facebook.

Düsseldorf, Germany is home to a large Asian population, including Chinese and has the biggest Japanese community in Germany. It is also home to Im Schiffchen, a restaurant close to the Rhine River that is reopening as part of the government’s relaxation on Covid-19 restrictions.

The restaurant enjoys a good reputation and a loyal clientele.

Like all restaurants, and not just the ones in Germany, reopening will bring many hurdles to overcome. So, adding more would seem unnecessary. Not if you’re Jean-Claude Bourgueil.

Born in France, Bourgueil moved to Germany from Spain in 1970 and took over Düsseldorf restaurant Im Schiffchen in 1977.

He is an acclaimed author and in 2004 received a French Order of the Legion of Honor for serving as a “culinary ambassador of France to Germany.”

Unfortunately, his publishing on Facebook prior to re-opening has landed the chef in some hot water.

Chinese diners not wanted

Jean-Claude Bourgueil posted a message to followers of his Facebook page saying: “We start on Friday, but only with our bistro. No Chinese wanted!!!”

The backlash on social media was immediate and substantial.

We understand that Bourgueil later took to Im Schiffchen’s official Facebook page to try and backtrack, but the damage had been done. More than 500 comments on the post confirmed this.

Im Schiffchen restaurant has reportedly been removed from the Michelin Guide as a consequence of the incident.

Germany is already battling with anti-Chinese racism following Covid-19’s emergence in China. Adding to Germany’s woes will not be appreciated by diners, whatever their nationality.

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