Beyond the Gourmet Borders

Who said savoury pies are just an Italian thing? While it’s true that our country boasts a rich tradition of doughs and fillings, as we’ve seen, it’s just as fascinating to discover how savoury pies hold a place of honour in other cuisines around the world—between history, culture, and unexpected flavours. And for us, who have made yeast our daily passion, there was no better excuse to embark on a virtual journey in search of these international savoury delights. 

We begin in refined France, where quiche lorraine stands as a true symbol of traditional cuisine. It originates from the Lorraine region and, in its classic version, is made with a shortcrust pastry base and a rich filling of cream, eggs, and smoked bacon. This pie tells a story of conviviality and bold flavour—perfect for a terrace lunch with a glass of wine. 

Heading south, among the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece, we come across spanakopita, a savoury pie made with thin layers of phyllo dough enclosing a fragrant filling of spinach, aromatic herbs, and feta cheese. Alongside its “sister” tyropita, filled only with cheese, it represents one of the most beloved dishes of Greek cuisine—best enjoyed warm, ideally with a sea view, as it makes the perfect street food. 

Moving eastward, we arrive in Turkey, where börek reigns supreme: a crisp spiral of phyllo dough that can be filled with ground meat, cheese, or vegetables, depending on local traditions. 

In the United Kingdom, savoury pies take on a heartier form with the pork pie: a dense pastry shell filled with pork. Typical of outdoor lunches and picnic baskets, this pie is simple yet no less flavourful for it. 

Finally, we cast a glance toward the unexpected East, where even China has its own version: taro cake, a traditional Cantonese preparation made from taro root, rice flour, and ingredients like meat or mushrooms. It’s a dish with a delicate flavour and unique texture, often served at dim sum banquets (a style of cuisine from southern China). 

In every corner of the world, the savoury pie tells a different story—of places, local ingredients, and ancient cultures. And in every dough, even far from home, yeast plays its quiet but essential role, giving fragrance, structure, and that irresistible aroma that makes us instantly think: “It’s ready!”