Traditional Welsh Dishes - Picked by the Penrhos Team

At Penrhos Park, we’re proud of our location in the heart of West Wales. And what better way to connect with a culture than through its food? Welsh cuisine is a testament to the country’s history and its connection to the land and sea, with many dishes originating from the resourceful and hearty cooking of its working-class past.

Here's a guide to some traditional Welsh dishes – picked by the Penrhos Park team.

Welsh cakes with jam & berries

Cawl

Considered the national dish of Wales, cawl (pronounced cow-ul) is a slow-cooked, hearty stew. Traditionally made with lamb and seasonal root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and swede, the recipe can vary greatly depending on the region and the ingredients available. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up after a day of exploring the Welsh countryside, often served with a chunk of fresh bread and some local cheese.

Welsh Rarebit

Often mistaken for simple cheese on toast, Welsh rarebit is much more. It’s a rich, savoury sauce made from a blend of Welsh cheese (often Caerphilly), mustard, ale, and other seasonings, which is then poured over toasted bread and grilled until bubbly and golden. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish.

Glamorgan Sausages

For a fantastic vegetarian option, look no further than Glamorgan sausages. These are not your typical sausages; they contain no meat. Instead, they’re a flavourful mix of local cheese (again, Caerphilly is a favourite), leeks, and breadcrumbs, rolled into a sausage shape and fried until crispy on the outside. They’re a classic Welsh dish and a wonderful example of using local, affordable ingredients.

Welsh Cakes

A must-try for anyone visiting Wales are Welsh cakes or pice ar y maen. These are small, round, griddled cakes that are a cross between a scone and a biscuit. Filled with currants and a hint of spice, they’re best served warm from the griddle with a dusting of caster sugar. You’ll find them in bakeries and cafes throughout the country.

Bara Brith

Bara Brith is a traditional Welsh tea bread. This moist fruit loaf is made with mixed spices and dried fruit that have been soaked in fragrant tea. It’s a staple of Welsh afternoon tea and is often served sliced with a generous layer of salted Welsh butter.

Laverbread

For the more adventurous foodie, laverbread (bara lawr) is a unique Welsh delicacy. It’s a purée made from laver seaweed, a nutritious seaweed that grows along the Welsh coast. Often referred to as ‘Welshman's caviar’ by the late actor Richard Burton, it has a rich, salty, umami flavour. It’s typically served as part of a traditional Welsh breakfast, fried with bacon and cockles.

Welsh Lamb

Wales is famous for its sheep, and for good reason! Welsh lamb is a highly prized meat, celebrated for its unique flavour that comes from the animals grazing on the country's lush, mountainous pastures. Look for it on menus as a succulent roast or in stews. A particularly special variety is salt marsh lamb, which grazes on coastal salt marshes, giving it a distinct, slightly salty taste.