Pie makers prepare for food fight

THE battle for Ballarat’s best pastry offerings has begun.

This month marks the return of the Ballarat’s Best Pie competition where nearly 30 local bakers, restaurants, and cafes will contend for the title.

Launched yesterday and running until 31 August, the event will feature 10 first-time entrants and 18 competitors returning.

The event is being run through Tourism Midwest Victoria, whose chair John Pandazopoulos said it’s the ideal opportunity to savour some of the region’s best pies.

“Victoria’s midwest is brimming with some of the best produce in the state and it’s remarkable seeing these flavours brought to life by the region’s talented chefs, especially in the form of a pie,” he said.

“More than 2500 pies were purchased last year, proving Ballarat’s Best Pie can deliver on its goal of getting people out and exploring the region during the tail end of winter.

“To this year’s contenders, good luck, and to everyone else, what a good excuse to invite your friends and family to town and taste as many pies as you can.”

The 2024 Ballarat’s Best Pie Awards is set to be held tomorrow from 3pm at Hop Temple, hosted by culinary journalist and MasterChef Australia judge Sofia Levin.

Judges include Tim Bone of Tim’s Toasties, food writer Richard Cornish and City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson.

Following the ceremony, people can try the featured pies throughout the month as part of the self-guided Ballarat Pie Trail.

Venues competing in the Savoury Pies category include 1816 Bakehouse, 321 Cafe, Aunty Jacks, Beechworth Bakery, Black Cat Truffles, Boatshed Restaurant, Cornerstone Cafe, Golden City Hotel, Grainery Lane, Sovereign Hill’s Hope Bakery and New York Bakery, Hop Temple, Hotel Canberra, Kilderkin Distillery, Mitchell Harris Wines, Mondergreen Cafe, Nolans Restaurant, Peasant, Red Duck Brewery and Distillery, Roy Hammond, The George Hotel, and Turret Bakehouse.

Aussie Oggie Pasty Co, Apple Crumble Pie, Itinerant Spirits, Le Peche Gourmand, Saltbush Kitchen, and The Shared Table will compete in the Sweet Pies division.

Last year’s reigning champion Flying Chillies was crowned Grand Prize Winner for its Babi Ponfteh Pi, and will be returning to compete in the savoury category.

Owner Lilly Wright said taking part last year was an incredible opportunity and she’s excited to do so again.

“Winning last year’s competition was incredible and such an honour. It has changed my life personally and professionally, opening doors I never imagined,” she said.

“I’m back this year with renewed excitement to defend my title and showcase my pies once again. Ballarat’s Best Pie not only fuels my passion but gives me the opportunity to showcase my business to a wider audience and attract new customers.

“This community has been a cornerstone of my journey, and I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received. I can’t wait to see all the incredible entries this year and wish everyone the best of luck.”