The Australian Hotels Association has awarded a South Gippsland pub the title of “Parma of the Year” for 2024 for its take on the iconic counter meal staple.
The Middle Hotel in Korumburra took out the highly coveted title, beating out a contest of 16 finalists at a recent industry awards night at Crown Casino. The pub’s parma scored a perfect 100% when rated by the judges. The pub also took out the title of “Overall Best Hotel of the Year (Regional)”.
A chicken parma, short for chicken parmigiana, is a popular Australian pub dish featuring a breaded and fried chicken breast topped with a Napoli sauce, melted cheese andham or bacon. It’s typically served with a side of chips and salad. The dish is beloved for its crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and savory flavours, making it a comforting and hearty meal.
The Middle Hotel licences Ben Fisher told Channel 9 News he was delighted with the title.
“I think a lot of pubs have got good parmas, I guess, but it’s very nice to be crowned the best parma in the state,” he said.
The Middle Hotel’s chef Mark Smith told Channel 9 that his secret to success was about quality ingredients, as well as preparation.
“It’s got to be the chicken, the quality of the chicken, the quality of the crumb, the Naopli sauce has got to be a nice flavoursome Napoli, good quality ham, the cheese that we use is a cheese blend,” Smith said.
“Parma and a pot. It’s really what Australia is all about. It’s iconic so to win it makes us very proud,” said the winning chef.
For more information about the Middle Hotel, visit its website.