'Chicken’ and mushroom takes out top vegan pie award

• Life
• Food

Judges, including comedian Tom Sainsbury, said the pie was “dense, decadent and rich - a bloody good pie!”.

RNZ Life reporters

13 November 2026

3 min read

RNZ Life reporters

13 November 2026

3 min read

Caption:Tart Bakery's 'Chicken' and Mushroom Pie is "bloody good", said judges of the 2026 Vegan Pie Awards.Photo credit:Vegan Society

Auckland’s Tart Bakery has taken out the top title at the 2026 Vegan Pie Awards with a ‘chicken’ and mushroom pie.

Judges said the pie was “dense, decadent and rich - a bloody good pie!”

Organised by the Vegan Society, the annual awards attracted more than 70 entries in decidedly un-vegan sounding categories like ‘mince and cheese’ and ‘chicken’.

Judges, who included comedian Tom Sainsbury, praised the quality of this year’s entries, highlighting everything from perfectly flaky pastry and generous fillings to innovative flavour combinations and thoughtful presentation.

“I’ve eaten a lot of pies, but I have to say this year’s been incredible for innovation,” Sainsbury said.

All the winners at the 2026 Vegan Pie Awards

Supreme Winner overall

Tart Bakery - Chicken Mushroom Pie

Commercial Wholesale

Winner: Kai Pai - Vegetarian Pie

Runner Up: Kai Pai - Roast Vege Curry Pie

Mince and Cheese

Winner: The Fairlie Bakery Bakehouse

Runner Up: Euro Patisserie

Vegetable

Winner: Richoux Patisserie - Vegetable Green Curry Pie

Runner Up: Wild Grain Bakery - Vegetable Pie

Steak and Cheese

Winner: Tart Bakery

Runner Up: Wild Grain Bakery

Gluten Free

Winner: Pioneer Pies - Caramelised Onion, Mushroom and Red Wine Pie

Runner Up: Pioneer Pies - Lentil Fundamental

Café Boutique

Winner: Logan MacLean - Smoked Fish Pie

Gourmet

Winner: Richoux Patisserie - Texas Beef and Mac and Cheese

Runner Up: Richoux Patisserie - Fish and Chip Pie

Chicken

Winner: Tart Bakery Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Runner Up: Richoux Patisserie - Chicken and Cranberry

Sweet

Winner: Richoux Patisserie - Raspberry Chocolate Mousse

Runner Up: Richoux Patisserie - Apple Rhubarb Crumble with Coconut Cream

Honourable Mention: Piccolo Morso - Pear and Ginger in Light Butterscotch

Students and Emerging Chefs

Vegetable

Winner: Cici Pu - Mushroom

Gourmet

Winner: Hery Sakti - The Great Escape

Sweet

Winner: Jessica Heng - Blueberry Cheesecake with Coconut Cream

Supreme Winner of Students and Emerging Chefs

Cici Pu - Mushroom Pie

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