Vegan Pie Awards: Piccolo Morso's vegan korma pie takes the title

12:29 pm on 25 October 2023

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.