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Jesse Matthews-Cookevia Google

about 2 months ago

Location: Lena’s Bakehouse Access: ~5 minute walk through ANZAC Square from Central Station Pie Tested: Chunky Steak, Jalapeño & Chorizo 🥐 Pastry – 8.5/10 The lid was properly flaky with clean lamination and good lift — no soggy collapse, even after a 10-minute walk. Base pastry held firm without being over-thick or gluey, providing solid structural integrity right through to the final bite. Excellent pastry-to-filling ratio, with neither component dominating or letting the other down. 🥩 Filling – 9.5/10 This is where the pie really flexes. The gravy was thick and cohesive, clinging well to the protein rather than pooling or leaking. Chorizo spice led the flavour profile, bringing smokiness and depth, with jalapeño delivering a confident but controlled heat — present throughout without overwhelming the palate. Steak was cut chunky as advertised, tender, and well integrated. Bonus points for the evenly distributed, clearly identifiable rounds of chorizo sausage. 🌡️ Temperature & Eatability After a 10-minute walk back to work, the internal temperature was ideal for immediate consumption. Eaten fresh from the warmer, tongue damage would be a real risk 😂 — always a good sign. Heat retention was excellent, suggesting a well-balanced filling density and pastry seal. 💰 Price – 7/10 Not the cheapest option on offer, but reflective of ingredient quality and execution. You’re paying for flavour complexity and proper technique rather than just calories per dollar. 🏁 Final Verdict – 8.5/10 A technically sound pie with standout filling, strong flavour architecture, and well-executed pastry. Lena’s Bakehouse clearly understands both structure and seasoning. This is a pie built by people who respect the craft. Would smash again. Highly recommended.

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Isaiahvia Google

5 months ago

Absolutely incredible pies - had the chunky steak and it was as close to perfect as you'll get!

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Liv Kalashvia Google

10 months ago

Just discovered this unassuming cafe. Pass this every morning on my way into work Coffee is delicious Cannoli, excellent 😋 Sausage rolls, fabulous Cottage pie, to die for. Can't wait to slowly eat my way through their pastries.... it will take some time 😆

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Shilpa Stanlyvia Google

11 months ago

Won’t be buying the carrot cake again. I don’t think it was freshly made for the day though I asked the lady and she said it’s fresh. Do check with whoever the supplier is. Not worth $6.50 for this . The cream was good though . Edit: received response saying that it is indeed “fresh “ and seems like they intend to say problem is mine? Would like to get more explanation on this. Is it sourced from somewhere like other cafes? If yes, How do you know when it was baked? Freshly baked from scratch or like some cafes have, heating the pre made cakes . So what is your definition of “fresh “ ? The cake was crumbly and smelled of oil .

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OK SMOKEvia Google

about 1 year ago

Best PIE & pastries in the Brisbane CBD 👍 Don't roll up on this place fangin for a feed, because you'll end up buying with your eyes and not your belly . I bought the chunky beef, mince & cheese, and the jumbo sausage roll ....Golly 😋 Fact: Even though yatala pies are meh at best, their sausage rolls are absolutely incredible, and still No1 on my scale 👌 Anyway, back on Lena's Bakehouse. Beautiful meaty chunky steak pie, with great short crust & flaky pastry, the perfect amount of gravy and not filled with gelatine like most . The mince and cheese was meh... maybe a 6 out of 10, but only because the cheese tasted like it was the canned type - fake # Ya got my Cheese Whiz boy ? The giant sausage roll was delicious , again great pastry and finely ground mince, the flavour was bang on the money. I can always tell when I've eaten a B grade savoury pastry as it repeats on me after about an hour , the age doesn't help . But with these pastries I didnt get the burn from excessive use of garlic and onion, so definitely a quality pie 😎👍