Deliciously Welsh: 5 Unique Welsh Foods You Must Try

Wales has a rich culinary heritage, offering a diverse range of dishes that include everything from sweet treats to warm, comforting meals. Our uniquely Welsh foods highlight our love of hearty, wholesome and delicious dishes! 

As we celebrate World Food Day, it's a perfect time to reflect on how our traditional meals not only leave us feeling nostalgic but also tell the stories of Wales’ history, traditions and communities that have shaped its culinary landscape. Join us as we explore some of our most distinctive and unique dishes, some with a modern twist…

Share this with your friends and tell us - what is your favourite traditional Welsh dish??

Welsh Cakes - the treat with many identities

Bakestones, Pics, Griddle Cakes, Welsh Tea Cakes, Welsh Miners Cakes, Cage Bach. Whatever you call them, one thing is for sure we are all familiar with this classic staple of Welsh cuisine that has been enjoyed for generations. Traditionally, Welsh cakes are sweet, made with flour, sugar, butter, and dried fruits, and cooked on a griddle. In recent years we’ve seen the Welsh Cake take on many new guises, from chocolate-favoured to jam-filled. But what about a unique savoury twist?

Introducing the Leek & Welsh Cheddar Welsh Cake This savoury version swaps the usual sweetness for a delightful blend of two quintessentially Welsh ingredients: leeks and Welsh cheddar cheese. Sounds lush! 

You can find this dish at The Welsh House  in Cardiff, they also have locations in Swansea, Neath and Carmarthen.

Glamorgan Sausages - not your typical sausage

When people think of sausages, they automatically think ‘meat’  but if you didn’t already know Glamorgan sausages are a delightful exception. These famous Welsh sausages, dating back to the 19th century, are entirely vegetarian, making them a perfect option for those who are plant-based eaters. Originally created in the county of Glamorgan, and keeping the cheese and leek theme, these sausages are made with Caerphilly cheese and leeks and then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden.

Glamorgan sausages stand out because of their vegetarian composition and its distinct flavour profile. As one of the few traditional vegetarian dishes in Welsh cuisine, they offer a unique take on sausages, showcasing how simple, local ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

You can even purchase them in your local supermarket like ASDA or  Sainsbury’s, or you can purchase them online >>

Crempog (or Crempogau) - like American Pancakes, but better

Crempog, also known as Welsh pancakes, are often enjoyed on special occasions like birthdays or St David’s Day. Unlike typical thin pancakes, Crempogs are thicker and more substantial, with a texture similar to American pancakes. They are made with simple ingredients like flour, buttermilk, eggs, and butter, and are often served warm with butter or syrup.

Crempog’s distinctiveness lies in its rich, buttery texture and the use of buttermilk, which gives it a subtle tang. Unlike lighter, airier pancakes, crempog are heartier and more filling, reflecting the comforting, rustic nature of traditional Welsh cooking.

WelshGiftShop.com have a cracking recipe if you want to try them at home >>

Welsh Cockles and Laverbread - don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!

Welsh cockles and laverbread are two traditional delicacies deeply rooted in Wales' coastal heritage. These small, flavourful shellfish are often steamed or boiled and served as a simple yet delicious dish, frequently traditional Welsh bread.

Laverbread, on the other hand, is a nutritious, savoury dish made from laver seaweed. Harvested from the shores of the Welsh coast, the seaweed is boiled down to a soft, dark paste. Rich in vitamins and minerals, laverbread is also known as the ‘Welshman's caviar’.

Combining both ingredients results in a truly unique Welsh dish, one featured on the menu of the Welsh bistro, The Leeky Barrel. Or try it at home >>

Faggots - the OG in nose-to-tail eating!

Faggots have humble origins, traditionally created as a way to utilise leftover cuts of meat and offal. Believed to have originated in the 20th Century, this dish became popular among working-class families who aimed to make the most of every part of the animal. These large meatballs, typically made from offal such as liver and heart, mixed with 

Today, faggots are commonly served with mushy peas and gravy remaining a beloved staple on Welsh pub menus!

Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it! The Welsh Kitchen has a yummy 'Faggots and Peas’ recipe you could try at home >>

Teisen Lap - we do love a cake!

Teisen Lap, also known as Welsh Plate Cake, ‘wet cake’ or ‘moist cake’, is a beloved traditional cake often baked in the coal-mining villages of South Wales. Much like its cousin, the Welsh Cake, this cake is made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and milk, typically enriched with dried fruits such as currants or sultanas. 

Teisen Lap stands out due to its unique baking method—cooked in a single, flat layer, typically on a plate or tray. This results in a dense, tender crumb and a rustic appearance that reflects the practicality of traditional Welsh home cooking. Its moist texture made it an ideal treat for miners, as it holds together well and is also a comforting companion to a cup of tea.

Check out Black Mountain Preservces recipe and why not team it up with their Seville Orange Marmalade - yum! >>