Wales is known for its stunning countryside, beautiful beaches and historic castles and landmarks. But we must not forget Wales’s delicious traditional cuisine. From hearty stews to sweet treats, Welsh food will tempt and delight your taste buds. If you’re planning a holiday in Wales in 2023, you must try these speciality dishes native to the land of the dragon.
Welsh Rarebit
Welsh Rarebit (also called Welsh Rabbit) is a classic Welsh dish that is a must-try for any visitor. It is a simple yet delicious dish consisting of slices of toasted bread topped with a mixture of melted cheese, ale, mustard, and other seasonings. The dish is then grilled until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. It might sound like cheese on toast, but we promise you, it is so much more than that!
The origins of Welsh Rarebit are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a way for the Welsh to use up their leftover cheese and bread. There’s also a legend saying that the meat-related name for the dish came about because Welsh peasants used the cheese as a substitute for meat which they could not afford at the time.
When on holiday in Wales you are sure to find plenty of pubs and cafes serving Welsh Rarebit. For the most authentic dish, look for Welsh Rarebit made with proper Welsh-produced cheese such as Caerphilly or Hafod Cheddar.
Served with a pint of local ale, Welsh Rarebit is a simple treat, a must-try dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and full of Welsh pride.
Welsh Cakes
Welsh Cakes are a wonderful classic sweet treat synonymous with Wales. They’re small, round cakes made with flour, sugar, butter, and dried fruit. The Welsh Cakes are cooked on a griddle until golden brown on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. Welsh Cakes are often served with a sprinkle of sugar and a cup of tea. Over the years a whole range of interesting flavour varieties has been developed, too.
It’s tricky picking the best Welsh Cakes in Wales, so we’ll share some of our favourite producers. Bakestones (Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil) is a family-run bakery that has been making Welsh Cakes for over 30 years and offers a variety of flavours, including traditional fruit, chocolate, and cheese and chive.
MamGu Welshcakes offer a whole range of delicious sweet and savoury Welshcakes including white chocolate & cranberry, cherry bakewell and cheese & leek. Visit the coffee shops in Solva and Saundersfoot (coming soon) or the bakery at Croesgoch to try the treats for yourself. Online ordering is also available.
Another great place to try Welsh Cakes is at Ty Hwnt i’r Bont in Llanrwst, Conwy. This historic tearoom serves up freshly baked Welsh Cakes and stunning views of the River Conwy. In The Gower, try the Three Cliffs Coffee Shop, Pennard for Welsh Cakes and other delicious treats. We’ve also heard great things about the Welsh Cakes and other delights at The Plwmp Tart café, Ceredigion which is at the National Trust’s beautiful Penbryn Beach.
All in all, we think Welsh Cakes are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy your holiday in Wales – and be sure to take some home!
Cawl
Cawl is a traditional Welsh stew that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days, but will also fill you up after a busy day on the beach or walking in the Welsh hills. A version of Cawl is also known as ‘lobscows’ in areas of North Wales.
There is no one fixed recipe for Cawl, which has traditionally been prepared with a variety of meat and vegetables depending on both the season, and the availability. It is made with Welsh lamb, beef or even ham hock, and cheaper cuts of meat would be slow cooked for flavour and tenderness. Vegetables tend to be potatoes and root vegetables such as carrots, swede and leeks, and Cawl is seasoned with thyme, bay leaves, and other herbs. The dish is cooked slowly for hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft.
All over Wales you will find traditional Welsh pubs serving up delicious Cawl, often served with a side of crusty bread. For a double Welsh delight why not have a some tasty Welsh Rarebit to complement your Cawl?
Welsh Cawl is a dish that is steeped in Welsh tradition and history, and you must give it a try on your trip to Wales.
Yummy yummy, Welsh delights in your tummy!
From savoury stews to sweet treats, Welsh cuisine will delight your taste buds. If you’re planning a holiday in Wales in 2023, make sure to try these speciality dishes that are unique to Wales. Welsh Rarebit, Welsh Cakes, and Cawl are three important dishes that are sure to make your trip to Wales a delicious one.
