From traditional favourites like Lamb and Rosemary Pie to daring creations like Raspberry Drop Curd Pie, the city's finest chefs, restaurants, cafés, and venues will battle it out for the coveted title of Ballarat's Best Pie.
Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey as Ballarat celebrates its love for pies in the highly anticipated ‘Ballarat’s Best Pie’ competition this August.
Running from 1-31 August, the competition will see 20 pies from 19 local chefs, restaurants, cafés and venues vying for the title of Ballarat’s Best Pie. From flaky crusts to mouth-watering fillings, there will be pies to satisfy all tastebuds – savoury to sweet.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Promising a pie lover’s dream come true, the pie trail will be your opportunity to taste-test these creations for yourself. You’ll find traditional favourites like Lamb and Rosemary Pie from The Western Hotel; Ultimate Egg and Bacon Pie from Eclectic Tastes Café & Pantry and Beef Brisket and Mushroom Melt Pie from Mitchell Harris Wines), alongside more unconventional combinations from some of Ballarat’s finest – think Teriyaki Duck Pie (Grainery Lane); Sri Lankan Beef Curry Pie (Beechworth Bakery); Mexican Breakfast Pie (The Turret Café & Catering); and Raspberry Drop Curd Pie (Sovereign Hill).
Pick up a map at the Ballarat Information Centre or download it online here, and set off on a flavorful adventure to discover your favorite slice of heaven.
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Mark your calendars for the grand finale on Saturday, 5 August, when the 2023 Ballarat’s Best Pie Awards take center stage at Hop Temple. Culinary journalist extraordinaire, Sofia Levin, will host the thrilling event, joined by a panel of esteemed judges and pie aficionados, including Tim Bone from MasterChef Australia, radio host Jack van der Heyden, Plate Up Ballarat Festival Director Kate Davis, and food writer Richard Cornish. Witness the ultimate pie showdown and be there as the deserving winners are crowned amidst cheers and applause.
Participating pies and venues:
- Ultimate Egg and Bacon Pie by Eclectic Tastes Café & Pantry
- Mexican Breakfast Pie by The Turret Café & Catering
- Beef Cheek Ragu Pie by Forge Pizzeria
- Beef Brisket and Mushroom Melt Pie by Mitchell Harris Wines
- Teriyaki Duck Pie by Grainery Lane
- Beef and Beer Pie by Aunty Jacks
- Miso Sweet Potato Pie by Roy Hammond
- Chicken Truffle Pie by Black Cat Truffles
- Mrs Marshall’s Mushroom Pie by Sovereign Hill
- Lamb Roast Pie by Flying Horse Entertainment Venue
- Lamb and Rosemary Pie by The Western Hotel
- Barbacoa and Cheese Pie by Hop Temple
- Babi Pongteh Pie by Flying Chillies (available at Red Duck Brewery)
- Mapo Tofu Pie by Flying Chillies (available at Red Duck Brewery)
- Paddock to Pie by Wayward Winery
- Smoked Brisket and American Cheddar Pie by 1816 Bakehouse
- Sri Lankan Beef Curry Pie by Beechworth Bakery
- The BLC by Ballarat Leagues Club
- Raspberry Drop Curd Pie by Sovereign Hill
- Grandma Harriet’s Bramble and Apple Pie by Kilderkin Distillery
So, whether you’re a pie connoisseur or simply looking for a tasty adventure, Ballarat’s Best Pie competition is the place to be this August. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience as Ballarat showcases its culinary prowess in the most delicious way possible. See you there!
Get your pie on from 1-31 August across Ballarat. For more information, head here.
