An English Pie Invasion in Prague

A growing number of piemakers in Prague are giving Brit and Aussie expats a taste of home

Life and Fork

Written by Life and Fork Published on 24.09.2014 11:06:10 (updated on 24.09.2014) Reading time: 4 minutes

Prague has recently become somewhat of a pie-lover’s dream, with several companies offering high-quality savoury pies in a range of flavours. Here are our top three Prague pie producers:

An English Pie Invasion in Prague

In November 2013, self-confessed Australian foody Ashley McGlynn spotted a gap in the market for traditional Ozzy pies in Prague. He and his wife soon found a commercial kitchen in Vinohrady and launched at the Christmas markets in I.P. Pavlova last year. They now sell via a wide variety of cafes, bars and even beer gardens in the city. A full list of vendors is available on their website. The Pie Shop have recently launched a new ‘pop-up pie night’ at U Kurelu pub in Zizkov. A chance to sample the different pies as well as some other side dishes including minted mushy peas, creamy mashed potatoes, and red wine gravy. See the U Kurelu Facebook page for details.

Where to try and buy:
-Direct from the kitchen, Manesova, Prague 2 (book in advance via ashley@pieshop.cz )
-From Ryby & Chips, Myslikova, Prague 2
-From Bar No. 7, Na Struze, Prague 1
-From Side Door bar/cafe, Korunovacni, Letna

Most popular pie: 
The Canberra; minced beef, bacon and cheese

Prices:
80-85 CZK direct from the kitchen (may vary slightly between vendors)

We sampled:

The Tuscan: Mediterranean vegetables and parmesan. A delicious blend of peppers, courgette and olive in tomato sauce with Mediterranean herbs and a definite parmesan-punch. All encased in crispy, buttery pastry. A really sophisticated vegetable pie.

The Sydney: Beef and black beer. A tasty flavourful pie with succulent meaty chunks. The pastry could have accommodated even more filling but it was a satisfying treat nontheless. 

An English Pie Invasion in Prague

British expat Gary Smith was keen to escape the grind of working in an international corporation. He and his wife had previous experience of running a successful cafe in Prague 1 and so decided to take the plunge in March 2014 and completely convert their garage into a fully operational commercial kitchen and launch their own business. They specialise in delivering to local businesses, language schools and homes and catering for office lunches, meetings etc. Gary’s brother is relocating to the Czech Republic in October to join the business and help it to expand further. They also plan to sell at select markets this Autumn. Like their Facebook page for the latest news.

Where to try and buy:
-Collect direct from the kitchen in Petříkov (Prague East), open daily from 16:00–20:00 (opening hours due to expand soon). –Collect in Prague from branches of The Candy Store or wine bar Vinturi in Havlíčkovy sady (next to the entrance from Rybalkova street).
-Free delivery to Park Business Centre, Chodov, every Tuesday. Or, arrange for delivery to your home/workplace. Email smithgary2002@yahoo.co.uk for details.

Most popular pie:
Spicy Chicken Balti

Prices:
All pies 69 CZK; free delivery for orders of 10 pies or more (otherwise add 89 CZK for delivery).

We sampled:

Spicy Chicken Balti: A spicy pie with a generous amount of filling that gave a delicious kick. Authentic balti flavours that compliment the hearty pastry. One of our favourites from the group. The balance of flavours made this a truly savoury treat fit for a king!

Creamy chicken, bacon and mushroom: Lots of filling, shredded chicken and bacon in a mouthwateringly creamy sauce. A authentic taste crammed with full-flavoured ingredients.

Cheese, red onion and potato: A generous gooey filling of mature cheese and chunky potato. The red onion was less obvious but this didn’t detract from the delicious homemade taste. Lovely soft, melt-in-the-mouth pastry. This hearty pie would be ideal on a cold winter’s day.

An English Pie Invasion in Prague

This import business has been a long time in the making for British Prague-dweller Lee Broster who has been planning the distribution of the legendary British pie range for some time now. His very recently launched import company British Food will eventually stock not only Pukka Pies produce, but other British food-cupboard favourites. Lee expects Pukka’s new 3 & ½ minute pie to be very popular. The handy new microwave pies are available in two fillings at the moment (chicken or steak) and make the perfect instant snack.

Where to to try and buy:
-From Ryby & Chips Myslikova, Prague 2 (ready to eat)
-Other vendors for the frozen pies are currently under negotiation, but a deal with the Candy Store is already agreed, and further shops, bars and restaurants will follow by mid-September. Keep an eye on the British Food Facebook page for updates.

Most popular pie:
Lee told us that his favourite is the legendary Chicken Balti. Best-sellers in the UK are Chicken & Mushroom, Steak & Kidney, All Steak

Prices:
Currently 80 CZK at Ryby & Chips. Expect similar prices for other vendors.

We sampled:

Potato, cheese and onion: Crispy flaky pastry and a simple wholesome filling. A great veggie option with mild flavours to suit all palates. Smaller portion sizes make these ideal for lunchtime snacks. An essential for everyone’s freezer.

Steak and kidney: Absolutely authentic flavours. Prepared to to be transported back to the UK with each mouthful of this classic combination. Familiar aromas that don’t disappoint with a taste that’s totally spot on. A definite must!

Chicken balti: Mild balti flavours make this pie suitable for those seeking moderate spice. Classic Pukka, inoffensive & simple in taste humble yet satisfying grub from Blighty’s king of pies!

**
Have we missed your favorite proprietor of pies?

Related articles

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more