Lexi Webster
Meat pies are a popular dish in Australia, with even the smallest of towns having at least one bakery selling them. The meat pie was introduced to Australia by the British, who sold them as a convenience food for the poor. The Four'n Twenty pie, first produced in 1947, is one of Australia's most famous pies, alongside Patties, and is considered iconic in Victoria. Australians have a strong preference for meat pies, with many people travelling interstate to sample award-winning pies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat pies introduced in the US | 1994 |
| First Australian meat pie | 1947 |
| Popular pie brand | Four'n Twenty |
| Pie with high meat content | Railway pies |
| Popular pie fillings | Chicken, seafood, beef mince, steak and pepper, eggs benedict, and vegetarian |
| Popular pie toppings | Tomato sauce, mashed peas, mashed potatoes, and gravy |
| Popular pie manufacturers | Sargents, Big Ben Pies, Georgie Pie, National Pies, Patties Foods |
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What You'll Learn
Meat pies are a staple in Australia
The meat pie holds a special place in Australian culture, with even the smallest country towns having at least one bakery offering their take on this classic dish. From the traditional steak and pepper pie to more innovative creations like the eggs Benedict pie, Australians are passionate about their meat pies. This passion is often instilled at a young age, with many Australians recalling the excitement of "lunch order" days during their school years, when they could order a steaming hot meat pie with tomato sauce oozing from the top.
The Australian meat pie has also made its way onto the international stage, with Mark Allen introducing it to the United States in 1994. Allen, originally from Boort, Victoria, started Pacific Products, a wholesale business that supplied meat pies to retailers across the United States. While Pacific Products is no longer operational, Allen's impact on promoting Australian meat pies globally cannot be overstated.
In addition to its cultural significance, the meat pie has also sparked friendly debates among Australians regarding the "correct" way to eat it. Some insist on holding it and biting into it directly, while others have a more intricate process. Some Australians remove the lid, add sauce to the meat and the underside of the lid, and then eat the pastry and filling separately. Others get creative, adding mashed peas, mashed potatoes, and gravy or even turning their meat pie into a "pie floater" by covering it in pea soup.
The meat pie's versatility and popularity have solidified its status as a staple in Australia, with pie-making contests and gourmet variations further elevating its prominence in the country's culinary landscape. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite on the go or as a comforting meal, the meat pie holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Australians nationwide.
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The history of meat pies in Australia
Meat pies are considered an Australian icon. They are a part of the culture and are consumed by Australians of all ages. In fact, according to a 2003 study, the average Australian consumes more than 12 meat pies each year.
The roots of Australia's meat pie obsession can be traced back to Britain. In the early 1800s, the first steam-powered commercial wheat mill opened in Sydney, and pie vendors began to set up on street corners and in bakeries in rural towns. This marked the beginning of Australia's pie history.
In 1947, L. T. McClure of Bendigo, Victoria, created the first Four'n Twenty pie, which became one of Australia's most famous pies. Four'n Twenty pies are considered iconic in Victoria due to their association with Australian rules football. Other well-known pie manufacturers in Victoria include Patties Foods, which produces both Four'n Twenty and Patties pies.
In Tasmania, National Pies is the main pie manufacturer, producing beef mince pies and "Cottage Pies," which are topped with mashed potato. National Pies' mince pies are rectangular, while most other brands produce round pies.
"Railway pies" were another notable variety of meat pie in Australia. These pies were served on country trains and in the refreshment rooms of the NSWGR. In 1942, it was reported that 2.3 million of these pies were consumed over a 12-month period. However, the long travel distance and lack of refrigeration led to reports of pies being past their prime when served to customers.
Meat pies in Australia are often consumed as a takeaway food snack and are considered perfect for community events, road trips, and backyard parties. They are also commonly enjoyed during sporting events, with many people travelling interstate to sample the winning pie from the annual Great Aussie Pie Competition, which began in 1989.
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How meat pies are eaten in Australia
Meat pies are a popular dish in Australia, with Australians consuming an estimated 270 million meat pies every year, or nearly 11 per person annually. Meat pies are considered a staple in Australian culture and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
The meat pie is believed to have originated in Britain and was introduced to Australia in the 19th century by English bakers. Over time, the meat pie has become ingrained in Australian culture and is often associated with Australian rules football. One of the most famous meat pie brands in Australia is Four'n Twenty, which was first produced in 1947 by L.T. McClure in Bendigo. The brand has achieved iconic status in Victoria due to its association with the state's beloved sport.
Meat pies in Australia are typically hand-sized and are made with diced or minced meat and gravy. They are often made with beef, but other meats such as buffalo, camel, venison, goat, hare, pork, poultry, rabbit, and sheep are also used. The pie is usually served hot, with the top pastry or puff light and crispy, and the filling not too runny or starchy. Australians often enjoy their meat pies as a takeaway food snack, and they can be purchased from bakeries, service stations, and corner stores across the country.
In addition to the classic steak and pepper pie, Australia has also embraced more inventive pie flavours. For example, the winning pie at the Great Aussie Pie Competition in 2018 was a satay seafood pie created by Cambodian migrant brothers Chan and Ryan Khun. Other popular pie flavours include chicken, bacon and egg, and even avant-garde options like eggs Benedict pie.
