Lyla Lindsey
Australian meat pies are a beloved national dish in Australia, but what do Americans make of them? While American sweet pies are well-known worldwide, savoury meat pies are less common in the US, where they are considered to be a British or Australian dish. However, some Americans have embraced the Australian meat pie, and it is even sold at basketball games, inspired by Australian players. In addition, Australian-style cafes in New York City serve meat pies, and one Australian expat in LA reported that Americans love meat pies, despite finding the concept unusual at first.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australian meat pies in America | Garlo's Aussie Pie Shop in Westwood LA |
| How Americans perceive Australian meat pies | Savory pies with a crust on the top and bottom, chunks of meat, vegetables, and aromatics in a thick broth |
| Australian meat pie fillings | Beef mince, chunky steak and mushroom, chicken, curried vegetable, lamb, kidney |
| Australian meat pie consumption occasions | Footy or other sporting events |
| American perception of eating meat pies | "Ew, meat in pies!" |
| American pies | Sweet pies, chicken pot pie |
| American perception of Australian coffee | Good coffee in New York |
| Australian meat pie origin | British |
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What You'll Learn
American perception of Australian meat pies
Australian meat pies are a handheld savoury pastry, filled with diced or minced meat and gravy, and sometimes with vegetables, aromatics, or cheese. They are often consumed as a takeaway snack and are considered Australia's "national dish".
Americans, on the other hand, are more accustomed to sweet pies, with savoury pies like the classic chicken pot pie being less common. Despite this, many Americans are willing to try Australian meat pies and enjoy them. This is evidenced by the success of Australian pie shops in cities like Los Angeles and New York, where Aussies Pie Company and Garlo's Aussie Pie Shop have garnered positive reviews from American customers.
Some cultural differences in pie-eating habits have been noted, such as the technique of eating a meat pie at a sporting event without spilling the hot filling. Additionally, the size of pies differs, with Australian meat pies being smaller and more suitable for handheld consumption.
The popularity of Australian meat pies in the USA has been influenced by Australian expats and travellers, who seek out familiar flavours and share their culinary traditions with Americans. This exchange has also led to the introduction of other Australian food and beverage items in the US, such as flat whites, smashed avocado, and Anzac biscuits.
While some Americans have embraced Australian meat pies, others have expressed confusion or disgust, as seen in reactions to an American attempting to eat a meat pie at an Australian basketball game. Overall, it appears that while Australian meat pies may be a novel concept for some Americans, they are gradually gaining recognition and appreciation in the USA.
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Australian meat pie ingredients
The Australian meat pie is a handheld savoury pie that is considered Australia's "national dish". It is made with a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and aromatics in a thick broth. The meat can be diced or minced beef, slow-cooked chunky beef, or ground beef. Other meats like kangaroo, buffalo, camel, venison, goat, hare, pork, poultry, rabbit, and sheep are also used, sometimes with the addition of offal.
The pie is often filled with a rich gravy, which can be made during the cooking process using the liquid at the bottom of the pie.
The pastry used for the crust is typically puff pastry, which is flaky and golden, providing a contrast to the rich and savoury filling. The pastry can be made from scratch or bought pre-made, and it is used to line the pie dish and form the top crust. The edges of the pastry are sealed with milk or beaten egg, and the top is glazed with the same before baking.
Some recipes call for additional ingredients to enhance the flavour of the filling. These can include onions, mushrooms, cheese, bouillon cubes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, oregano, and nutmeg. The type of meat and the addition of certain ingredients, such as offal, may be specified on the label to meet labelling requirements.
In terms of presentation, the Australian meat pie can be made in various sizes, from individual pies meant to be eaten by hand to larger pies meant for sharing. It is often served with vegetables, fries, or a salad on the side.
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American alternatives to Australian meat pies
Australian meat pies are considered iconic in their native country, where they are often consumed as a handheld takeaway food snack. They are made with diced or minced meat and gravy, sometimes with onion, mushrooms, or cheese.
While Australian meat pies are unique, there are some American alternatives that are similar in concept and can be considered their cousins. Here are some examples of American pies that can be considered alternatives to the Australian meat pie:
- Pot Pie: A pot pie is a traditional American dish that is similar to a Australian meat pie in that it also has a filling of meat and vegetables. Pot pies are typically made with a flaky pastry crust and can be filled with a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, or turkey. They are often served as a comforting meal during colder months.
- Chicken Pot Pie: This is a variation of the traditional pot pie that specifically uses chicken as the main filling. It is a popular comfort food in the United States and can be found in both individual serving sizes and larger family-style portions.
