Sydney's best pies

Not liking pie is positively un-Australian. That's tantamount to not liking the footy. OK, you don't have to like the footy but you've gotta love pie. And the "Tiger" ($5.70) from Harry's Cafe de Wheels is the Rolls Royce of Aussie pies. It comes with a top hat of mash, mushy peas and gravy, spiked with a plastic spork. Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo 2011. (02 9357 3074). 

Christopher Thé's lamb-shank pie ($7.50) at Black Star is nothing to sneer at. This is a pie of commitment, with striations of braised lamb in super-buttery pastry. 277 Australia St, Newtown 2042. (02 9557 8656). 

Or how about a tiny pie? At Pie Face, they're offering mini-pies ($2.50) just like you used to get in primary school. And each one is adorned with its own weird little face! Locations around Sydney. 

A good pub pie like the ones at the Carlisle Castle ($22.50) is rare these days, but this one, served in a massive bowl studded with peas and carrots and topped with flaky pastry, is worth seeking out. 19 Albermarle St, Newtown 2042. (02 9557 4852). 

Want to fork out some serious dough? The snapper pie ($48) at Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay comes on its own trolley, served at the table with big spoonfuls of mash and roast tomatoes. Wow. Ferry Rd, Glebe 2037. (02 9518 9011).

Other top Sydney pies

The footy pie

Four 'n' Twenty
If a Harry's Tiger is the king of pies, then a Four 'n' Twenty is the pie of kings. Go to an AFL game and you'll see thousands of people ripping the yellow and black label back for a bite. Available in most supermarkets, convenience stores and footy games.

The picnic pie

Bourke Street Bakery, Surry Hills
You might be lining up for half the day but it's worth it. Some of the best pastry around plus hot baker boys working the ovens. Hit the park down the road with your baked goodies.

The sea change pie

Upper Crust's chicken and asparagus pie, Collaroy
For something to eat when keeping pelicans company, this is the pony to bet on. Slices of asparagus and  chunks of chook get hella messy but that's what the pelicans are for.

The after pie, pie

Yellow's Lemon pie, Potts Point
Lorraine Godsmark's desserts are not to be messed with - each a miniature work of art with pastry and the most delicious fillings. Sweet, tart and rich, it's the ultimate lemon pie.

The hangover pie

Coogee Bakery's plain meat pie, Coogee
Okay, it's a meat pie with heaps of gravy, mystery filling and slightly yellow pastry but there's no better pie for that stinging headache from the night before.  

The pudding pie

The Pudding Shop's apple and rhubarb crumble pie, Glebe
Sweet and luscious and tangy, it's all crumbly, sweet goodness. To all intents, it is the bomb.

The breakfast pie

Allpress's bacon, cheese, tomato and onion pie, Rosebery
Not only do these guys make a ripper coffee, they also do these excellent pies. Like a big brekky in pastry.

The fancy pie

David Jones Food Hall's pork pie, Sydney
Made to be eaten cold and traditionally known as 'growlers'. Simple, rough chopped pork in jelly set in stiff pastry. Great cut into thin slices.

More of Sydney's best pies

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