Aussie Pie

When it comes to iconic Australian foods, alongside Vegemite, the Aussie Pie immediately comes to mind. This distinct meat pie is characterized by its crisp yet tender pastry crust, filled with minced beef or lamb seasoned with salt, pepper, and various spices. Some recipes might also include vegetables like carrots or corn. Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to delve into the history of this popular meat pie.

Ancient Origins of the Meat Pie

While famously known as the "Aussie Pie," the true origins of meat pies actually trace back to ancient civilizations. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all enjoyed various forms of meat pies, and over time, this culinary tradition spread across Europe.

Arrival in Australia and a Significant Transformation

Meat pies arrived in Australia with British settlers in the late 18th century. In these early days, Aussie pies closely resembled their English counterparts, primarily filled with lamb or mutton. They were commonly served with tomato sauce, chili sauce, or mayonnaise.

However, during the 19th century, the meat pie became a staple food for Australians. As lamb sometimes became scarce in certain areas, they began to use beef as the primary filling and seasoned it with local ingredients. This marked a significant change that gave the Aussie meat pie its unique character, distinguishing it from English pies, and truly beginning the era of the "Aussie Pie."

Charles Savell : Elevating the Aussie Pie Standard

In 1871, Charles Savell, the owner of Savell's Pies in Sydney, significantly boosted the popularity of the Aussie pie. His pies were renowned for their quality and flavor, setting a high standard for meat pie production. People from across Australia traveled to his shop to taste Savell's high-quality meat pies.

Charles's success inspired other bakeries to enter the market, each developing their own techniques and secret recipes. Soon, Aussie pies were mass-produced to meet the increasing demand and became a readily available snack.

A National Symbol and Pie Competitions

In the 20th century, the Aussie pie became a national symbol. During both World War I and II, Aussie pies served as a staple food, providing essential sustenance for soldiers and civilians. After the wars, Aussie pies also became a popular snack consumed during sporting events, especially football matches, parties, and various festivals, becoming an inseparable part of Australian social gatherings.

In 1990, Australia hosted its first Great Aussie Pie Contest to promote the production of high-quality meat pies. This competition attracted chefs from all over Australia, as it awarded certificates of excellence to pies that met specific quality standards. This initiative helped to elevate and maintain the quality of the Aussie pie.

Aussie Pie on the Global Stage and in Thailand

Over the past few decades, Australians living abroad and tourists have introduced the Aussie pie to the world. This has led to the opening of Australian-style bakeries in various countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where these establishments offer their own versions of the Aussie pie, receiving positive reception.

In Thailand, the Aussie pie has also gained popularity in recent years. In 2023, the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) initiated the Aussie Pies - It's Just Better campaign to share authentic Australian culinary culture with Thai consumers. Several restaurants participated in this project, presenting special Aussie pie recipes, both traditional and fusion versions that incorporate Thai flavors to better suit local tastes.

From its humble beginnings, the Aussie meat pie has become more than just food; it's a part of Australia's culture and spirit, now ready for people worldwide to savor.

You can find high-quality ingredients to make delicious Aussie pies at all Rimping Supermarket branches!