Across the month of August more than 23,000 pies were consumed in the city as part of Ballarat's Best Pie, marking the most successful year of the competition's history.
The month-long pastry celebration showcased the creativity, craftsmanship and local flavours that continue to make Ballarat a standout food destination.
Of the 30 pies vying for the coveted People's Choice Pie Award throughout August, Emma's Bakery was announced on Tuesday as the winner for its creation of a Meredith Dairy goat deluxe pie.
Rounding out the podium was Mrs Brownes Bakes in second place with a banana and honey miso caramel gold fever hand pie and Sovereign Hill for its slow-cooked blade steak pepper pie in third.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the People's Choice Pie highlighted the strong local support behind Ballarat's hospitality sector.
"Ballarat's Best Pie brought our community together through a shared love of great food, with thousands of locals and visitors getting behind 30 outstanding pie creations throughout August," she said.
"The People's Choice Pie is particularly special because it reflects the genuine enthusiasm of those who have visited venues, tried the pies and cast their vote.
"Congratulations to all participating venues for showcasing the incredible talent, creativity and local produce that make Ballarat's food scene so unique."
Cr Hargreaves said events like Ballarat's Best Pie not only support local businesses during winter, but they also help reinforce Ballarat's reputation as one of regional Victoria's leading culinary destinations.
Ballarat's Best Pie is run in partnership between the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria as a signature winter initiative designed to encourage visitation, support local hospitality businesses and showcase the region's food and beverage offering.
At the start of August all pies were judged on the balance of flavour, creativity, pastry, filing, presentation and use of local ingredients.
The winners were:
- Ballarat's Best Pie (Grand Prize Winner) - The Shared Table's Sher Wagyu Pie
- Ballarat's Best Pie (2nd Place) - Cookie Cult's Struck Gold and It's Sticky Pie (available at Yellow Espresso)
- Ballarat's Best Pie (3rd Place) - The Buninyong Hotel's Sri Lankan chicken curry pie
- Best Savoury Pie - The Shared Table's Sher Wagyu Pie
- Best Sweet Pie - Cookie Cult's Struck Gold and It's Sticky Pie (available at Yellow Espresso)
- Best Bakery Pie - Sovereign Hill's slow-cooked blade steak pepper pie
- Brilliantly Unexpected Pie - Flyng Chilies' pandan flower pie (available at The Salty Sparrow Cafe and selected local markets)