Meat pies hold a special place in Australian culture, and their popularity extends beyond just their taste. Many Australians have fond memories of eating meat pies as a treat during their school days, and the pies are often associated with celebrations and special occasions. The meat pie has become an iconic symbol of Australia's culinary culture and continues to be a beloved dish for many Australians.
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Variations of meat pies in Australia
Meat pies are a classic and iconic Australian dish. The average Australian consumes more than 12 meat pies each year. Meat pies are often sold as a takeaway food snack from small 'pie shops' or bakeries. They are also served at Australian rules football games.
The classic meat pie recipe uses ground or minced beef with gravy encased in flaky golden pastry. However, there are many variations of meat pies in Australia, including beef and onion, beef and cheese, and beef and potato pies. For the beef and potato pie, the potato is mashed, piped on top of the pie, and baked until slightly browned. Some pies also include mushrooms or cheese, and for the cheese version, cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top of the meat before the pastry topping is added.
In Tasmania, National Pies is the main pie manufacturer, producing typical beef mince pies and "Cottage Pies", which are topped with mashed potato and rectangular in shape. 'Railway pies', which were once served on country trains and at refreshment rooms of the NSWGR, were known for their high meat content and flavour.
In Victoria, Four'n Twenty and Patties are two of Australia's most famous pies, both manufactured by Patties Foods in Bairnsdale. Four'n Twenty pies are well-known for their association with Australian rules football and have iconic status in Victoria.
In addition to traditional meat pies, there are also gourmet pies with fillings such as chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options. For example, the winning entry of the 2019 Great Aussie Pie Competition was a caramelised pork and pepper pie, inspired by a Cambodian comfort dish.
Australian meat pies have also gained popularity outside of Australia, with Australian expats introducing meat pies to the United States and New Zealand.
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Meat pie manufacturers in Australia
Meat pies are considered iconic in Australia, with the average Australian consuming more than 12 meat pies each year. Meat pie manufacturers in Australia tend to be state-based, with many pies sold ready-to-eat at smaller outlets and unbranded. Some of the well-known pie makers in Australia include Four'n Twenty, Patties Foods, and National Pies. Four'n Twenty, owned by Patties Foods, is an iconic pie brand in Victoria, Australia, with a classic pie filled with mutton and beef in a spiced gravy. The brand's name is derived from the English nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence." Patties Foods manufactures both Four'n Twenty and Patties pies in Bairnsdale, Victoria. National Pies, the main manufacturer in Tasmania, produces traditional beef mince pies and "Cottage Pies" topped with mashed potato.
Other notable pie manufacturers in Australia include Sargents, Balfours, and Vili's. Sargents, the former dominant meat pie brand in New South Wales, ceased production in 2022 but had a long history dating back to 1891. Balfours in South Australia and Vili's, which started in the post-war era, have also been making pies for over a century. Mrs Mac's Pies, produced in Western Australia, are sold nationwide and can be found in various locations, including service stations and corner stores.
In addition to these established brands, Australia also has numerous neighbourhood bakeries creating their versions of meat pies. The Great Aussie Pie Competition, established in 1989, aims to promote higher-quality pie production and recognize the best commercially produced meat pies in the country. This annual event attracts pie-makers from across Australia, fostering innovation and excellence in this beloved aspect of Australian cuisine.
Australian meat pies have also gained international recognition, with exports to the United States and New Zealand. In 1994, Mark Allen from Victoria introduced Australian meat pies to the American market through Pacific Products, Inc. in Georgia. Although Pacific Products is no longer operational, Allen later opened the Australian Bakery Cafe in the same state, which continues to ship its products across the US. Additionally, Big Ben Pies in New Zealand produces and sells 13 million pies annually.
The meat pie's popularity in Australia can be attributed to various factors, including its convenience as a takeaway food snack and its integration into cultural traditions, such as football matches and school lunch orders. With its high per-capita meat pie consumption, Australia embraces this dish as an integral part of its culinary landscape, reflected in the diverse range of manufacturers and the enduring popularity of this comfort food.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, people in Australia eat pies. Meat pies are considered a classic Australian dish.
Australians eat a variety of pies, from classic steak and pepper pies to more creative options like eggs Benedict pies. They also enjoy gourmet pies with fillings like chicken, seafood, or vegetarian options.
Meat pies were introduced to Australia by British immigrants, who have a long history of pie-making. The Australian meat pie was first produced in 1947 by L. T. McClure in Bendigo, and it has since become an iconic part of Australian culture.
Yes, some well-known pie makers in Australia include Four'n Twenty, Patties, and National Pies. Four'n Twenty pies are particularly famous in Victoria due to their association with Australian rules football.
There are many ways to eat a pie in Australia. Some people like to remove the lid, add sauce, and eat the filling and pastry separately. Others prefer to eat it with a fork and spoon or a "spoon/fork hybrid cutlery implement". Adding mashed peas, mashed potatoes, and gravy is also a popular choice.
