Pien is a noun that originated from the Dutch language but is commonly used in South African English. It refers to a small, round, and flat pastry or pie commonly filled with a savory filling. The term "pien" is often used to describe a single serving-sized pie, similar in size and shape to a tart or tartlet.
The filling of a pien can vary, ranging from meat and vegetable mixtures to cheese and spinach combinations. Pien is typically prepared with a pastry crust, which is filled with the desired mixture and then baked until the pastry is golden and flaky. It is commonly served as a snack or appetizer, although it can also be enjoyed as a light meal.
In South Africa, pien has become a popular street food and can be found in local markets, bakeries, and cafés. It is often enjoyed with a side of chutney or tomato sauce for added flavor.
The term "pien" is also occasionally used to refer to any type of small pie or tart, regardless of its country of origin. In this broader sense, it can encompass various types of single-serving pastries filled with both sweet and savory ingredients.
Overall, pien is a term that primarily refers to a small, round, and flat pastry or pie commonly filled with a savory mixture, traditionally popular in South Africa and also used in a broader sense to describe any similar single-serving pie or tart.
