Yak Brewing’s The Hungry Yak campaign has seen judges tour the country following a public vote to find Australia’s five best pub meals.
Throughout the campaign chicken parmigiana dominated the public vote as the most popular dish, followed by steak, burger, pork ribs, then fish and chips. After Australians nominated their favourite pub meals the Yak Brewing team plus a team of judges including comedian and pub food aficionado Harley Breen, hit the road to find the best.
The five winners are:
- Best Pub Chicken Parmigiana – Sabin Maharjan, The Birmingham Hotel (Fitzroy, VIC)
- Best Pub Steak – Beat Ettlin, The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan (Queanbeyan, ACT)
- Best Pub Burger – Megan McCulloch, The Henson (Marrickville, NSW)
- Best Pub Fish & Chips – Richard Slarp, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel (Watsons Bay, NSW)
- Best Pub Pork Ribs – Brenton Philp, The Pier Bar (Cairns, QLD)
Breen said: “Over the past few weeks I’ve had the honour of traveling across Australia to judge Australia’s favourite pub meals. I’ve met some amazing characters along the way and tasted the best pub dishes our nation has to offer.
“The final decision was not an easy one, but I’m confident we’ve unearthed the very best of the best. We’ve had an amazing response from the public and are delighted we promoted so many fantastic pubs and meals.”
The five winners will now head to Melbourne to showcase their winning meals during a week-long residency at Melbourne’s iconic Riverland Bar from Wednesday 30 October to Wednesday 6 November.
Luke Dryland, Licensee at The Henson said: “We’re honoured to take home the title for best burger. We know it’s not the most traditional burger on the menu and it may ruffle a few feathers, but our halloumi burger has been on the menu since day dot and our diners, and now Australia, think it’s better than beef.
“We’re stoked that it’s been recognised on the national stage and we’re looking forward to sharing it with Melbourne punters at The Hungry Yak.”