Big in Japan: Paddy's Patties

Big in JAPAN

Don’t be fooled by the Irish name of Bunbury burger bar, Paddy’s Patties, parts of the menu have distinct Japanese flavour combinations.

By DIANNE BORTOLETTO | Images BIANCA TURRI

It’s been just over 18 months since esteemed Japanese chef Norio Idei bought the burger business to become Paddy’s Patties fourth owner.

“I was going to turn it into an udon noodle restaurant, but we had loyal customers and good support from other local businesses so instead we decided to add some new Japanese-inspired burgers to the menu,” Norio said.

Norio explained that his business neighbour, Happy Wife, the first owner of Paddy’s Patties, has been a tremendous support.

“He has helped me a lot, introduced me to local suppliers of things like eggs and avocados,” said Norio.

Most of the fresh produce comes from the Bunbury Farmers Market where Norio worked for a year before he started flipping his own burgers. He has also worked alongside the Japanese maestro at Miki’s Open Kitchen in Margaret River for five years and before that at Wills Domain.

When asked if he misses creating more refined dishes like those you find in his previous places of employment, Norio’s answer was a hard no.

“I like cooking this sort of food and adding my own flavours,” the Japanese born chef said.

“We’ve attracted some new customers with our new flavours; for example, our rice burgers, are becoming more popular, which is where we use rice patties instead of the usual bread bun to hold the burger.” Norio uses a fat ratio of between 12 and 15 percent in his patties and his mince, all Harvey Beef, is a mix of cuts including Angus rump, chuck and brisket sourced from his local butcher.

“I have a great relationship with my butcher, he’s very good,” Norio said. “Having good relationships is important.

“We are still quite new

YES PLEASE The burgers at Paddy's Patties set the bar pretty high in terms of taste.

to Bunbury, and through the business we have made some good relationships with locals. And not just suppliers, it’s important to have good relationship with customers too, I like communicating with our customers.

“We kept some of the regular favourites on the menu for Paddy’s Patties existing customers, but also added some new things.”

On a busy night, Paddy’s Patties sells over 100 burgers, the most popular being the Sukiyaki burger, a combination of Angus beef patties, thinly sliced oyster blade steak, cheddar cheese, fried egg, onion and yuzu mayonnaise.

Other burgers include the chicken katsu burger with coleslaw, guacamole, lettuce, aioli and his own master katsu sauce, the ‘Scorchio’ with beef Angus patty, guacamole, jalapeno, cheddar cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce and pickle, ‘Groovin in the Moo’ which includes beetroot, a fish katsu rice bun and a yakiniku rice burger with thinly slice beef, lettuce and aioli.

Sides include hand-cut chips that come fresh from local potato farmers, loaded fries topped with bacon, cheese, sour cream and jalapeno, ‘poutine’ chips with cheddar cheese cubes and gravy and chili fries with chili con carne, cheese and sour cream.

Norio said that his favourite thing about owning a business in Bunbury is communicating with the customers, building relationships and being able to produce what he likes.

“It makes us happy to be here in Bunbury, we have a happy life. There are lots of people who support us.

“It makes me feel proud that I’ve taken a business, made it mine and attracted new customers who like my food, influenced with my heritage.”

When he’s not at the grill, Norio likes to spend time with his young family and sometimes go surfing.

Paddy’s Patties are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and you can order online at paddyspatties.com.au Paddy’s Patties 98 Stirling Street, Bunbury 08 9779 9878

PRESTON BEACH

OLD COAST ROAD BREWERY