Not the fruity dessert variety we know in the United States, but the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind they make “Down Under” in both New Zealand and Australia. A dish so popular that Wikipedia claims that Australians, on average, consume 12 and New Zealanders, 15 annually.
I had my pie and ate it, too at Hamlets Pies a small storefront on the pedestrian Corso in Manly, a wonderful beachfront town just a short ferry ride from Sydney. (I’ll tell you more about this postcard perfect town in a future post but today’s focus is food and I don’t want to detract from this little shop that has been serving up pies for more than 25 years!)
Similar to the United Kingdom’s meat pies, the Australian and New Zealand versions of the pie typically include a minced meat, gravy, onion, mushroom, cheese, potatoes and crust (I know, it sounds like starch and calories. . .it was, but sometimes you just have to seize the moment ~ and all the calories that comes with it!)
The pies are most often sold as take-away food so the shop had but a table or two for on-site dining. A freezer case was filled with boxed pies and the display case filled with the fresh-baked, hand-made-on-site pies.
Think adult candy store. So many choices. . .garlic prawn, pumpkin, feta and coriander, chicken, bacon avocado. . . We chose the traditional meat version for our introduction:
It was a beauty, this pie whose beginnings can be traced through history, beginning with the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Luckily we’d decided to share one as it was a hefty little fellow that satiated the hunger pangs for both of us.
The only disappointment was that we only ate one during our five-day stay. The good news is we have an Australian Pie Company back home in the Seattle suburb of Burien! This eatery, which looks much like the one we visited in Manley, has been baking up pies since opening in May 1998. I’ll be heading there to pick up some pies real soon!
For those in (or visiting) the Seattle area: The Australian Pie Company is located at 425 SW 152nd St. (across from Burien Town Square), 98166, phone 206-243-4138. Check it out at www.australianpieco.com
In Manly, Australia: Hamlets Pie Company is located at 13 on The Corso. You can find them on FB as well.
And for you Foodies who like to cook, here’s a link to a recipe for Australian Meat pie.
For more foodie news, head over to Inside Journeys where we are linking up today at Foodie Tuesday.
Oh my gosh, Jackie! I haven't eaten breakfast and just now read this. I was literally licking my chops. A minced meat, gravy, onion, mushroom, cheese, potatoes and crust pie?? YES, please!! :)
ReplyDeleteMike, I think you need to try making one of these and report back on Foodie Tuesday! Thanks for the visit!!
DeleteAustralian pies have come along way since I was very young in Sydney, when there were not all these varieties availalbe. How interesting that there's an Australian company in Seattle.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at the variety available, Andrew. Just wish I had tried a few more flavors! Thanks for your visit- most appreciated, as always!
DeleteI'd love to give this one a try, Jackie. Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDeleteI may have to try it out as well, although I think I'd rather head to the place in Burien! Thanks for hosting Foodie Tuesday, Marcia!
DeleteThanks for linking up this week, Jackie!
ReplyDeleteHappy to find out about these on Foodie Tuesday. They look absolutely yummy!
ReplyDeleteJackie, it seems we have both been a little obsessed with pie posts this week! I so enjoyed reading about these Australian and New Zealand specialties! I would have gone for the Garlic Prawn or the Feta and Coriander, myself! How lovely of you to mention their ancient beginnings, something this Greek girl knew! Pies, both savoury and sweet are a favourite of mine; there is something so cozy and satisfying about them, isn't there?
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you!
Poppy
Yes Poppy, we did focus on pies this week, didn't we! Amazing to me to see their history dating back so many centuries! Happy Weekend to you my friend! xo
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