Where “Parma” Comes From
A “parma” (or “parmi”) is short for chicken parmigiana, a pub meal made from a crumbed chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham and melted cheese. It’s named after the Italian dish parmigiana, but the Australian pub version is its own thing.
Many pubs run “parma night” specials, and people often argue about which pub does it best.
“I’ll have the chicken parma and chips, thanks.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll see it on pub menus and hear it in the question “Where’s a good parma?”.
In Real Life
Chicken parma is a staple of the Australian pub menu, usually served with chips and salad. Many pubs run a weekly “parma night” at a lower price, and people argue happily about who makes the best one. The topping is traditionally ham, tomato sauce and melted cheese, though pubs add their own twists. Whether you say “parma” or “parmi” often depends on where you grew up.
Quick Questions
Is a parma the same as a parmi?
Yes. They’re two spellings and pronunciations of the same dish. “Parma” is often heard in Victoria and “parmi” is often heard in New South Wales.
What’s on a chicken parma?
A crumbed chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham and melted cheese, usually served with chips and salad.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: PAR-ma.
In conversation:
- Let’s grab a parma at the pub.
- Wednesday is parma night.
- What’s the best parma in town?
Good to know: The spelling is a bit of a debate. “Parma” is common in Victoria, and “parmi” is often heard in New South Wales; both are used across Australia.
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