Enjoy a slice of Ballarat this August with the return of Ballarat’s Best Pie competition.
Take your pick from more than 35 savoury and sweet pies at some of the city’s top cafes, restaurants and bakeries.
On the menu at Saigon Allee is pie-bo, a modern Vietnamese twist on an Australian classic.
Think slow-cooked beef in traditional Vietnamese curry paste with carrot and potato in a flaky pastry.
"Historically, curry flavours started to influence Vietnamese cuisine in the 1900s when the French colonised the country," chef Cristian Salamanca said.
"In addition to introducing butter, potato and pastry, the French also traded with a number of cultural influences in the region.
"Curry dishes grew in popularity, particularly with the many cosmopolitan families in the southern regions.
"However the curry flavours have been adapted to suit the Vietnamese palate with its own flavours and aroma."
Vote and win!
For your chance to win a luxury Ballarat weekend escape for two valued at over $3000, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Pie.
The pie with the most votes will be crowned the winner of this new category in early September.
"Our inspiration is to reflect the culinary culture within Vietnam that has developed through generations to make the country what it is today."