- Tourtière (French-Canadian Meat Pie): Tourtière is a traditional meat pie from Quebec, Canada, which has been adopted and loved by many Americans, especially those in the northern states. It is typically made with ground pork, veal, or beef and a combination of spices, baked in a traditional pie crust. Tourtière is often served during the holiday season, making it a festive alternative to the Australian meat pie.
- Empanadas: While empanadas originate from Latin America, they have gained popularity across the United States. Empanadas are small, handheld meat pies that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including beef, chicken, or pork, and vegetables. They are typically fried or baked and are a convenient, portable alternative to the Australian meat pie.
- Pasties: Pasties have a long history in the United States, particularly in regions with a strong mining heritage, such as Michigan's Upper Peninsula and parts of the Midwest. They are handheld meat pies, often filled with ground beef, potatoes, and other vegetables, and then baked or fried. Pasties are a hearty and convenient meal, making them a viable alternative to Australian meat pies.
While these American alternatives may share some similarities with Australian meat pies, it is worth noting that the Australian version has its own unique charm and cultural significance that sets it apart.
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Australian meat pie-eating etiquette
Australian meat pies are considered iconic, and they are often consumed as a handheld takeaway food snack. The average Australian eats more than 12 meat pies each year. Meat pies are made in numerous neighbourhood bakery shops in Australia and are also available at service stations, schools, pubs, and sports venues.
There are differing opinions on the "correct" way to eat an Australian meat pie. Some people prefer to hold the pie and bite into it directly. However, others suggest a more intricate approach:
- Remove the lid in one neat piece.
- Add sauce to the exposed filling (some people may add sauce to the lid as well).
- Eat the lid separately, possibly using it to scoop out the filling.
- Consume the filling, being careful not to compromise the structural integrity of the pie and avoid making a mess.
- If there is any filling left, eat the remaining pie in bites, enjoying the combination of meat, sauce, and pastry.
Some people get creative with their meat pies, turning them into meat pie pizzas or even pie sangas (meat pie sandwiches). These variations involve adding sauce to the filling, scooping it out onto the lid or a slice of bread, and eating it like a pizza or sandwich.
While there is no universal agreement on the exact etiquette, the process of eating an Australian meat pie can be a source of pride and enjoyment for many Australians.
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Australian meat pie's popularity in America
Australian meat pies are a popular dish in Australia, considered by some to be the country's "national dish". They are handheld, savoury pies with diced or minced meat and gravy, sometimes with vegetables, aromatics, or other ingredients. While meat pies are popular in Australia, what about their popularity in America?
It seems that Australian meat pies are not as well-known in the US, with some Americans expressing unfamiliarity with the dish. However, there is a curiosity and willingness to try Australian meat pies among Americans. Some American companies, such as Aussie Pie Co., offer meat pies, and Australian-style bakeries and cafes have gained popularity in cities like New York and Los Angeles. These businesses cater to Australians living in the US and Americans interested in trying Australian cuisine.
The popularity of Australian meat pies in America may be growing, but it is still not as widespread as in Australia. Some Americans may find the concept of meat pies unusual, and there may be a learning curve when it comes to eating them, as seen in the BuzzFeed article about an American trying an Australian meat pie. However, once they try them, many Americans enjoy the taste and are open to adopting this Australian food tradition.
Australian meat pies have also made their way into American sports culture, with the Philadelphia 76ers selling meat pies at their games, inspired by their Australian player, Ben Simmons. This exposure could further increase the popularity of Australian meat pies in the US, especially among sports fans.
Overall, while Australian meat pies may not be as iconic in America as they are in Australia, they are gaining traction and finding their place in the diverse culinary landscape of the United States. Americans are discovering and embracing this Australian culinary delight, even if it is different from their typical sweet pies.
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Frequently asked questions
An Australian meat pie is a handheld savoury pie containing diced or minced meat and gravy, sometimes with vegetables, aromatics, or cheese.
Americans are not very familiar with Australian meat pies, but they are willing to try them and enjoy the taste.
Yes, there are Australian bakeries in the US that sell meat pies, such as Garlo's Aussie Pie Shop in Westwood, LA, and Bourke Street Bakery in New York City.
Popular fillings for Australian meat pies include beef mince, chunky steak and mushroom, chicken, curried vegetable, lamb, and kidney.
Australian meat pies were first produced in 1947 by L. T. McClure in a small bakery in Bendigo, becoming the well-known Four'n Twenty pie.
