the maleny pie guy (hq)

Anyone wandering the main street in Maleny will spot the tell: people standing outside, pie in hand, looking pleased with themselves. The Maleny Pie Guy is a small, simple shopfront by the road, and it makes pies from scratch with local, high-quality ingredients like grass-fed beef and free-range chicken.

The range is where it gets interesting. Locals talk about the steak and caramelised mushroom, the pepper steak, a buffalo, bacon and cheese pie with plenty of gamey character, and a roo pie that gets fond mentions. There's a barramundi and lemon myrtle pie for something different, a cauliflower and cheese option, and a classic pasty with flaky pastry and a hearty filling. Sausage rolls are a regular order too, including a ginger and marmalade version. Pies come out hot, and they're still steaming after the trip home.

They look after people avoiding gluten or animal products better than most. Gluten-free options are available, with the spinach and macadamia rolls singled out. Vegetarian and vegan choices are on offer as well. There are a few sweet treats, and coffee and chai to go with them. The chai is the proper spiced kind, not just flavouring.

Service gets a warm word, with staff who look after you and a shopfront that's kept clean and informative. They know plenty of locals by name, and the chat can stretch the wait a little on a busy day, so a polite wave to get served is fair play. Seating is limited, so think takeaway, with delivery available too. Popular flavours can sell out later in the day, so earlier is safer if you have your heart set on something.

There's free street parking and a car park, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, and cards and mobile payments are accepted. Check the hours before you head in. The Maleny Pie Guy is good value for a quality pie, and a sensible stop for a bakery in Maleny, Queensland.