What is a chicken parma?
A chicken parma, or parmi, is a crumbed chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham in some versions, and melted cheese, usually served with chips and salad. It is one of the most popular pub meals in Australia.
The dish is based on Italian-American chicken parmigiana, which in turn drew on Italian eggplant parmigiana. It became a fixture of Australian pubs from the mid-twentieth century, as Italian migrants influenced local food.
Melburnians and many Victorians call it a parma, while people in New South Wales and Queensland often say parmi. The debate over the right name is a well-known piece of Australian food banter.
Parma night
Many pubs hold a weekly parma night, offering the dish at a discount with a drink. Its generous size makes it a popular, filling meal after sport or work.
Some pubs serve variations, such as Mexican parmas with jalapenos, or Hawaiian parmas with pineapple. Arguments about whether the chips should go under or beside the parma are common.
The parma is so popular that fans rate pubs online and in competitions, and it is often listed among Australia's most iconic pub foods alongside the steak sandwich and fish and chips.
Did You Know?
Some people in South Australia call it a parmy, adding to the regional naming debate.