The search to find the best pub meals from around the country has ended, and they will all come together under one roof as Melbourne institution Riverland transforms into The Hungry Yak.
The pop-up venue is the culmination of Yak Brewing’s hunt for Australia’s best pub meals, which comes after an extensive public voting phase, before the shortlisted meals were judged by comedian and pub food aficionado Harley Breen.
Meals were sought across five categories, being – in order of popular voting – Best Chicken Parmigiana, Steak, Burger, Pork Ribs, and Fish & Chips.
In something of an upset, Ray Reilly’s The Henson at Marrickville took the prize in the burger category with its halloumi burger outperforming the traditional beef entrants.
“We’re honoured to take home the title for best burger,” says The Henson licensee Luke Dryland.
“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 thinks 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.”
The Hungry Yak will take up a week-long residency at Riverland from Wednesday 30 October to Wednesday 6 November, and brand ambassador Breen promises the results are good.
“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 Hungry Yak will be at Riverland Bar – Federation Wharf 1-9, Melbourne.
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The nation’s newly-appointed best pub meals 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 Pork Ribs – Brenton Philp, The Pier Bar (Cairns, QLD)
- Best Pub Fish & Chips – Richard Slarp, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel (Watsons Bay, NSW)
