The Spanish-born celebrity chef spent countless hours on the hunt for the nation’s best pie, and is proud to talk up the curried scallop at St Helens Bakery.

The Living Room chef said he researched reviews and award-winning pies online before travelling to the five locations.  

“The eating was the best part, it was an easy job for me,” he joked.  

He dubbed the curried scallop St Helens pie the third best in Australia, as it provided a huge point of difference to standard pies.

“They had the fresh scallops delivered every morning, and I thought it was really special,” Maestre said.

Maestre said Tasmanian seafood, beef, truffles and cheese were some of the best in the world.

“Tasmanian produce is very similiar to Spain in that it’s simple,” he said.

“The seafood is so good that you don’t have to do much to it, to make it delicious. The oysters are so fresh and natural.” 

Maestre said truffles were his favourite Tasmanian ingredient, and he particularly enjoyed products from the company Tasmanian Truffles. 

“It’s (Tasmania) one of the most unique places in the world, it’s amazing,” he said.

“You can tell how much love is in the brie, or drinking delicious Tasmanian beer.” 

Born in the Spanish city of Murcia, a 21-year-old Maestre took off to travel the world, living in Edinburgh, before making his home in Sydney.  

Twelve years later the chef has been elevated to celebrity status, winning a Logie for his work on the lifestyle program, The Living Room, producing two best-selling Spanish books, and a host of other projects.

He described his cooking style as modern Australian with a classical Spanish influence.

Maestre said he hoped to continue his success by developing his business, Maestre Family Food and maintaining his focus as a co-presenter on The Living Room.

Watch Miguel Maestre find Australia’s best pies on The Living Room on Friday, July 22 from 7.30-8.30pm on WIN.

Australia’s top 5 pies: