It’s everyone’s fave pub classic – chicken parmigiana – a dish so widely loved it has its own nick name!
Whether you call it a ‘parma’ or a ‘parmy’, there is no doubt Aussies have fallen in love with chicken schnitzel, covered with tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The origins of the dish do go back to old Italy, where it was originally made with eggplant and not chicken, as poultry was too expensive for most households. Once Italian immigrants arrived in America, they discovered meat was cheaper and more widely available, resulting in many Italian dishes such as meatballs and parmigiana being made with chicken.
However you top it, there is a parmy out there for everyone…here are five restaurants to find the best parmy in town:
Iconic Local Watering Hole
Established in 1908, Travellers Rest Hotel on Station Street in Thorpdale has been a local watering hole and refuelling stop for more than a century. Originally founded as a hotel and general store, the venue is now an iconic destination for locals and travellers to the region as a gastro pub with meals, drinks and accommodation.
Step into a warm and welcoming vibe and grab a beer at the bar before heading to the dining room for entrées like crispy prawns, drizzled with sesame, honey and soy sauce, served with slaw. Pub classics such as chicken parma with grilled ham, Napoli, three-cheese blend, house salad and chips always tempt, or add grilled chorizo, roast capsicum, spring onion and onion salsa.
Signature Butter Chicken Parma
Modern Indian cuisine inspired by Punjab Royalty is what Melburnians find on the plate at The Black Prince on Bourke Street in the heart of the city. Expect an evening of memories to last a lifetime at this new restaurant, where a curved wooden bar invites chilling out on high stools with a cocktail in hand, while green leather booths are ideal for after-work catchups or dinner with your someone special.
Along with Aussie pub classics with an Indian twist such as signature butter chicken parma, find dishes like Chennai coconut fish curry and hot and spicy lamb vindaloo, best enjoyed with sides of steamed rice, papadums and garlic naan; finish sweetly with gulab jamun and cassata ice cream.
Hearty and Satisfying Meals
Take in everything that Kangaroo Island has to offer with a stay and meal at Parndana Hotel Restaurant on Cook Street in Parndana. A warm and welcoming dining room has comfortable tub chairs for chilling out with a cold beer or wine, as well as plush blue velvet dining chairs, polished timber and a fireplace to cosy up beside in colder months.
Expect pub meals that are hearty and satisfying such as chicken schnitzel and parmy with chips and salad, or roast pork belly served on mashed potato with salad, gravy and apple sauce; pizza lovers can pick up a slice topped with prawn, chorizo, red onion, mozzarella, fresh tomato, Napoli sauce, parsley and garlic.
Parma Day Every Tuesday
The Railway Hotel on Ferrars Street in South Melbourne has been serving locals and visitors quality food, beer and wine since 1856. This classic watering hole has the largest beer garden in the area where you can chill out and listen to live music, while indoors has plenty of original charm, paying homage to the timeless essence of iconic Aussie pubs that have left an indelible imprint on the city.
A cosy open fireplace entices for chilly months as you take advantage of Parma Day every Tuesday for a $25 chicken parmy served with chips and salad; or opt for house specialties such as beef and Guinness pie in a rich, velvety gravy infused with the deep, robust flavours of Ireland’s iconic stout, served with mash and gravy.
Variety of Parmas on the Menu
Genuine country hospitality in a relaxed stylish vibe is what you’ll find at The Thirsty Farmer on Wellington Street in Baradine. Located at the foothills of the Warrrumbungles and the gateway to the Pilliga, explore the surrounding area before dropping by to find a warm and inviting atmosphere blending traditional charm with modern comfortable touches.
The dining emphasis is on fresh, quality produce and traditional recipes with a modern twist; relax on the balcony or at the back bar in the beer garden and choose from a variety of parmas on the menu such as the Aussie with Napoli sauce, ham, onion and BBQ sauce, served with salad and chips, or mash and veggies.
