After tasting over 1,500 entries from all across the land – both hot and cold for thorough testing – the Baking Association of Australia has once again determined where you’ll find the best pie in 2023: Country Cob Bakery.
It’s rather unsurprising considering the humble operation, which has three locations in Victoria (Boronia, Kyneton, Springvale), has consistently been acknowledged by just about any competition searching for Australia’s best pies; if not with gilded glory then generally a high ranking in the shortlist.
What is surprising, however, is the pastry that won them the top prize. Having won in previous years with a caramelised pork & pepper pie (2021) and a plain beef pie (2022), this year, they got the job done with their Cambodian-style Fish Amok Pie which features Barramundi and curry sauce.
“We finally did it,” said co-owners Chan & Ryhan Khun via Instagram.
“We have just won the title of the 2023 Australia’s Best Pie. After a tough three days of competition amongst 340 other bakeries across the nation, our Fish Amok Pie took out the top gong for this year’s competition.”
Country Cob Bakery also took home the gold for the following categories:
- Best Seafood Pie (Fish Amok) Pie)
- Best Mushroom Pie (Black Forest)
- Best Flavoured Beef Pie (Pepper Beef)
- and Best Traditional Pasty (Meat & Veg)
Those of you after something more conventional might also be interested to learn South Australia’s Banana Boogie Barkery was awarded for Best Plain Mince Beef Pie while Victoria’s Rolling Pin Pies received the coveted nod for Best Chunky Plain Beef Pie.
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Elsewhere, in another competition, Victoria’s Whittlesea Bakehouse was crowned as the producer of Australia’s best meat pies, claiming the throne formerly occupied by Pinjarra Bakery.
“I’m a firm believer if you use good ingredients, good flour, good margarine, you keep it simple and love what you do, then that’s what counts,” Whittlesea Bakehouse pie maker Adrian Caporetto told Star Weekly back in 2022.
When asked about the secret to crafting the best meat pie in Australia, chief judge Mike French revealed it essentially comes down to three simple elements: “A crispy pastry top with flake, a structurally sound pie bottom, and the ultimate pie filling.”
French added the ideal pie should be “baked through with a nice golden colour” with a consistent three-millimetre thick side and bottom.
“Regardless of the meat you choose, the ultimate pie filling contains meat, thickener, colour, and seasoning, and we recommend adding some onion for flavour,” he explained.
“Be sure to pay special attention to the meat-to-pastry ratio to achieve the perfect balance and not jeopardise your structure.”
“The pie should be meaty and tasty with a nice rich brown gravy, not grey or black. The filling should not fall into your lap when hot, or conversely, stick to the roof of your mouth.”
Hit the link below to check out the full results for Australia’s Best Pie & Pastie Competition 2023.
