Christchurch restaurant owner says fake rat photos are damaging business reputation

About an hour later, the review appeared, Dinh said.

She believed the incidents were linked and that the rats were added to the image using AI.

“On the CCTV footage, we couldn’t see any rats,” she said.

“We just want to know what his purpose was. He’s not our customer. Why would he do that?”

A screenshot of a Google review posted on October 1, featuring an image apparently showing two rats near the BB Vietnamese Street Food’s entrance. The restaurant’s owners believe the image was manipulated using AI.

Dinh said it was not the first time the restaurant had faced such allegations.

About two years ago, another Google review claimed the restaurant served rat meat and had live rats on the premises.

Dinh disputed the claims, saying the accompanying photographs showed flooring that did not match the restaurant.

Restaurant manager Ly Dinh shows a Google review featuring photos of rats. She says the flooring pictured does not match the restaurant’s premises. Photo / Rafaella Melo

She said the business had also received repeated prank calls asking whether it served rat meat.

“They call and then do it again after two or three months, and then again and again.”

The business employs three staff members, and Dinh said continued attacks on its reputation could put their jobs at risk.

“A single online comment accompanied by a photo can seriously damage a small business’ reputation and potentially threaten its survival.

“If they keep attacking the business and it goes broke, what happens to our staff?”

Tran, who moved to New Zealand from Vietnam seven years ago, having previously run a restaurant in her home country, opened BB Vietnamese Street Food about two and a half years ago.

She said the allegations were particularly worrying because tourists often relied on Google reviews when choosing where to eat.

“It’s not fair for us. It’s affecting our reputation.”

Tran also fears the allegations could affect her second Christchurch business, BB Vietnamese Takeaway Fish & Chips, on Centaurus Rd.

She said she wanted people to visit and judge the restaurant for themselves rather than rely on online allegations.

“I just want everybody, instead of seeing a fake review and believing it, to come to our shop, experience what we serve and see for themselves.”

Tran said cleanliness was a priority at the restaurant, where staff arrive an hour before opening each day to clean and prepare the premises.

She said the restaurant had been fitted out with new equipment and staff paid close attention to cleanliness.

“Everything we use here is brand new and sparkling clean. We take care of the details.”

Manager Ly Dinh (left) and owner Thuy Tran at the BB Vietnamese Street Food restaurant. Photo / Rafaella Melo

A Christchurch City Council food safety verification report dated June 2025 found the restaurant’s premises and equipment were generally clean and in good condition.

The report rated its overall food safety verification outcome as acceptable, including a positive assessment of pest control.

Tran reported the latest incident to police and expressed frustration with the response.

Police confirmed receiving a report about 1pm on October 2 concerning an incident at a Cashel St restaurant about 11.30am the previous day.

“Following careful consideration, the file has been closed, but it can be re-opened and reviewed at any time should further information become available,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

Police said further information could be provided through 105 or its online reporting system.

Manager Ly Dinh looks through online reviews of the restaurant, which she says has been repeatedly targeted by false allegations. Photo / Rafaella Melo

“I am extremely disappointed with the way this matter has been handled by the police,” Dinh said.

“We placed our trust in the authorities to investigate this serious incident, especially when we had actual images and evidence that we believed could help establish what happened.

“As a small business, we pay taxes and contribute to our community. It is deeply frustrating that, despite repeatedly providing evidence and updates to support the investigation, the case has been closed without us receiving any further updates or a clear explanation of the outcome.”

Rafaella Melo is a multimedia journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in Brazil. She spent two years reporting for Hawke’s Bay Today before joining the NZ Herald’s Christchurch team in 2026.