Jochheims Pies — Restaurant in Bowen

So this was a stop on our to Mackay (from Townsville). We decided on this joint since it got good basically 5* reviews.

The vibes were nice like a well kept bakery cafe, they ladies out front despite being in their later years were preppy, it was quite busy when we turned up.

FOOD: Lets start with the 2 MEAT PIES (one with potato and peas), 1 Sausage Roll. Prices were a bit dear for a single pie, my partner's was $6.05 she hella remembers cause of that weird 5 cents hahaha. For the price I was expecting some high class stuff but they tasted like regular mince and gravy pies...I'd probably be able to make the flavours if I bought some gravy from a fish and chip joint and mixed sauteed beef mince. That's how disappointed I was in them. The potato and peas tasted like what they were supposed to taste like. The sausage roll was deceptively long in the warmer, I thought it was good value for money (I forget the price sorry) but when I got it, basically regular sized...probs should've asked, guess it was my bad. The flavour also meh, actually I can recall saying it does taste alot more like filler and less meat. So flavour is meh minus. Note: we've been to several pie joints, our current favourites are the local Townsville chunky pie and the cardwell pies, rich in flavour, tons of meat.

Okay next, The SWEETS. 1 finger bun, 1 Custard almond bun. Sweet tooths rejoice, will definitely say you guys will enjoy this place. But... Urrrrgh okay so, My partner and I aren't much sweet tooths anymore so we started to feel a bit gross at the half-way mark. For the Custard bun, it was alot decadent than I expected, the glaze might've been a bit too over the top for me, the roasted almond were rich with flavour though. The custard was too sweet for my liking. The finger bun was in the same boat. The frosting seemed to be too sweet for us, also, imo coconut is better than sprinkles. They didn't have any of those available. The bread was light, so there was more emphasis on the fillings and toppings, the extra sugar was unnecessary.

I'd probably give this place a pass next time we drive down, probably just go to a Coles or IGA and buy a pack of finger buns or hot cross buns for the rest of the drive.

For sweet tooths go for it. They had a wide range of other...

Very disappointed due to their unnecessary waste of plastic packaging. Wraps and rolls do not need plastic packaging. This has to be the only bakery or cafe Ive ever heard of that uses so much plastic. They need to come in paper or more cleaner options. Especially being so close to the Great Barrier Reef and precious marine ecosystems. It's the responsibility of us all including small businesses to choose better alternatives - not choose stupid options which are worse. Very irresponsible to not consider the impacts of your choices. If I knew I wouldn't have come here. This is why I'm giving a definite 1 star until this is changed. Secondly, with the high prices you pay for a simple pie (~$7) or roll, you expect cleaner packaging. It's...

I have to say, Jochheims Pies are hands down the best pies I've had in Australia so far. As a former South African, I used to buy amazing pies from the local servos during road trips and nothing else could compare. When I arrived in Australia, I was on a mission to find that same delicious pie taste, and while some came close, Jochheims Pies nailed it. Seriously mate, these pies are so good, I just can't get enough. And it's not just their pies - my go-to breakfast is their Burger special, a definite must-try. Everything at Jochheims is top-notch and irresistible. Plus, their staff is so friendly, it really brightens your day. It's the first bakery I've been to that actually smells like a bakery should. Keep up the...