Frida's pie surprise | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Warning: Don't read this on an empty stomach.

After a tough - but tasty - judging day, New Zealand's next gourmet pie has been announced.

Three recipes underwent the taste-test with a panel of judges this week at the Wild Bean Cafe pie baker's factory in Silverdale.

Frida Sumardjo, a Les Mills fitness trainer from the North Shore, trumped the national bake-off with her "Curry Me Home" gourmet pie taking first prize.

As the winner of Wild Bean Cafe's competition, Frida receives $5000 worth of gift cards and her pie will be added to the retailer's range and sold nationwide from next week.

The winning pie features lamb, cheese, onion, tomato, tikka paste, chicken stock and coriander.

Frida is thrilled with her win and is looking forward to her pie being enjoyed by New Zealanders.

"It hasn't quite sunk in, but I am really proud that 'Curry Me Home' won. I felt quite overwhelmed when it was announced, knowing it will be sold around the country from next week. The name is really catchy, so I think people will be quite enticed by it."

Runner up, Bianca Wigley from Western Springs and brand manager for Nufarm, says it was great to be part of the day with her "The Three B" pie a runner up, featuring lean beef, bacon and blue cheese.

"It was impressive to see the scale of the pie factory and to see my pie professionally made," Bianca says. "I understand 'The Three B' will be introduced as a special edition pie at a later stage, so that will be very cool and I will have to make a special trip for it."

The inaugural "Create the pie you love" competition drew 4377 entries in four weeks, from which the three finalists were selected. Frank van Hattum, Retail Manager for Wild Bean Cafe and one of the judges, says the response was overwhelming.

"This is the first time we've run the competition and, judging by the enthusiastic response, it clearly caught the imagination of New Zealanders."

The other finalist was Susie Robertson from Mt Victoria, Wellington for "Pumpkin Delight" with pumpkin, spinach, caramelized red onion, garlic, feta and salt and pepper.

People entered Create the pie you love by going to the Wild Bean Cafe website, choosing their preferred combination of ingredients and then giving their pie a name.

The winning pie will be in Wild Bean Cafe stores from this Monday, September 6.

Pie eyed

The most popular Wild Bean Cafe gourmet pie flavours are: butter chicken, Thai chicken, followed closely by steak & cheese.