Slice of heaven | Ballarat’s winning pie

Ballarat’s Best Pie was crowned on Saturday by an esteemed panel of pie lovers.  

The event on Saturday was hosted by culinary journalist Sofia Levin at Hop Temple and many attended to enjoy a pie-fect afternoon.  

The winning pies were judged by Cr Daniel Moloney, Tim Bone, Jack Vanderheyden, Kate Davis and Richard Cornish.

The 2023 winners  

The babi pongteh pie from Flying Chillies was crowned Ballarat's Best Pie, available at Red Duck Brewery. With second place going to Eclectic Tastes and their ultimate egg and bacon pie and the Black Cat Truffles confit chicken, leek and truffle pie coming in at third.

Grandma Harriet’s bramble and apple pie from Kilderkin Distillery took out the best sweet pie.  

Flying Chillies’ braised pork pie also received the title of best savory pie for 2023.  

1816 Bakehouse made the best bakery pie, with their smoked brisket and American cheddar pie.  

City of Ballarat Councillor, Cr Daniel Moloney said judging Ballarat’s Best Pie was an absolute dream!  

“Sampling the excellent pastries and fillings from some of Ballarat’s fantastic hospitality venues really showcased the incredible food we have on offer in our city,” he said.  

“All the pies will be available for the entire month of August, so make sure you try some of these delicious offerings from bakeries, cafes, bars and restaurants across Ballarat.”  

Order a pie from any participating venue, post a picture to Instagram using the tags #ballaratsbestpie and #visitballarat and you will go into the draw to win a weekend away in Ballarat valued at over $1,000. For competition terms and conditions head to visitballarat.com.au

Follow the pie trail in Ballarat, here. The full list of pies still available:  

• 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 the Ballarat Leagues Club  
• Raspberry Drop curd pie by Sovereign Hill
• Grandma Harriet’s bramble and apple pie by Kilderkin Distillery.