Meat pie

An Australian or New Zealand meat pie is a cherished, hand-sized pastry filled with diced or minced meat, gravy, and occasionally supplemented with ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, or cheese. This culinary delight transcends being merely a snack; it holds the status of a cultural emblem in both nations. Brands like Four'n Twenty and Patties in Australia, and Georgie Pie in New Zealand, are household names. On average, Australians consume over 12 meat pies annually, while New Zealanders enjoy about 15 each year.

However, not all meat pies are of the same quality. Concerns have been raised about the fat content and meat percentages in some supermarket variants. Studies have revealed that certain brands fail to meet the minimum meat content stipulated by food standards. While beef is the predominant filling, other meats such as buffalo, poultry, and even kangaroo are also utilized.

Every year, prestigious competitions like The Great Aussie Meat Pie Contest in Australia and the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards celebrate excellence in pie-making. These events, featuring various categories, attract pie-makers from across the country, showcasing their talent and creativity in this culinary craft.

Meat pies have also impacted popular culture. In Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, the character Fair-Go Dibbler is notorious for his pie floaters. Additionally, in 2007, Domino's Australia and New Zealand introduced a meat pie pizza, combining the classic flavors of a meat pie with the convenience of a pizza.