Not many things in this life can beat a truly great pie – whether it’s served on a plate or eaten with one hand while you cruise down the highway. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
It’s the season of road trips – either to far-flung holiday destinations or to visit family members you feel vaguely guilty about not seeing all year.
Whether a road trip is a hellscape of boredom, traffic and screams from the backseat passengers or an oasis of good tunes, good snacks and good company comes down to planning.
I can’t tell you whether you should put on INXS’ Greatest Hits or Chappel Roan, but I can dispense advice about one crucial ingredient for a great road trip – the perfect food stop.
First, the perfect road trip food is a pie. Anything that involves a drive-through can get in the bin.
Those are for trips where time is of the essence and you’re already committed to being pretty miserable for most of the way.
On a good road trip, come meal-time you want to get out of the car and stretch your legs. You might want a hot drink, or a cold one. You might want a sweet snack to nibble on. You definitely want something substantial.
That something is a pie. No need to wait around for it to be cooked, or sit down and eat it (although you can if you want). A pie maximises efficiency and enjoyment.
On the flip side, there’s not much worse than a crap or overpriced pie. Servos must be steered clear of at all costs, except in times of great desperation.
When I pitched this story idea, my editor said: ‘You’re a bloody vego, what would you know?’
Fair question – so here are my qualifications.
Number one, I’ve spent extensive time in New Zealand, undisputed pie capital of the world. The crappiest servo pie in NZ is on par with an average bakery pie in Australia.
Gristly mince? They’ve never heard of it. You can get a pie with abalone at the most average New Zealand bakery. My expectations, tastes and judgement have been finely honed.
Number two, as a vego, I’m not convinced by the mere presence of a steak pie on the menu. I’m looking at the quality and diversity of fillings, the lusciousness of the gravy and the luxurious flakiness of pastry.
Third and finally, on all road trips I’m accompanied by my meat-eating Scottish-Kiwi husband, so you, dear reader can rest assured that all bases at all bakeries are well covered.
On to the rankings.
These guys are the undisputed pie champs. If you haven’t had a Hayden’s pie, do yourself a favour and go there immediately.
The line is often out the door over the holiday period and with good reason.
Their pastry is buttery and flaky, with enough structural integrity for a one-handed munch.
Their fillings are made with top-quality ingredients and there’s always a mix of old favourites, like steak and cheese, alongside creative combos, such as slow-cooked brisket and sake.
There are always at least three vegetarian or vegan options, and the treat cabinet usually has something gluten-free, too.
Tucked away under Bunnings, Earnest Arthur is easy to miss.
Once you’ve found it though, you’ll quickly see why it has a dedicated following.
Their pies are top-notch, from pastry to fillings, with everything from a classic cottage pie to nacho flavour on the menu.
Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian, you’ll find a pie – and a treat in the well stocked, house-baked sweets cabinet.
They also do great coffee and bubble tea.
I’m prepared for the hate from Braidwood Bakery diehards, but this is the best pie between Canberra and the coast, hands down.
The quality of the pastry is incredible. The variety of flavours is seriously impressive for such a small space, and ever-changing – chicken chilli and lime, anyone?
You’ll find a variety of vego options, although vegans and gluten-free might struggle.
The sweets cabinet is filled with old favourites done well. Try their caramel slice; thank me later.
If you’re headed to the Southern Highlands, you’re likely to be lured in by the siren song of Robertson Pie Shop.
Don’t get me wrong, they do a solid pie, but Kangaroo Valley has an annual pie festival – you can’t compete with that kind of dedication.
The variety and creativity put into the menu here is fantastic. A cheeseburger pie complete with pickles is one standout that springs to mind.
Bonus points for picturesque location.
I know I said no servo pies, but hear me out.
Despite a recent change of ownership, the handmade pies on offer here are still banging.
There’s a mix of sweet and savoury options, but if you’re looking for vegan, gluten free or exotic flavours you’ll be disappointed.
This is a solid mid-tier pie option – no plastic pie wrappers in sight.
West of Canberra
In the interests of journalistic integrity, I have to confess that I have never had a truly great pie west of Canberra, despite regular travel through the region.
There are plenty of solid bakeries, but I’ve never come across anything truly exceptional. It’s mostly the same offerings your parents or grandparents would have eaten, in varying degrees of quality.
For these recommendations I reached out to my extensive web of extended family who unanimously rated the Orange Pie Company and Kakkadoo Cafe at Dunedoo.
Both are purveyors of high-quality, home-made pies, and have cult followings.
The menu of Orange Pie Company in particular has earnt it a place on my personal must-try list, but I can’t guarantee it.
Can you add any to my list?
