Ballarat's Best Pie Competition

Escape to Ballarat this August and enjoy a slice of the regional culinary capital with the return of the beloved Ballarat's Best Pie competition, taking place across the city from 1-31 August. 

The competition will see 20 pies from 19 local chefs, restaurants, cafésand 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. 

On the menu are traditional with flavours like Lamb and Rosemary Pie (The Western Hotel); Ultimate Egg and Bacon Pie (Eclectic Tastes Café & Pantry); and Beef Brisket and Mushroom Melt Pie (Mitchell Harris Wines) while others have gone with more unconventional combinations – 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). 

Pie lovers can taste all the city has to offer on the Ballarat Pie Trail. Pick up the map from the Ballarat Information Centre or download it online at visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie.  

Then on Saturday 5 August,culinary journalist Sofia Levinwill host the 2023 Ballarat's Best Pie Awardsat Hop Temple. From 2pm, join judges and pie connoisseursTim Bone (MasterChef Australia), Jack van der Heyden (radio host), Kate Davis (Plate Up Ballarat Festival Director) and Richard Cornish (food writer) and witness the thrillingmoment the winnersare crowned. 

The list of participating pies and venues includes: 

• 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 

For more information, visit visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie.