Country Cob Bakery in Kyneton has claimed the title of Australia’s best pie for 2023 with its fish amok pie.
When taking the first bite of the best pie in Australia your teeth hit the crisp, warm pastry. Then the creamy coconut curry sauce filling oozes into your mouth bursting with chunks of fresh Australian barra, chinese broccoli, onion and special spices.
The killer combination led the Baking Association of Australia to award Country Cob Bakery the prestigious title.
The award is the latest accolade for the bakery which has collected more than 350 medals and trophies for its pies and pastry.
However, owner Ryan Chun said the winning fish pie represents so much more than its crust and filling, it represents identity, culture and tradition.
“Fish amok is one of Cambodia’s national dishes and has been around for more than 100 years,” Mr Chun said.
“It represents our identity, culture and tradition. It’s something we are born with.”
Mr Chun, who was born in Cambodia, said the idea came to him when he was at home cooking with his family.
“One day I went to mum’s house and she cooked the dish,” he said. “I thought, why don’t we turn this into a pie?
“I asked her how she made this… and she explained it to me, one by one… we spent so much time developing this recipe [for the pie].
“It’s not that easy … if we miss one of those ingredients it’s not the [same] dish, it takes a lot of time and practise.
“It’s something really special, it’s not just a pie, it symbolises something to me… home, family, my country, my people.”
Mr Chun said the secret to success is a good team, premium ingredients and to never stop exploring new creations.
“Everyone in the team, especially the baker, has been working so hard to get this award again.
“You can’t have a good pie without a good team or premium ingredients.
“[You should also] never stop creating new flavours… [and] exploring new things to put in a pie.. that everyone can enjoy.”
Zoe Moffatt
