Lamb and Rosemary Pie
Lamb and Rosemary Pie
Description
The Lamb and Rosemary Pie is a popular gourmet pie variety found throughout Australia. While the classic meat pie reigns supreme, this flavorful lamb version is a staple in countless bakeries, a common feature on pub menus, and a popular choice for home cooking using pre-made or frozen options from supermarkets.
Dietary Information
Wheat
Milk
Eggs
Garlic
This dish is not vegetarian
This dish is not vegan
This dish contains gluten
Serving information
Serving style
From bakeries: Served hot in a paper bag, often eaten by hand or from the bag. From pubs/cafes: Plated, usually with thick-cut chips (fries), mashed potato, steamed vegetables (like peas), and extra gravy. Tomato sauce (ketchup) is a ubiquitous condiment.
Quick facts
Bakeries: Early morning (approx. 6 AM) to late afternoon (4 PM - 5 PM). Pubs: Lunch service (approx. 12 PM - 2 PM) and Dinner service (approx. 6 PM - 9 PM).
Safety Tips
What to Look For
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Pie served piping hot
Ensures the filling is heated to a safe temperature and the pastry is at its best. Applies when buying ready-to-eat hot pies.
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Crisp, golden pastry
Indicates proper baking and freshness. Soggy pastry can suggest improper storage, reheating, or old stock.
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Reputable vendor with clean premises
Choose bakeries, pubs, or cafes that maintain good hygiene standards.
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Pie feels appropriately weighty
Suggests a generous filling rather than mostly air or pastry.
What to avoid
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Lukewarm pies from a hot display
Pies held at improper temperatures can allow bacterial growth. Ensure it feels genuinely hot.
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Soggy or collapsed pastry
Suggests the pie might be old, poorly made, or improperly reheated.
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Pies with cracked or leaking filling (before serving)
Could indicate issues during baking or handling, potentially affecting quality.
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Establishments with poor visible hygiene
Avoid places that look dirty or where staff handle food unhygienically.
Price information
Price range
Budget tips
- Bakery pies are the most affordable option (5.50-9 AUD).
- Pub or cafe pies served as a meal with sides are significantly more expensive (18-28 AUD).
- Frozen supermarket pies offer value for home baking.
Value indicators
- Flaky, golden pastry.
- Generous amount of tender lamb chunks (not gristly).
- Rich, flavorful gravy with distinct rosemary notes.
- Served hot and fresh.
Where to Find This Dish
Local Bakeries
Nearly every suburban shopping strip or town centre has a bakery selling pies.
Main street shops, Shopping centres
Morning, Lunchtime
Pubs (Hotels)
Ubiquitous on pub menus across the country.
Any local pub/hotel
Lunch, Dinner
Cafes
Many cafes offer pies, sometimes more gourmet versions, for lunch.
Cafe strips, Shopping centre food courts
Lunchtime
Sporting Stadiums
Available from food outlets inside major sports venues during events.
MCG (Melbourne), SCG (Sydney), Adelaide Oval
During events
Vendor Tips
- Ask if pies are baked on premises daily.
- Look for pies that look plump and have nicely browned pastry.
- In pubs, check if it comes with sides or if they cost extra.
- 'Gourmet Pie' shops often specialize in variations like Lamb & Rosemary.
How to Order
Regional Variations
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Lamb Shank Pie
(Lamb Shank Pie)
A variation using meltingly tender meat from slow-cooked lamb shanks, often richer.
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Lamb and Vegetable Pie
(Lamb and Vegetable Pie)
Includes vegetables like carrots, peas, celery, or potatoes mixed into the lamb filling.
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Lamb and Red Wine Pie
(Lamb and Red Wine Pie)
Gravy is enriched with red wine for deeper flavor complexity.
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Potato Top Pie (Shepherd's Pie style)
(Potato Top Pie)
Topped with mashed potato instead of a pastry lid, similar to a Shepherd's Pie (though Shepherd's Pie traditionally uses lamb mince).
Cultural context
History
While the simple minced beef meat pie is Australia's most famous iteration, the Lamb and Rosemary pie represents the evolution towards more 'gourmet' pie fillings that became popular from the late 20th century onwards. It leverages Australia's abundant lamb production and reflects a move towards showcasing specific flavor combinations like the classic pairing of lamb and rosemary. It's now a standard offering in the diverse Australian pie landscape.
Local significance
Part of Australia's strong pie culture. Represents a slightly more 'upmarket' version of the standard meat pie. Classic comfort food and pub grub.
Eating customs
- Often eaten with generous amounts of tomato sauce (ketchup).
- Bakery pies typically eaten by hand or directly from the bag.
- Pub pies eaten with knife and fork due to plating and sides.