AFTER weeks spent tracking down flaky pastries, towering burgers and woodfired pizzas, Roamin Rowan turned his attention this week to one of Australia’s most hotly debated pub classics – the chicken parmi.
And Ipswich locals have certainly brought plenty to the table.
Week nine of Ipswich’s favourite local food hunt saw residents passionately nominate the venues they believe serve the region’s ultimate parmi, with recommendations flooding in from every corner of the city.
From traditional pub favourites topped with rich Napoli sauce and golden melted cheese to gourmet creations loaded with premium toppings and house-made twists, the competition proved there is no shortage of quality parmis across Ipswich.
As nominations rolled in, locals fiercely defended their favourite venues, with the post getting 14,996 in 24 hours, and stories shared of perfectly cooked schnitzels, generous servings, crispy chips, fresh salads and those extra toppings that take a good parmi to greatness.
Whether you’re a purist who believes a classic ham-and-cheese combination is impossible to beat, or someone who loves a parmi piled high with bacon, pulled pork, jalapenos or other creative additions, Ipswich’s pub and club scene has something to satisfy every parmi lover.
The Witch Hotel proved to have a huge loyal following and garnered 98 per cent of the vote.
Pub Classic Soars
Ipswich’s The Witch Hotel has settled the age-old debate once and for all — whether you call it a parma, parmy or parmi, its version is simply one of the best in Ipswich, if not beyond.
Co-owner and chef Brok Jackson delivers a pub classic that rises above the pack.
Made entirely in-house, the parmi lands at the table as a plate-sized showstopper, impressing with its sheer size before you even pick up the knife and fork.
The first bite backs up the hype. The chicken breast is moist, the crumb is crisp and golden, the sauce is rich without being too salty, and the melted cheese and shredded ham topping lift it well beyond standard pub fare.
It is big, bold and beautifully balanced – the kind of meal that reminds you why the humble chicken parmi remains a pub favourite.
The Witch Hotel is at 254 Brisbane St, West Ipswich, and is open Tuesday from noon to 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday from 11am until late, and Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Roamin Rowan Rating: 10/10 (setting the benchmark)
