“Traditional Australian in an Australian Institution”
Yatala Pies
Where? 48 Old Pacific Hwy, Yatala QLD 4207
Hours? 7am-830pm EVERY DAY! Closed Christmas Day
Notes? Fk Gluten Free. DON’T be put off by the long queue to get your order – it moves quickly! Alternatively, you can order pre-order online for pick-up in store or use the drive-thru.
During the install on a recent Gold Coast gig, regular job runs driving back and forth along the M1 I regularly cruised (or madly flew) past a road sign indicating an institution at the next exit. Who’d have thought a bloody pie shop would have its own government installed road sign alerting travellers to its wares and whereabouts?!
Answered inquiries of this Yatala Pie Shop to locals piqued my interest further as well as the tale of the shop’s survival of the 2017 floods (Google the pics!). Big E was alerted and low and behold, a very recent article in the NEW YORK fkn TIMES popped up celebrating the quality of this pie shop tucked away in regional Queensland, Australia
So, on one of our last days of shipping runs Big E and I followed that government erected road sign and despite being warned of the Yatala Pie’s popularity, easily found parking and survived a quick moving queue. The 20-odd staff behind the counter operated like a smiling, well-oiled machine. Despite the line up being almost out the door we were served quicker than if we were the only customers paying for petrol at the nearby 7/11. I’m serious. We barely had time to peruse the menu and make our choices whilst we waited to be served!
The shop itself sits high and perky, customers either taking advantage of the Drive-Thru service or relaxing at the ample seating both indoors and outdoors. All ages, all ethnicities, all trades and business folk were swarming in and out as we took our order to the first available outdoor table.
Being working hours our usual amber indulgence was substituted with another Australian institution – Bundaberg Ginger Beer
I’m sorry, the food? WONDERFUL! Crisp and flaky pastry, no-filler fillings, both orders served with mashed potato, mushy peas and the gravy was not forgotten!
Big E’s Chicken and Vegetable Pie was “exceptional” though I don’t think he has acquired the taste for mushy peas … more for me.
Opting for the Lamb Coconut Curry Pie with a delicious tickle of spice on the tongue I now fantasise of the Tradie Pie’s Beef, Bacon, Egg, Cheese and Tomato packing and almost wish I sampled the Plain Steak in honour of the true Australian meat pie tradition. THAT will definitely be for another day of M1 traversing.
NB: Yatala Pies is also home of The Big Pie - for those touring Australia, ticking off their Big Lists
AT THE END OF THE DAY...
Big E: Chicken & Mushroom Pie with Mash, Peas and Gravy, Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Little e: Lamb Coconut Curry Pie with Mash, Peas and Gravy
Take Away: 2x Custard Tarts, Yatala Pies Stubby Holder (Koozi)
Walkaway Price: <AU$30
Website: http://www.yatalapies.com.au/