Pie floater

Pie floater

A pie floater is a meal served at pie carts in Adelaide and elsewhere in South Australia. It is also eaten in a wide range of northern counties in the UK. It was once more widely available in other parts of Australia but its popularity waned. It consists of the traditional Australian meat pie covered with tomato sauce (similar to ketchup), sitting, usually inverted, in a plate of thick green pea soup.

Though the dish does not look particularly appetizing, some proponents report that it is flavoursome and quite filling. Joe Cocker reportedly had a pie floater sent to his dressing room when singing in Adelaide.

In 2003, the pie floater was recognised as a South Australian Heritage Icon by the National Trust of Australia. Whilst other food such as yiros are increasing their share of the late-night snack market in Adelaide, the pie floater remains a popular snack choice for young residents after a night out.

The Pie Floater also makes an appearance in the reality-mirroring (albeit a funhouse mirror) Discworld novel The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett. In the story, it represents the only national dish in the entire world that is actually edible and in any way enjoyable.

The restaurant Pies and Pints in Seattle serves Pie floaters.

External links

• Pie Floater entry at the National Trust of South Australia.
• Excerpts from Billy Connolly's Tour of Australia, including a description of a pie floater.
• A pie floater recipe with a picture.