The Most Popular Pie in South Africa, Ranked

Choose the pie you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:46
Assessing the popularity of different pies in South Africa can provide an insightful glimpse into local culinary preferences and trends. By compiling votes from a broad audience, one gains a clearer understanding of which flavors resonate most with the populace. This method not only highlights the diversity in taste but also assists newcomers and tourists in choosing a pie that has been widely appreciated. This dynamic compilation serves as a guide as well as an interactive activity for food enthusiasts looking to engage with South African cuisine. As more individuals participate in the voting, the ranking adjusts to represent current preferences more accurately. Your votes matter and can influence the outcome, providing a fun and engaging way to contribute to the foodie community.

What Is the Most Popular Pie in South Africa?

  1. 1
    58
    votes
    Bobotie Pie is a savory pie that is a staple in South African cuisine, made with minced meat, curry, and a custard topping. It is considered the national dish of South Africa.
    Bobotie Pie is a traditional South African dish made with minced meat, spices, and a creamy topping, all baked in a pie crust. It is a fusion of flavors influenced by Cape Malay cuisine and Dutch colonial heritage. The dish is known for its rich and aromatic taste, combining sweet and savory elements.
    • Main Ingredients: Minced meat (often beef or lamb), onions, garlic, spices (such as curry powder, turmeric, and coriander), dried fruit (such as raisins or apricots), bread, milk, and eggs.
    • Topping: Bobotie Pie is traditionally topped with a mixture of egg and milk that forms a custard-like layer while baking.
    • Spices: The spice blend used in Bobotie Pie typically includes curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon, among others.
    • Baking: The dish is baked in an oven until the meat mixture is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and set.
    • Serving: Bobotie Pie is often served with yellow rice, chutney, and a variety of side dishes like sambals or salads.
  2. 2
    34
    votes
    Milk Tart Pie is a sweet pie made with a pastry crust and a creamy filling made of milk, eggs, sugar, and flour. It is a popular dessert in South Africa.
    Milk Tart Pie, also known as Melktert, is a traditional South African dessert pie that is loved by many. It consists of a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy custard-like filling made from milk, eggs, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. The filling is then sprinkled with a generous amount of cinnamon on top, giving it a distinct and delicious flavor.
    • Pastry crust: Sweet and buttery pastry crust
    • Filling: Creamy custard-like filling made from milk, eggs, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract
    • Cinnamon topping: Generously sprinkled with cinnamon on top
    • Texture: Smooth and velvety texture
    • Taste: Deliciously sweet and creamy with a hint of cinnamon
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    Peppermint Crisp Tart Pie is a sweet pie made with layers of crushed biscuits, caramel, whipped cream, and peppermint crisp chocolate. It is a popular dessert in South Africa.
    The Peppermint Crisp Tart Pie is a beloved dessert in South Africa. It is a no-bake pie made with a crispy biscuit base, layers of creamy caramel and peppermint filling, and topped with crushed peppermint crisp chocolate. The combination of the sweet caramel, refreshing peppermint, and crunchy chocolate creates a delightful flavor and texture experience.
    • Pie Type: No-Bake
    • Base: Crispy biscuit
    • Filling: Creamy caramel and peppermint
    • Topping: Crushed peppermint crisp chocolate
    • Flavor Profile: Sweet and refreshing
  4. 4
    16
    votes

