A bakery on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula has clinched the title of Australia’s best pie, surprising fans of the classic Aussie fare with an unexpected entry.
Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes, known for its locations in Ocean Grove, Queenscliff, and Geelong, secured the top spot at the Baking Association of Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition held in Melbourne last week. Their prawn laksa pie took home the coveted award, marking the bakery’s third win in four years.
Co-owner Nathan Williams expressed his surprise at the win, revealing that he had expected one of his chicken-based pies to triumph this year. Despite initially hesitating to enter the winning pastry due to time constraints, Williams credited his wife’s encouragement for persuading him otherwise.
Reflecting on the competition, Williams noted adjustments made to enhance pie stability following past feedback, which led to his prawn laksa pie’s success. He acknowledged the pie’s divisive Asian seafood flavor but emphasized positive customer feedback from those who tried it.
Williams highlighted a growing trend in Asian-inspired flavors gaining popularity in traditional pastries, noting their recent success in the competition.
Following their victory, Rolling Pin has experienced a surge in customers, a trend expected to continue into the upcoming Victorian school holidays.
BAA executive officer Tony Smith praised Rolling Pin’s innovative approach, noting that the competition highlighted a departure from traditional beef mince pies towards more diverse flavors and fillings. The competition spanned three days, featuring 362 bakeries and over 2400 entries of pies and pasties judged for various criteria including taste, aroma, and pastry quality.
In addition to winning the overall pie category, Rolling Pin also secured an award for their wholemeal vegetarian pastie, underscoring their versatility and culinary expertise in pastry making.