Just like every regional bakery seems to have received an award for the best vanilla slice, others claim to be the spot offering the best pie. However, those who want to put these claims to the test now have their chance, at least in one city, as Ballarat's Best Pie competition gives pie-loving punters a say in whose pastry deserves the ultimate cred. Returning for its third year, there are 36 savoury and sweet pies to taste, with trophies and bragging rights handed out across seven categories, including some for the first time. While an esteemed panel will pick their winner on Saturday, August 2, you're also invited to vote for your crust crusader. Adding to existing categories like Best Pie, Best Sweet Pie and Best Bakery Pie, the inaugural accolades include the Brilliantly Unexpected Pie and the Pie with Purpose, which rewards a low-waste, innovative or local produce approach. So, where does the average pastry aficionado come in? You're invited to participate in the People's Choice Pie award by casting your vote using the QR code at each venue or online. Having quickly become a cherished event, the upper crust of Victoria's food scene is getting involved. For instance, beloved cook, author and television presenter Julia Busuttil Nishimura takes on Master of Ceremonies responsibilities for the 2025 Best Pie Awards. Meanwhile, the judging panel features MasterChef Australia contestant and Ballarat local Tim Bone, alongside acclaimed food writer Richard Cornish. As you might expect, Ballarat is flush with inventive chefs and bakers, with a host of nostalgic classics and bold new bakes giving visitors the chance to compare, contrast and rate each entry. Just some to consider include 1816 Bakehouse's butter chicken pie, the Aussie Oggie Pastry Co's prawn and scallop pie, and the limoncello meringue pie at Kilderkin Distillery. Looking over past winners, the competition is bound to be fierce amongst these pie-oneers. In 2023, Flying Chillies was crowned Ballarat's Best Pie with its babi pongteh pie. Then, Itinerant Spirits' took home the main prize with their wild orchard apple and vodka pie. Will sweet or savoury reign supreme this year? Head to Ballarat and put the town's immense pie selection through its paces. Ballarat's Best Pie competition runs from Friday, August 1–Sunday, August 31 across various locations. Head to the website for more information. Images: Chris McConville.