IT’S the classic pub meal that sparks a particular kind of craving.

Those watching their waistlines have long been able to order a half-sized option, but Melbourne’s oldest pub has taken a different approach.

The Duke of Wellington has dubbed its smaller option the ‘Lady Parma’, sparking politically correct outrage on Twitter.

The @DukeMelbourne's ~Lady Parma~ is smaller, and comes with salad instead of coleslaw. Can't make this stuff up. pic.twitter.com/D7674bntnL — Adam Collins (@collinsadam) March 29, 2016

Served with salad instead of mayonnaise-laden coleslaw, the light version of the Duke Parma — which is $5 cheaper — sparked mockery on social media by those who dubbed it ‘sexist’.

Sports journalist Adam Collins tweeted an image of the menu, with the message: “The @DukeMelbourne’s ~Lady Parma~ is smaller, and comes with salad instead of coleslaw. Can’t make this stuff up.”

“Finally! A parma small enough to keep me to a ladylike size for my husband. I do so hope it’s pretty & pink,” one follower responded.

@collinsadam hopefully it is served with smaller sized cutlery that will fit in our small ~lady hands~ — Louise Crossman (@louisecrossman) March 29, 2016

“Hopefully it is served with smaller sized cutlery that will fit in our small ~lady hands~,” Louise Crossman tweeted back.

“Very important. I also hope it’s served on a dainty plate & that there’s a special lady zone for me to dine in,” another woman wrote.

A 25-year-old man with “a small appetite” described the ‘Lady Parma’ moniker as “outdated”, tweeting: “You can just feel the dignity in saying ‘I’ll have a lady parma thanks’ when ordering.”

Others pointed out that the phenomenon existed at venues across Melbourne, including steak restaurants where a smaller “ladies” option was seen on menus.

Fellow journo Adam Gartell tweeted an image of a steak menu at a Tamworth establishment, which labels its 200g scotch fillet the “Ladies Steak”.

@collinsadam @DailyMailAU OUTRAGE! I ate at a place last night with ladies steak and ladies surf'n'turf pic.twitter.com/suEPN8I4ok — Adam Gartrell (@adamgartrell) March 31, 2016

The Duke Parma was deemed “a must-try” by food blog Parma Daze in 2013, which is devoted to “the search for the perfect parma”.

News.com.au has approached the Duke of Wellington for comment.