A Canning Vale chef has won Western Australia’s top steak sandwich award for the fifth time, with weeks of testing helping create the winning recipe.
Chef Mickey Phull, from The Last Local, took out the Perth metro category in the 2026 AHA & Little Creatures WA Best Steak Sandwich competition after impressing judges during the live cook-off at the AHA Hospitality Expo at Crown Perth.
More than 40 Perth venues entered this year’s competition. Entries were judged on meat tenderness, presentation, originality, flavour, sauces, value and sides before finalists competed in the cook-off.
Chef Mickey said winning the title again was a proud moment, but he was quick to credit his team.
“It was an incredible feeling,” he said.
“Winning the WA Best Steak Sandwich title for the fifth time was very special. My first thought was of my amazing team at The Last Local because this award belongs to all of us.”
His winning sandwich featured scotch fillet served on toasted sourdough with crispy bacon, crunchy onions, smoky aioli, rocket, tomato, melted cheese and chips. It also included maple candied bacon and a wedge of deep-fried Camembert, which judges said helped set it apart.
Chef Mickey said the recipe was the result of careful planning and repeated testing.
“There were weeks of testing different combinations of bread, cheese and sauces before we settled on the final recipe,” he said.
“Every small detail was refined to ensure consistency and flavour.”
He said the preparation of the beef was one of the biggest reasons behind the sandwich’s success.
“We use premium scotch fillet that’s carefully marinated and tenderised to maximise flavour while keeping it juicy and tender,” he said.
“Combined with fresh ingredients and attention to detail, it makes all the difference.”
Chef Mickey has worked in hospitality for more than 20 years and now owns and operates several hospitality venues across Western Australia. Despite that, he said he still enjoys working alongside his chefs and creating new dishes.
“I love creating food that brings people together,” he said.
“Seeing customers enjoy a meal and leave with a smile is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
He said bringing another state title to Canning Vale was something the whole team was proud of.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring another WA title home to Canning Vale,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for our team and something we hope our local community is proud of too.”
Since the win, Chef Mickey said customers had been eager to try the award-winning sandwich, which remains on the menu.
Looking ahead, he said the team would continue developing new dishes while preparing to defend the title in future competitions.
