Meat pie

What is Meat pie?

The meat pie is a compact, individual savoury pie with a golden pastry crust, filled with diced or minced meat—usually beef—mixed with thick gravy. Some versions add onions, mushrooms, or cheese. The pie is about 8 ounces and fits in the hand, making it easy to eat without utensils. The filling is rich and savoury, and the pastry is designed to hold together when eaten on the go. It is typically served hot, sometimes with tomato sauce drizzled on top.

Where does Meat pie come from?

Meat pies have a long history in Australia and New Zealand, where they have become a symbol of local food culture. The traditional version with minced beef is especially associated with Australia and has been called the country's national dish. Pie making in Australia dates back to at least the late 19th century, with brands like Sargents and Balfours. In New Zealand, pie shops and chains such as Big Ben and the former Georgie Pie have made the meat pie a familiar part of everyday eating.

How is Meat pie made?

To make a meat pie, a filling of diced or minced meat is cooked with gravy, and sometimes onions, mushrooms, or cheese are added. The filling is placed in a tin lined with shortcrust pastry, then covered with another layer of pastry. The edges are crimped to seal the pie, which is then baked until the crust is firm and golden. The finished pie is removed from the tin and served whole, ready to eat by hand.

How and when is Meat pie eaten?

Meat pies are most often eaten hot, straight from bakeries, takeaway shops, or at sports events. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or quick dinner, and are usually eaten out of the hand rather than with cutlery. Tomato sauce, similar to ketchup, is a typical accompaniment, squeezed or spooned onto the top. In Australia, meat pies are also used in the pie floater, where the pie is served upside down in pea soup.

Kinds of Meat pie

While beef is the standard filling, pies can be made with other meats such as lamb, pork, or even kangaroo. Some pies include extra ingredients like onions, mushrooms, or cheese. Commercial pies must contain at least 25% meat, which can be from various animals. In Tasmania, rectangular pies are common, and some versions are topped with mashed potato, called cottage pies. Gourmet and vegetarian pies are also made, especially for competitions.

What Meat pie means

The meat pie is deeply woven into Australian and New Zealand culture, seen as an everyday food and a symbol of national identity. It is especially popular at football matches and is the subject of annual competitions like the Great Aussie Pie Competition and the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards. The pie's status is such that 'meat pie western' is a term for Australian western films. Consumption is high, with millions eaten each year.

Questions people ask about Meat pie

Good reading and sources

• Meat pie: a great Australian dishThe Guardian, Article

• Meat pie (Australia and New Zealand) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data