One of the 2023 Vegan Pie Awards judges, Jasbir Kaur, with some of the pies in the competition. Photo: Supplied / Vegan Society
The winners of the sixth annual New Zealand Vegan Pie Awards are in.
The Supreme Prize was taken out by a vegan korma pie from Piccolo Morso bakery - owned by Kamal Singh and Julia Kaur - in New Plymouth. The same pie also won the vegetable category.
The judges described it as a classical vegetable pie, with a beautiful crust, punchy flavour and well-balanced seasoning.
Piccolo Morso's mango, mint and rhubarb pie with an almond crust was named the sweet category winner.
Baker's Son, in Auckland's Silverdale, was named the winner of the commercial wholesale category for its vegan mince and cheddar pie.
Vegan Society spokesperson Claire Insley said more bakeries were receiving requests for vegan pies and bakers were stepping up to the task.
"Vegan pies continue to be popular with vegans and non-vegans alike. A classic Kiwi staple, a pie is never out of fashion and our winners this year showed some great ingenuity with their flavour combinations."
Among the judges were renowned piemaker Jason Hay of Richoux Patisserie, New Zealand Chef Association president Jasbir Kaur, cookbook author Kelsi Boocock and Sudima Hotels operations manager Dharam Shah.
Judging took place in Auckland on Monday followed by a gala dinner on Tuesday to crown the winners.
Vegan Pie Awards judges (from left) Jason Hay, Kelsi Boocock, Jasbir Kaur and Dharam Shah. Photo: Supplied / Vegan Society
Winners
Supreme winner
Piccolo Morso 'Vegan Korma'
Vegetable
Winner: Piccolo Morso 'Vegan Korma'
Commercial Wholesale
Winner: Baker's Son 'Vegan Mince and Cheddar', Silverdale
Runner up: Kai Pai Bakery 'Roast Vege', Wanaka
Sweet
Winner: Piccolo Morso 'Mango, Mint and Rhubarb with an almond crust'
Runner ups:
Eurobake Espresso; Blueberry Apple - Kumeu
Freemans Bakery and Café 'Vegan Spiced Apple Crumble' - Glenfield
Gluten Free
Winner: Pioneer Pie Co. 'Mushroom Red wine and Caramelised Onion'
Runner up" Logan MacLean Café 'Koresh Bademjan' (eggplant stew)
Steak and Cheese
Winner: Logan MacLean Cafe
Runner up: Tart Bakery in Grey Lynn
Mince and Cheese
Winner: Wild Grain Bakery
Runner up: Taste Cafe and Bakery
Cafe Boutique
Winner: Lemonwood Bakery 'Moroccan Chickpea and Vege'
Runner up: Logan MacLean 'Cuban Beef Picadillo'
Chicken
Winner: Freemans Bakery and Café 'Vegan Butter Chicken'
Runner up: Wild Grain Bakery 'Vegan Chicken and Cranberry'