Ing moved to New Zealand from Cambodia 14 years ago and cut his teeth baking in Hawera at Tun's Bakery.
Learning from owners Sophal and Sophaon Tun, Ing discovered he had a flair for baking. Over a decade he developed his pastry skills before moving to Taupo about two years ago to work at Fast & Fresh.
"We moved there and stayed there a bit, but we liked it and we stayed."
He and wife Linna Tuy bought the bakery from the previous owners 14 months ago. Ing loves his winning venison pie of course, but can't go past what the locals love most: mince and cheese.
Ing is looking forward to coming up with more creative pies to please discerning Kiwis' palates, he said.
"We know New Zealanders love pies."