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Cracker Barrel
    Chicken Pot Pie is a savory pie made with chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, baked in a pastry crust. It is a popular comfort food in South Africa.
    The Chicken Pot Pie at Cracker Barrel is a warm and comforting dish filled with tender chunks of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked in a flaky crust. It is a classic and beloved American comfort food.
    • Type: Main Course
    • Ingredients: Chicken, vegetables, creamy sauce, flaky crust
    • Texture: Creamy and tender
    • Cooking Method: Baked
    • Serving Style: Individual pie
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    Steak and Kidney Pie
    Hellahulla (Hellahulla) · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Steak and Kidney Pie is a savory pie made with beef steak and kidneys in a rich gravy, baked in a pastry crust. It is a traditional British pie that is also popular in South Africa.
    Steak and Kidney Pie is a classic British dish consisting of diced steak, kidney, and onions, cooked in a rich gravy and encased in a buttery pastry crust. It is traditionally served hot and is known for its hearty and comforting flavors.
    • Main ingredients: Diced steak, kidney, onions
    • Gravy: Rich and savory
    • Pastry crust: Buttery and flaky
    • Serving temperature: Hot
    • Texture: Tender meat and soft pastry
    Steak and Kidney Pie in other rankings
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    Cottage Pie is a savory pie made with minced beef and vegetables in a gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven. It is a popular comfort food in South Africa.
    Cottage pie is a beloved dish in South Africa, known for its hearty and comforting nature. It is commonly prepared using ground meat, typically beef, combined with vegetables and topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The pie is then baked until the top turns golden brown, creating a delicious and filling meal.
    • Main Ingredients: Ground meat (beef), vegetables, mashed potatoes
    • Meat Options: Beef is commonly used, but variations with lamb or mince are also popular.
    • Vegetable Selection: Common vegetables include carrots, peas, onions, and celery.
    • Topping: The pie is traditionally topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes.
    • Baking Time: Cottage pie is usually baked for around 30-40 minutes.
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Bobotjie Pie is a fusion of Bobotie and Shepherd's Pie, made with minced meat, curry, and vegetables in a gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven. It is a popular dish in South African cuisine.
    Bobotjie Pie is a traditional South African dish that combines the flavors of Malay and Cape Malay cuisines. It is a savory pie filled with a spiced ground meat mixture, typically made with beef or lamb, mixed with bread soaked in milk, and seasoned with curry powder, chopped onions, and various spices. The filling is usually topped with a layer of golden custard before being baked to perfection.
    • Flavors: A harmonious combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors
    • Ingredients: Ground meat, bread, milk, onions, curry powder, spices
    • Custard: Topped with a layer of golden custard
    • Texture: A tender and moist meat filling encased in a flaky pastry crust
    • Serving: Usually served as a main dish, accompanied by side dishes such as yellow rice or chutney
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Lamb and Mint Pie is a savory pie made with lamb and mint in a gravy, baked in a pastry crust. It is a popular pie in South African cuisine.
    The Lamb and Mint Pie is a savory pie that is popular in South Africa. It features a delicious filling made with tender lamb meat cooked in a rich gravy infused with mint leaves. The filling is then encased in a golden-brown pastry crust, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
    • Main Ingredients: Lamb, mint leaves, pastry
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, with a hint of mint freshness
    • Texture: Tender lamb and flaky pastry crust
    • Cooking Method: Baked
    • Serving Temperature: Hot
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    Apple Pie is a sweet pie made with apples, cinnamon, and sugar, baked in a pastry crust. It is a popular dessert in South Africa.
    Apple pie is a classic dessert in America, loved for its warm and comforting flavors. It typically consists of a flaky pie crust filled with a sweet and tart apple filling. The filling is made by combining sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices or flavorings. The pie is typically baked until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. It is often served warm and can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
    • Crust: Flaky pie crust
    • Filling: Sweet and tart apple filling
    • Ingredients: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, spices/flavorings
    • Baking: Baked until golden brown crust and tender apples
    • Serving: Often served warm
    Apple Pie in other rankings
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Pecan Pie is a sweet pie made with pecans, eggs, sugar, and syrup, baked in a pastry crust. It is a popular dessert in South Africa.
    Pecan pie is a rich, indulgent dessert made with a sweet, gooey filling that is primarily composed of pecans. The filling is typically made with a mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, and corn syrup, creating a luscious and caramel-like consistency. It is then poured into a flaky, buttery pastry crust and baked until the filling sets and the crust becomes golden brown.
    • Main Ingredient: Pecans
    • Filling: Sweet, gooey mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, and corn syrup
    • Crust: Flaky, buttery pastry crust
    • Baking Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes
    • Serving Temperature: Best served at room temperature or slightly warmed
    Pecan Pie in other rankings

Missing your favorite pie?

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Ranking factors for popular pie

  1. Sales data
    Analyzing the sales data of pies sold across South Africa in different regions and stores will help gauge the popularity of different pie types.
  2. Consumer surveys
    Conducting consumer surveys and polls to gather opinions from South Africans about their favorite pies can provide valuable insights into the popularity of different pie types.
  3. Online trends and reviews
    Analyzing social media mentions, search trends, and review platforms for discussions and ratings of pies can offer insights into popular pie preferences among South Africans.
  4. Regional variations
    Considering regional culinary preferences and taking into account any specific regional pie varieties that may be more popular in certain areas of South Africa.
  5. Ingredients and flavors
    Evaluating the ingredients and flavors used in various pies and their appeal to South African taste buds, as well as any cultural or historical associations with specific pies.
  6. Availability and accessibility
    Assessing the ease of access and availability of different types of pies, including those sold in supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants.
  7. Seasonal and traditional aspects
    Considering any seasonal or traditional factors that may influence the popularity of certain pies, such as holiday celebrations or events.
  8. Media and Advertising
    Analyzing the impact of media and advertising on pie popularity, with more advertised or featured pie types potentially gaining higher popularity.
  9. Health and dietary factors
    Considering the influence of health and dietary preferences on pie popularity, including trends towards plant-based or gluten-free options.
  10. Economic factors
    Accounting for price points and affordability of different pies, as these factors can influence consumer decisions and potentially affect the popularity of specific pie types.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular pie in South Africa. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or pie is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2257 views
  • 167 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each pie once every 24 hours. The rank of each pie is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular pie in south africa

South Africa is a country with a rich culinary tradition, including a love for sweet pies. Pies have been a staple in South African cuisine for centuries, with a variety of flavors and styles available. From savory meat pies to sweet fruit pies, South Africans have a love affair with these baked treats. But what is the most popular pie in South Africa? We conducted a poll to find out and the results may surprise you. Read on to discover which pie reigns supreme in South Africa.

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