Fresh Puglian Pasta, Brisbane
If you’ve ever tried searching for fresh orecchiette in Australia, you’ll know it’s no easy feat. Until recently, this unique Southern Italian pasta cut was mostly available as dried imports—or not at all.
That’s why we created VEDE Pasta. Based in Brisbane, VEDE is proud to be Australia’s only producer of fresh orecchiette, crafted specifically for chefs, restaurants, caterers, and high-volume kitchens. Our orecchiette is handcrafted, individually quick frozen (IQF), and designed to deliver unbeatable texture, yield, and performance.
Let’s dive into why this ancient pasta from Puglia is finally having its moment in Australian kitchens—and why VEDE’s fresh version is the one chefs are asking for.
What Is Orecchiette?
Orecchiette (pronounced oh-reck-ee-ET-tay) literally means “little ears” in Italian. It’s a small, concave pasta shape that’s perfect for scooping up rich sauces, vegetables, and ragùs.
The best orecchiette has a slightly rustic, rough surface and a firm yet chewy bite. At VEDE, we replicate this with our stretched pasta process, using high-protein Australian durum wheat and traditional shaping techniques that mimic the old-school thumb press of Puglia.
You can find this pasta in our Stretched Pasta Range alongside cuts like cavatello, fogliette de ulivo, and strascinate nero.
A Pasta with Deep Roots: The Puglian Story
Orecchiette originates from Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, where it’s long been a symbol of regional pride. In towns like Bari and Lecce, nonnas still sit outside their homes rolling fresh dough into tiny ears by hand. Traditionally made from just water and semolina, this pasta was born out of simplicity and skill.
In many ways, that’s the same spirit behind VEDE. We respect tradition, but we’ve adapted it for the demands of the modern commercial kitchen—batch consistency, speed, freezer-stable shelf life, and chef-ready convenience.
VEDE: The Only Fresh Orecchiette Made in Australia
At VEDE, we don’t cut corners. We stretch, shape, and freeze our pasta in Brisbane using best-in-class equipment and technique. And when it comes to fresh orecchiette in Australia, we’re still the only ones doing it at scale.
What makes VEDE orecchiette different?
Individually Quick Frozen (IQF)
Each “ear” is frozen separately to maintain structure and avoid clumping. Just toss straight from the freezer into boiling water—no sticking, no waste.
18-Month Shelf Life
Stock up with confidence. Our IQF frozen pasta maintains peak quality for 18 months in the freezer.
Chefs First
VEDE was built by chefs, for chefs. Our orecchiette performs in high-volume settings, holds its bite, and won’t fall apart under heat-lamp pressure or in a busy service.
Local and Reliable
Say goodbye to import delays and inconsistent quality. VEDE is based right here in Queensland and distributed nationally.
Want to try it for yourself? Contact us or speak to your foodservice distributor about stocking VEDE’s fresh orecchiette.
Why Chefs Are Switching to Fresh Orecchiette
VEDE’s orecchiette is more than a novelty—it’s a high-performing pasta cut that can set your menu apart. Here’s what chefs across Australia are loving:
1. It Pairs with Everything
From slow-cooked ragùs to delicate vegetable sauces, orecchiette holds flavour in every bite. Chefs are using it in:
- Broccoli and anchovy oil with pangrattato
- Lamb and rosemary ragù with pecorino
- Spicy nduja and tomato sugo
- Eggplant alla Norma with ricotta salata
2. Low Waste, High Yield
Because VEDE’s fresh pasta is frozen at peak expansion, you get generous cooked volume with every portion. That means better food cost control and less waste.
3. Faster Service
Our fresh pasta cooks in just 2–3 minutes, directly from frozen. You’ll reduce prep time and keep service flowing during peak hours.
Looking for inspiration? Read our article: Top 10 Pasta Dishes Chefs Are Serving in 2025 (With Recommended Cuts)
Plating Inspiration: How to Serve VEDE Orecchiette
Need ideas for elevating this humble hero? Here are a few chef-loved combinations:
Orecchiette with Broccolini & Pangrattato
Blanched broccolini, garlic, chilli, anchovy, and lemon zest. Tossed with orecchiette and topped with golden pangrattato. It’s Italian simplicity done right.
Orecchiette with Lamb Shoulder and Pecorino
Slow-braised lamb, tomato sugo, rosemary, and a touch of cinnamon. Rich, soulful, and perfectly cradled by each “ear.”
Orecchiette alla Norma
Crisp eggplant, sweet tomato passata, fresh basil, and grated ricotta salata. It’s vegetarian, bold, and loaded with Sicilian soul.
Who We Are: VEDE Pasta
Founded by Beau Vedelago of Factory 51, VEDE Pasta brings together fine-dining values and large-scale capability. We specialise in frozen fresh pasta for chefs, with a focus on two handcrafted ranges:
Sourdough Pasta – A world first, with natural fermentation for deeper flavour
Stretched Pasta – Traditional Southern Italian shapes like orecchiette, cavatello, mafaldine and more
Our pastas are distributed through MOCO Food Services and available nationally. If you’re looking to reduce prep time while levelling up your pasta game, we’ve got your back.
How to Order VEDE Orecchiette
Ordering is simple:
- Speak to your local MOCO rep
- Or contact us to request samples or distributor info
- Delivery available across Queensland, with national shipping options available for other states
We welcome partnerships with restaurants, caterers, hotel groups, and wholesalers seeking reliable, chef-grade pasta that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Final Word: A Pasta Worth Knowing
Orecchiette is more than a shape—it’s a cultural heirloom, a culinary workhorse, and a secret weapon for chefs who value authenticity and texture. And now, for the first time, you can get fresh orecchiette made in Australia.
With VEDE, you’re not just buying pasta. You’re investing in consistency, heritage, and performance. Let this little ear of Puglia elevate your next dish—and give your menu the edge it deserves.
Order Samples or Enquire Now
vedepasta.com.au