There was no way I was going to walk past a shop called The Pie Factory and not stop by. So I did and was not sorry.

These mini-chicken pies are delicious, especially when they are hot. I'll confess; I polished one off in the car in two bites, after having lunch. Confession No. 2: I ate some cold, from the fridge. Also good.

But then, I was really hungry.

Chicken pie fans will tell you that the crust is important. This one is light and flaky. And while I would have liked a more buttery flavour, I won't nitpick.

The filling is good, too: small chunks of chicken with potatoes and mushrooms, without the kind of gummy bechamel sauce that some people see fit to put in their pies.

I like the curry version, too. It's not too spicy hot and the carrots add some sweetness.

The black pepper version I liked less and the sausage roll filling tasted an awful lot like baked siew mai, which is always much better steamed. But I'll get a dozen each of the regular and curry versions any day. I might even share them.

The Pie Factory's mini-chicken pies cost 95 cents each. Buy six or more and pay 80 cents each. 19 Upper East Coast Road, Crescendo Building, tel: 6445-6457. Opening hours: 8am to 9pm daily.