Ellerslie-based Risieux Patisserie won the Supreme title for its cheeseburger pie at the 7th New Zealand Vegan Pie Awards, while renowned Wanaka pie producer Kai Pies won the wholesale pie award. It won the Commercial Pie Award.
Richie Master Baker Jason Hay’s pies proved the Ellerslie Main Road venue’s reputation as a foodie favorite, winning three out of eight categories and earning very high marks in the sweet category.
The task of scoring the 72 entries was left to food and drink expert Aaron Pucci, Auckland’s NZ Chefs Association president Jasbir Kaur, as well as Brad Jacobs and Khairy Ara. Ta. The judging took place on World Vegan Day (November 1st) at Kind Cafe in Auckland.
Founded in 2010, Wanaka’s Kai Pie Bakery won the top spot in the wholesale commercial category for its roasted veggie cashew curry pies and within three years has grown from a small bakery to a large commercial manufacturing operation in Wanaka.
“Our aim is to provide high-quality, award-winning products at practical and sustainable prices, and our customer commitment to our regulatory compliance, sustainability, customer focus and operational track record that supports our downstream customers. to have confidence,” said owner Jason Danielson.
Significant investments have been made in facilities and equipment to increase production capacity to more than 50,000 pies per day, and its products are distributed nationwide to support food service, convenience, and retail supermarket channels.
Here is the complete list of winners and runners-up:
Category: Wholesale Commercial
Winner: Kai Pai Bakery – Roasted Veggie Cashew Curry
The judges said: – Lots of pie. Great presentation. Curry curry with plenty of vegetables. A well-balanced taste. Texture that is fun to eat.
Runner-up: The Goodtime Pie Co. – Butta Chicken
The judges said: – Rich flavor and firm chunks of meat. The herb and seed garnish makes it visually appealing. The delicious gravy fills the pastry nicely.
Category: Vegan Chicken
Winner: Piccolo Morso – Butter Chicken
The judges said: – Flavorful pastries. Balanced filling flavor and even, consistent texture.
Runner-up: The Pioneer Pie Company – Butter Chickenless
The judges said: – The pastry is crispy. nice look. Smooth and creamy filling without being overwhelming.
Category: Vegetables
Winner: Rissieux Patisserie – Green Curry
The judges praised it as “crispy, flavorful, and delicious.” Great presentation and ability to eat. A well-cooked, flavorful and balanced vegetable filling wrapped in a golden flaky pastry.
Runner-up: Taste Cafe and Bakery – Amok Vegan
The judges said: – It’s voluminous and looks delicious. A vegetable-filled pie with a simple and classic presentation. delicious pastries.
Category: Vegan Mince & Cheese
Winner: Fairy Bakehouse
The judges said: – The flaky pastry was very delicious. Funky design on top. Minced meat seasoned with plenty of cheese.
Runner-up: Euro Patisserie Torbay
The judges said, “It looked good.” The pastry was glossy and glossy. It also contains plenty of cheese in a well-balanced manner.
Category: Vegan Steak & Cheese
Winner: Richoux Patisserie – Jalapeno Steak and Cheese
The judges said:- Juicy, spicy filling and golden flaky pastry casing. Well done! Great height and flaky reproduction of a traditional pie top. A delicious twist on classic flavors without deviating from expectations.
Runner-up: Richieux Patisserie
The judges said: – Classic, rich steak and cheese, and very sumptuous. This is a beautifully presented pie that looks great on the outside and on the inside. It captures the classic steak and cheese flavor.
Category: Gluten Free
Winner: Fairy Bakehouse – American Pumpkin Pie
The judges said: – Wonderful pastry, soft and golden. Visually appealing filling. Not too sweet, with just the right amount of spice and balance.
Runner-up: Rainbow Kitchen – Pumpkin Satay
The judges said: – The pattern on the top is beautiful. Creamy filling. Generous size. A great way to use whole foods.
Category: Cafe/Boutique
Winner: Risieux Patisserie – Cheeseburger
The judges said: – Great concept and brilliantly executed. It’s a delicious pie! Beautifully prepared pastries – a delicious surprise awaits!
Runner-up: Tart Bakery – BBQ Cheesesteak
The judges said: – Very tasty with a deep barbecue flavour. Big flavor! This pie has a well-layered texture and is easy to eat.
Category: Sweet
Winner: Wild Grain Patisserie – Vegan Peach Blueberry and Passion Fruit
The judges said: – Beautiful presentation and appearance. soft pastry. The filling is not too sweet. Rich stuffing.
Runner-up: Richoux Patisserie – Apple Rhubarb Crumble
The judges said: – The presentation was very appetizing. The balance of sweetness is very good. Gorgeous pink shade. Plenty of fruit filling.
