Ballarat Celebrates Australia's Most Creative Pie Competition
2026 Ballarat's Best Pie competition
Ballarat has once again proven why it is one of Australia's premier regional food destinations, with Buninyong's acclaimed restaurant, The Shared Table, taking out the coveted title of Ballarat's Best Pie 2026. The winning creation, the Sher Wagyu Reuben Pie, impressed an expert judging panel and emerged victorious over 29 outstanding savoury and sweet pie entries from bakeries, restaurants, hotels and cafés across the region.
The annual Ballarat's Best Pie competition has rapidly become one of Victoria's most anticipated culinary events, drawing food lovers from across Australia to discover the city's exceptional local produce, talented chefs and innovative flavours.
The Sher Wagyu Reuben Pie Delivers a Winning Recipe
The championship-winning Sher Wagyu Reuben Pie is a remarkable fusion of traditional comfort food and contemporary culinary creativity.
Crafted using premium locally sourced ingredients, the pie features slow-braised Sher Wagyu beef infused with rich pastrami flavours, combined with sauerkraut, melted cheese, tangy dressing and pickles. Everything is enclosed within a distinctive rye flour pastry that perfectly complements the classic Reuben sandwich inspiration.
The judges praised the pie for its originality, exceptional balance of flavours and outstanding craftsmanship, earning it not only Ballarat's Best Pie 2026 but also the award for Best Savoury Pie.
Owner Dianne Ray said winning against such a talented field of competitors was an unforgettable achievement.
She explained that The Shared Table has always embraced the philosophy of creating "Delicious and Surprising" dining experiences by blending international influences with quality regional ingredients. Their award-winning Reuben Pie perfectly reflects that vision, combining familiar flavours in an exciting new way.
Australia's Leading Food Experts Choose the Winners
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"Struck Gold & It's Sticky" pie by Cookie Cult, winner Best Sweet Pie in Ballarat's 2026 competition |
Hosting the event was MasterChef Australia semi-finalist and Good Chef Bad Chef co-host Tim Bone, who led an impressive judging panel featuring Herald Sun Food and Wine Editor Kara Monssen, acclaimed Melbourne chef Alejandro Saravia and respected food writer Richard Cornish.
Their combined culinary expertise ensured every entry was judged on flavour, pastry quality, presentation, creativity and overall eating experience.
Ballarat's Best Pie 2026 Award Winners
The competition showcased the extraordinary diversity of Ballarat's food scene.
The major award winners included:
- Ballarat's Best Pie 2026: The Shared Table – Sher Wagyu Reuben Pie
- Second Place: Cookie Cult – Struck Gold & It's Sticky Pie
- Third Place: The Buninyong Hotel – Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Pie
- Best Savoury Pie: The Shared Table – Sher Wagyu Reuben Pie
- Best Sweet Pie: Cookie Cult – Struck Gold & It's Sticky Pie
- Best Bakery Pie: Sovereign Hill – Slow-Cooked Blade Steak Pepper Pie
- Brilliantly Unexpected Pie: Flying Chillies – Pandan Flower Pie
Each winning pie highlights the innovation, cultural diversity and premium regional produce that have become hallmarks of Ballarat's thriving food industry.
A Culinary Adventure Throughout August
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| Buninyong Hotel Sri Lankan chicken curry pie |
More than 30 participating venues across Ballarat, Buninyong and surrounding communities are serving their signature creations, allowing visitors to design their own self-guided pie trail.
A Ballarat's Best Pie Map is available from the Ballarat Information Centre or can be downloaded online, helping travellers discover bakeries, cafés, pubs and restaurants participating in this year's event.
Last year alone, more than 20,000 competition pies were sold across the city, providing an important boost for local producers, hospitality businesses and regional tourism.
Vote for the People's Choice Pie
Food lovers also have the opportunity to become judges themselves.
Visitors can vote for their favourite pie in the People's Choice Award by scanning the QR code available at participating venues or voting online throughout August.
Every vote automatically enters participants into the draw to win a luxury Ballarat getaway for two valued at more than $1,200.
Voting closes on 31 August, with the People's Choice winner announced in early September.
Ballarat's Big Bite Aims to Make History
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| The Shared-Table Sher Wagyu Reuben pie |
Held at Ballarat Civic Hall, the event invites thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy a complimentary breakfast pie while attempting to create the largest gathering of people eating pies simultaneously.
Beginning early in the morning, Ballarat's Big Bite combines community spirit, live entertainment and regional food excellence in a unique celebration that reflects the city's welcoming character.
Regional Food Tourism Continues to Shine
Ballarat's Best Pie has evolved into far more than a cooking competition.
It has become a major tourism attraction that encourages visitors to extend their stay, explore local businesses and experience the region's outstanding hospitality.
From traditional Australian meat pies to globally inspired creations featuring Korean, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Filipino and European influences, the competition showcases Ballarat as one of Victoria's most exciting food destinations.
Whether visitors are passionate pie enthusiasts, weekend travellers or lovers of regional cuisine, Ballarat offers an unforgettable culinary journey filled with innovation, local produce and warm country hospitality.
Visit Ballarat
Website: https://www.visitballarat.com.auBallarat's Best Pie: https://www.visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie
Email: info@visitballarat.com.au
Phone: +61 3 5333 6530
Address: Ballarat Information Centre, 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350, Australia
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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