The Best Vegan Pies Are In!

A recent newcomer to the competition, Wild Grain Bakery of Silverdale, Auckland, won the Supreme Winner Award with their delightful “Triple Berry Spiced Apple” pie, for the second year running. They also came runner up across 4 other categories, proving their pies are consistently awesome, no matter which flavour you try! Meanwhile Richoux Takapuna had clearly been taking lessons from Jason Hay, winning several categories with their incredible layers, flavour and perfect pastry.

Richoux Patisserie had been a consistent winner across most categories they entered since the inaugural Awards, thus it was felt only fair to ask Jason Hay to become a judge for this year's awards. Hay was given a Lifetime Contributor's Award at this year's ceremony, after proving to be an excellent judge of pies. His expertise in understanding what makes a good vegan pie helped the judges come to their decisions.

The panel of expert judges this year were Pasifika Cook-Along Presenter, the fabulous and talented Augustine Kopa, the formidable Jason Hay of Richoux Patisserie – crossing the line this year to become Judge Jason! Vegan actor and new-comer to The Vegan Pie Awards is Sonam Hoani- you might recognise him as Ricco on Shortland Street and the engaging, affable entrepreneur and co-owner of The Coffee Club, Brad Jacobs.
 

The NZ Vegan Pie Awards for 2021 are:

Vegan Steak and Vegan Cheese:
Sponsored by Blissful
Winner: Richoux Patisserie, Takapuna
Runner-Up: Wild Grain Bakery
Judges said; “Great layers, generous cheese and perfect pastry.”

Vegan Mince and Vegan Cheese:
Sponsored by Plan*t
Winner: Richoux Patisserie, Takapuna
Runner-Up: Wild Grain Bakery
Judges said; “Rich and savoury. Nice layers, appearance and gravy. Authentic”

Vegan Chicken:
Sponsored by Next
Winner: Richoux Takapuna ~ creamy chicken and mushroom
Runner-Up: Wild Grain Bakery ~ Chicken Curry
Judges said; “most authentic fleshy texture and good flavour”

Vegetable
Sponsored by Gilmour’s
Winner: Kai Pai Bakery ~ Vegetable
Runner-Up: Wild Grain ~ Vegetable
Judges said; “Great pastry. Beautiful creaminess. Nice mouth texture”

Café boutique – any sort of pastry, shape, open or closed
Sponsored by The Hemp Butter Co.
Winner: Logan McLean Cafe ~ Korean BBQ
Runner-Up: Pioneer Pie Co.
Judges said; “flavour and texture beautiful”

Gluten Free
Sponsored by Food Nation
Winner: Pioneer Pie Co. ~ Gluten free pie
Runner-Up: Rainbow Kitchen ~ Curry Lovers Pie
Judges commended the technical excellence of the pastry; great crunch and lovely softly spiced filling.

Sweet
Sponsored by The Coffee Club
Winner: Wild Grain Bakery ~ Triple Berry Spiced Apple
Runner-Up: Bon Appetit ~ Rhubarb and Apple
Judges said; “perfects scores all round. Beautiful appearance, shape and glaze with balanced flavours”

Commercial
Sponsored by Fry’s Family Foods
Winner: Kai Pai ~ Roast Vegetables and Cashew Curry
Runner-Up: The Goodtime Pie Co. ~ Korma Vegetable Pie
Judges said; “Stand out cashew and coconut flavour with great pastry”

Supreme Award
Sponsored by Culley’s
Wild Grain Bakery ~ Triple Berry Spiced Apple

For more info about the judges, the competition and delicious looking images check it out online

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