
10 Feb 2023
Between the lasagne pie, the one filled with Polish hunter’s stew, the Thai-inspired pies and the classic beef, whittling down the list was tough but we’ve managed to get it down to just five bakeries where you’re guaranteed to get a pie worth crowing about.
When an ex-Supernormal chef started to make pies out of a tiny Footscray shop, pastry lovers rejoiced.
But aside from the eye-catching comic-style signage, Pie Thief seems merely like your standard Aussie pie shop at first glance. Steak and cheese pies? Check. Bacon and egg pies? Check. Sausage rolls? You bet.
Look a bit closer, however, and you’ll detect some decidedly more creative sights, sounds and aromas. Is that Chinese food you smell? Yes, it is – and it’s been baked inside the golden pastry shell of your dreams. Did someone just order a lasagne pie? Yes, they did – and you should, too.
The rotating pie of the week system introduces a brand new pie filling for you to indulge in. Last we checked, Instagram was drooling over Pie Thief’s Portuguese-style pork braised in white wine and paprika with Dijon mustard and peri peri sauce.
Can’t decide? Order a party-pie tasting paddle and you’ll get to try four different kinds for just $12.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Lasagne pie ($8)
Say hello to yet another talented team of pastry chefs out west. At Candied Bakery, you’ll discover a whole lot more than just pies, though. Cinnamon scrolls, apple pie-flavoured milkshakes and drool-worthy jaffles are just a few of the treats lining the shelves of this American-influenced bakery.
But this week we’re all about the pies. You’ll find some memorable ones at Candied. Try the lentil with halloumi, a Spotswood crowd-pleaser for years. Or if you’ve got a more carnivorous tooth – the signature classic Aussie meat pie is your holy grail.
Here it’s made with fresh butter for a flaky, rich five-layered crust. The sumptuous, umami-packed filling will leave you wondering about the baker’s secrets (Hint: one of them’s vegemite).
There’s a range of other exciting treats to try at this enchanting emporium, like kimchi hotdogs, earl grey and lemon croissants, and croque monsieur, so if you’re ready to go… go hungry.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Classic beef pie ($6.80)
As you might guess from the name, Austro serves Austrian-inspired pastries and sweets.
The unique bakehouse is nestled in a leafy South Melbourne street, attracting scores each day over brunch hour. Step inside to find charming wall murals of the alpine town Hallstatt and a serene, minimalistic space for dining in.
Though there’s an abundance of baked goods on display here, the hot pies on the counter are very popular. Here they’re rustic, puffy and generous in size, much like something your nanna might have hand-rolled and baked back in the day.
Though the flavours regularly rotate based on seasonality and the chefs’ whims, expect an imaginative array of fillings on every visit. Think beef goulash and masala pies, chicken, chard and leek pies and zucchini pizza-flavoured pies.
For a pie that’s a game-changer, try the Polish hunter’s stew with pork belly and sausage.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Polish hunter’s stew pie ($8.90)
Who knew Thai food and golden puff pastry would be a match made in heaven?
Actually it’s unsurprising, really, given how magic fluffy roti already tastes dipped into a green curry.
In any case, Udom House’s Thai-inspired pies are genius. Marrying buttery, flaky pastry with the complex fragrant curries of Southeast Asia works a treat. And while the flavours might change on the regular, the concept remains the same.
Vegos, anticipate jam-packed flavour bombs like jackfruit, makrut lime leaf, ground sticky rice and chilli paste. Meat pie fans can dig into spicy, garlicky chicken pies and red curry pies hot off the warmer.
But the quirky Thai cafe doesn’t just stop at pies. You can try traditional kaya toast, pastry jaffles, omelettes and stir-fries.
To wash it all down, enjoy a coffee by Padre.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Northern style young jackfruit salad pie ($8)
The pies from this artful bakery and larder known as ‘Baketico’ are from renowned gourmet chef Raymond Capaldi and his pastry project Wonder Pies.
You could always buy a family-sized one at the wholesale factory in Brunswick East, but to taste a Wonder Pie hot and fresh out the oven? Baketico’s the place to be.
On the pie front, there’s well over 10 different creations to choose from – try lamb and rosemary, country chicken and vegetable or mushroom and cheese. The parmesan-topped shepherd’s pie is a winner.
If you’re vegan, there’s a small range of hearty vegan pies that pack just as much flavour.
The cafe has warm family vibes and truckloads of other Aussie-made savouries and sweets on offer for you to grab n’ go.
If you’re still feeling peckish afterwards, grab a fresh lamington or one of Baketico’s decadent Gaytime donuts.
Fun fact: Baketico’s sausage roll was once voted Melbourne’s best!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Shepherd’s pie ($10.50)