Pie floater facts for kids
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| Type | Street food |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | South Australia |
| Main ingredients | Australian meat pie, pea soup |
The pie floater is a special Australian dish. It is very popular in Adelaide, a city in South Australia. Imagine a tasty meat pie floating in a bowl of thick pea soup. People often add tomato sauce on top for extra flavor.
This unique meal is thought to have started in the 1890s. It became famous as a quick meal sold from special carts on the street. In 2003, the pie floater was officially recognized. It became a "South Australian Heritage Icon." This means it is an important part of the state's history and culture.
Pie Carts: A Street Food Story
Pie floaters were traditionally bought from "pie carts." These carts were like small food trucks or trailers. They were often found on the street late in the evening. People would stand or sit at a long window to eat their food.
In the past, these carts were pulled by horses. Later, they became trailers. They would set up shop for lunch and dinner. As cities grew, carts moved after busy traffic hours. They stayed open until late at night or early morning. Then, they would return to their storage spots.
History of Adelaide's Pie Carts
Adelaide has had pie carts since the 1870s. They were a common sight in the city. For example, the Norwood pie cart was famous. It was located near the Norwood Town Hall. It was also known for selling a special ginger beer.
In the 1880s, Adelaide city center had many pie carts. There were 13 carts on King William Street and North Terrace. By 1915, this number went down to nine. By 1958, only two main carts remained. One was Balfour's pie cart near the Adelaide railway station. The other was Cowley's in Victoria Square.
In 2007, the tram line in Adelaide was extended. This change forced Balfour's pie cart to close. It was a sad moment for many fans.
A Heritage Icon
In 2003, the National Trust of South Australia looked into the pie floater's history. They found it had an amazing story going back over 130 years. Because of its long history, it was named a "South Australian Heritage Icon."
Today, it is harder to find a traditional pie floater. But you can still enjoy them at a few places. These include Café de Vilis and Enjoy Bakery on Norwood Parade. The Kings Head Pub and the Upper Sturt General Store also serve them. Some bakeries even offer floaters with pumpkin soup instead of pea soup.
See also
In Spanish: Pie floater para niños
