Five NSW country pie shops worth the visit
Country NSW hides some of Australia’s best pie shops so if you’re driving past try one of these for a pie-fuelled road trip.Australia has a naughty little secret and it’s called the meat pie. No other country understands that the combo of flaking, crispy pastry and a hot (but not volcanic), protein-enriched filling is the ultimate meal-in-the-hand. The good news is that claggy mince is out while rich and sometimes wildly inventive fillings are in. Even better they're easily found in our backyard, so here are five must-visits across country NSW.
Hayden’s Pies, Ulladulla
Quality ingredients make Hayden’s Pies irresistible and while Hayden Bridger and his team can churn out 3000 pies a day, they never cut corners. The wonderfully flaky puff pastry is made with real butter and the fillings – from chunky steak or meat and veg through Peking duck and even crocodile – helped take home Delicious magazine’s best pie award for NSW in 2023. Worth driving 220km south of Sydney or at a pinch, buy the cookbook.
Fredo Pies and Café, Frederickton
Frederickton is just a short detour off the A1 highway near Kempsey and Fredo Pies makes the stopover deliciously worthwhile. The Macleay River opposite this happy place with shady outdoor tables may not be infested with crocodiles but the pies sure are: or at least, Fredo’s signature croc-coffin is chockablock with saurian goodness. Venison, roo and satay chicken also feature (as well as the classics) or takeaway a coldie (pie, that is).
Little Sutton Bakehouse, Sutton
Yes, the pies are excellent at Little Sutton Bakehouse and on any given day there’s a bevy of hungry customers clamouring for the chicken and leek or chunky steak, fresh from the oven. But don’t miss the croissants, doorstop-sized sandwiches, an egg-and-bacon roll or any number of artisan sweet treats at this lovely stopover with outdoor seating just north of Canberra off the Federal Highway from Sydney.
Pie in the Sky, Cowan
Chances are you won't be the only one driving to Pie in the Sky to get your fix. This famous shop has been serving pies since 1990 and is a favourite of car and motorbike groups touring the winding roads of the Pacific Highway just north of Sydney. Of course, you can do takeaway or sit down and go the full pie floater experience - choose one of the beef, lamb, chicken or veggie pies and have it served complete with mash, peas and gravy. Just leave room for one of their equally delicious fruit pies.
Ken’s Humble Pie Shop, The Entrance
Ken Shearim used to bake at Pie in the Sky, so he knows a thing or two about flaky pastry and unctuous fillings at his new digs at The Entrance. And not to confuse anyone, he specialises in four things: pies, sausage rolls, quiches and profiteroles. That's it, but it does mean you have savoury and sweet easily sorted. On the savoury pie front, there’s nothing humble about his prawn mornay, surf and turf or honey chilli duck but if it’s straight-up chunky beef you’re after, Ken has you covered.
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