Ballarat is set to transform into a pie-lover’s paradise this winter as local restaurants, bakeries, breweries and artisans fire up their ovens to battle it out for the crown of Ballarat’s Best Pie this August.
Now in its fourth year, the celebrated event will welcome 30 participating venues, including a selection of exciting new entrants ready to bring fresh flavours to the ultimate winter food trail. From nostalgic comfort classics to boundary-pushing creations, this year’s lineup showcases the very best of regional produce, craftsmanship and culinary imagination. Last year, more than 20,000 pies were sold across the city.
The competition officially kicks off on Saturday 1 August, with the 2026 Ballarat’s Best Pie Awards Ceremony at Itinerant Spirits at 3pm.
Pie connoisseurs and members of the public are invited to join a panel of judges for a slice of the fun and to witness the winners being crowned live. This year’s expert panel features Tim Bone (MasterChef Australia contestant), Kara Monssen (Herald Sun food and wine editor), Alejandro Saravia (acclaimed Melbourne chef), Richard Cornish (veteran food writer) and Cr Tracey Hargreaves (City of Ballarat Mayor).
The panel will award winners across five distinct categories:
- Ballarat’s Best Pie (1st, 2nd and 3rd places)
- Ballarat’s Best Sweet Pie
- Ballarat’s Best Savoury Pie
- Ballarat’s Best Bakery Pie
- Brilliantly Unexpected Pie
The full line-up will be available throughout August for the public to eat, enjoy and vote for their favourite as the search for the region’s favourite pie doesn’t end with the official judges.
Throughout August, the public will have the ultimate say in deciding the People’s Choice Pie.
Voting runs from 1–31 August, with the winner announced in early September. By casting a vote for their favourite creation, pie lovers will automatically go into the running to win a luxurious Ballarat escape for two, valued at over $1200.
FLAVOUR HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2026
Savoury Pies:
- Kilderkin Distillery: Highland Bramble Lamb Pie with blackberries, Scottish herbs and spices served with mint pea mash.
- Craig’s Royal Hotel: Korean Galbi-jjim Pie (Korean braised short rib) with root vegetables and savoury gravy.
- The Shared Table: Sher Wagyu Reuben Pie with braised wagyu, pastrami flavours, sauerkraut, cheese and pickles.
- Tuki Trout Farm: Rainbow Trout Escabeche Pie with sweet and sour escabeche sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Aunty Jacks: Chicken parmigiana wrapped in buttery pastry with mozzarella velouté.
Sweet Pies:
- Mrs Browne Bakes (Ballarat’s Best Pie Winner 2025): Banana and Honey Caramel Miso Gold Fever Hand Pie finished with a feuilletine crunch.
- Flying Chillies: Pandan flower pie with salted palm sugar caramel, pandan cheesecake, ube whipped white chocolate ganache and finished with a coconut mochi.
- Mondegreen Cafe: Off The Wagon Ice Cream Pie with a biscuit crust, chocolate ice cream, raspberry jam and marshmallow.