Delicious treats to help you power through the day
Featuring dishes steeped in centuries-old heritage, Wales' hearty cuisine is rich in history and flavor. There's the country's succulent lamb, crumbly white cheese, and its famous cakes that have delighted generation after generation. And when you need to wet your whistle, you can choose a refreshing Welsh ale!
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or curious about Wales' culinary offerings, this gallery is sure to tantalize your tastebuds. Click through to find out more.
In the town of Aberaeron, on the Cardigan Bay coast, you'll find an ice cream parlor that, for the past 40 years, has made their ice creams with honey. Flavors change daily, but its high quality and unique flavor stay the same.
Welsh cream is churned and traditionally hand-salted to create a smooth-tasting butter. Spread on top of toast or incorporate into your cooking.
Tatws Pum Munud, or Five-minute Potatoes, is a traditional Welsh stew made with smoked bacon, potatoes, stock, and vegetables. The dish is usually served with crusty bread and butter.
Mussels from Conwy's coast are known for their impressive meat-to-shell ratio. They have a succulent, salty taste and a chewy, fleshy texture.
Many old recipes for Welsh gingerbread don't include any ginger. It appears "gingerbread" could have been a general name for cakes sold at fairs. Today, ginger is commonly added, but it can be omitted, as the recipes call for black treacle, which adds a lot of flavor.
Legend has it the Welsh oggie was first served to builders of St David's Cathedral. Oggies are made from shortcrust pastry filled with lamb, leek, and potatoes.
Cawl cennin is a traditional soup made from Welsh leeks and potatoes that are simmered in a seasoned stock and then puréed. Cream and chives are added to finish the dish.
Pwdin Eva, or Eve's Pudding, is a traditional Welsh cake. A layer of stewed apple is topped with a light, fluffy almond sponge cake. It's served with custard or cream.
Welsh crempogau are thick pancakes, similar to American pancakes, that are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday. They are often stacked and slathered in Welsh butter, sugar, or treacle.
Caerphilly cheese is a hard, crumbly white cheese that originated in the area around the Welsh town of Caerphilly.
Aberffraw biscuits are Welsh shortbread made with flour, butter, and sugar, and pressed into a scallop shell. It is said to be Britain's oldest biscuit.
Welsh onion cake is a traditional dish consisting of layers of seasoned sliced potatoes, onions, and sometimes cheese, creating a hearty side dish or main meal.
Sewin, or sea trout, are found in Welsh rivers, typically during the summer months. The fish is pan-fried and served with samphire, a sea vegetable found on the Welsh coast.
Teisen lap, or "Moist Cake" in English, was baked regularly in coal-mining villages of South Wales. Teisen lap is a moist, light fruit cake that was traditionally cooked on a plate, and is best served with a cup of tea.
Anglesey eggs, or Ŵyau Ynys Môn, is a classic Welsh recipe made of mashed potatoes, steamed leeks, boiled eggs, and a cheese sauce. The dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or supper.
Welsh Black is Wales' only native breed of cattle. The beef can be served a number of ways, but it is typically roasted and served with vegetables and gravy.
People from South Wales have been harvesting cockles since Roman times. A traditional Swansea seafood breakfast comprises cockles, bacon, and laverbread.
Pork belly and liver meatballs are wrapped in streaky bacon, baked in the oven, and served with peas and a rich sage and onion gravy.
Welsh cakes are a cross between a pancake, cookie, and a British scone. They are made from a dough consisting of flour, butter or lard, sugar, eggs, and dried fruit. Enjoy Welsh cakes as a snack or with a cup of tea.
Glamorgan sausages are a traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with Caerphilly cheese, leeks, and coated in breadcrumbs.
Welsh rarebit consists of a cheese sauce featuring melted cheddar cheese, beer, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes a bit of flour to thicken, poured over toasted bread. It is then grilled until bubbly and golden brown.
Bara brith, which means "speckled bread," is a traditional fruit loaf made with a yeast-raised dough mixed with dried fruit. The dough is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and tea, which gives the loaf a distinctive flavor and moist texture.
Laverbread is a traditional Welsh food made from edible seaweed called laver. The laver is boiled down until it becomes a thick, dark-green paste. It is also mixed with oatmeal and fried to make laverbread cakes. Serve as part of a traditional Welsh breakfast.
Dating back to the 14th century, cawl is a staple of Welsh cuisine. The dish is a hearty stew made of meat and vegetables. Recipes are often handed down through the family and vary from town to town.
Cyflath, or toffee, was traditionally made in households across Wales, normally between Christmas and New Year, and occasionally Bonfire Night. Golden syrup can be used instead of treacle for a light toffee.
Welsh lamb is renowned for its rich flavor. It can be roasted or cooked in a stew with potatoes and vegetables, which is how it is traditionally served to celebrate St David's Day.
Sources: (BBC) (Wales Online) (West Wales Holiday Cottages)
See also: European cuisine—worst to best countries for foodies
Felinfoel Brewery, established in 1878, is the oldest brewery in Wales. However, Saxon records from the 7th century mention "Welsh ale," a heavily spiced brew. Today, microbreweries are found all over Wales, producing the finest Welsh ale.
From small independent operations to larger-scale producers, Wales is home to award-winning cider. Monmouthshire is known as Pear County, where there are many perry and cider makers.
Penderyn Distillery, founded in 2000, is the home of Welsh whisky and produces award-winning single malt whiskies. Their whiskies are known for their sweet and fruity character.
A guide to Welsh food and drink
From rarebit to cowl!
FOOD World cuisine
Featuring dishes steeped in centuries-old heritage, Wales' hearty cuisine is rich in history and flavor. There's the country's succulent lamb, crumbly white cheese, and its famous cakes that have delighted generation after generation. And when you need to wet your whistle, you can choose a refreshing Welsh ale!
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or curious about Wales' culinary offerings, this gallery is sure to tantalize your tastebuds. Click through to find out more.