WA’S BEST STEAK SANDWICH WINNERS

The Australian Hotels Association (WA) is excited to announce the winning venues in the 2024 AHA & Little Creatures WA’s Best Steak Sandwich Competition.

Finalists were determined via public votes and mystery judge visits throughout the month of May, and the winners decided during an exciting live cook-off at the 2024 AHA Hospitality Expo at Crown Perth on 25 & 26 June.

This is the 17th year of the competition which is split across two categories – Country WA and Perth metro.

Country WA’s Best Steak Sandwich was won by Treendale Farm Hotel in Australind.

Chef Gayan Dilruk Geeeganage won over the panel of four judges with his classic steak sandwich comprising Scotch fillet steak, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon jam, aioli, Beerfarm pale ale brined crispy onions, rocket, tomato, pickles, accompanied by chips and herb and mustard dipping sauce.

His win was announced by Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Small Business, who was one of the judges. The other judges were AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods, Field Sales Director at Lion Danny Connolly, and Simon Collins, chief lifestyle and feature writer at the West Australian.

Perth’s Best Steak Sandwich Competition was won by Carrington’s Bar & Grill in Hamilton Hill.

Chef Jaspreet (Jass) Singh’s steak sandwich comprised a succulent scotch fillet layered with crispy bacon, bourbon-infused toffee onion, rocket, zesty BBQ aioli and a roasted capsicum blend in a Turkish panini, accompanied by peri peri chips. His win, announced by AHA(WA) President Neil Randall, was greeted with loud cheers.

The metro category was judged by AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods; Director General at Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Lanie Chopping; National Sales Director at Lion Kerry Appathurai, and presenter at 6PR Oliver Peterson.

AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the standard of the finalists in both cook-offs was exceptionally high and the competition friendly but fierce.

“A classic steak sandwich is the staple menu item at most Australian pubs and hotels, but the difference between a good steak sandwich and an exceptional one is all down to the quality of the ingredients and the care and attention paid by the chef.

“Fangability is also an important quality: you must be able to bite through the sandwich easily so that it all holds together and doesn’t make a mess in your lap.

“The standard in this year’s competition was exceptionally high, reflecting the skill and professionalism of our state’s venues. While the competition is a lot of fun, it plays a vital role in showcasing venues, driving revenue and lifting standards.”