Historically, Wales has been a country that's rooted in tradition, and this is partially what has shaped its unique, old-world cuisine. The dishes one will find there are an exemplary example of this beautiful country and all the flavors that have gone into crafting a culinary scene that's set apart from the rest in the region.
When visiting Wales, there are just some foods that visitors shouldn't pass up; some might sound a bit unusual while others are intriguing and unique, but they're all delicious in their own right. When you're in Wales, be sure to seek out these menu items first... you'll be thankful for it!
Glamorgan Sausage
The name of the Glamorgan sausage is somewhat misleading for two reasons: the first is that these 'sausages actually contain no meat whatsoever. The second is due to the fact that Glamorgan cheese, a traditional ingredient in this dish, no longer exists. So, what are they, exactly? A mixture of cheese from Caerphilly, leeks, potatoes, mustard, herbs, and breadcrumbs is what makes these faux sausages so delicious, and they're a real treat for those who don't eat meat.
Anglesey Eggs
Anglesey eggs are a truly decadent and indulgent delight in Wales and this dish might just make it to the top of your list. The dish starts with hard-boiled eggs that are served atop perfectly creamy mashed potatoes, and all of that is topped with a creamy sauce that's made with butter, leaks, and cheese. As if that wasn't enough, the dish is then topped with a layer of grated cheese to add sharpness and a slight bite, which is much-needed. The result is a creamy, rich, and a slightly sweet mouthful that's perfectly balanced by all of its components.
Bara Birth
Fruitcake is not usually something that's highly sought-after but in Wales, bara birth is changing the rules when it comes to combining sweet cake and dried fruit. This tea incorporates the use of cold tea which gives it a moist texture and unique flavor, and the addition of dried fruits only enhances the sweetness while acting like little gems of flavor throughout each slice. The cake is usually served with butter and is a popular bakery item, and when it's baking, you'll be able to tell thanks to the cinnamon, marmalade, and brown sugar that are also added to its batter.
Roasted Lamb
Lamb is actually considered to be the national dish of Wales, and the dish, specifically, is roasted lamb with laver sauce. Lamb is roasted until it's tender and nearly falling apart, which is part of why this dish is so delicious. Laver is a seaweed that's commonly found throughout Wales and the sauce made from it is savory and slightly salty but serves as the perfect accompaniment to each rich and meaty piece of lamb. The dish goes back centuries and has been a long-standing part of Welsh history.
Welsh Cake
Welsh cakes closely resemble what many people know around the world as pancakes, albeit slightly different. As opposed to just being served for breakfast, these small, sweet cakes are often served as a snack or a dessert as well. They're also a bit thicker and denser than the typical pancake, with any number of flavorings, from citrus zest to currants and even raisins. Most commonly, they're served during tea time with jam and butter.
Cawl Cennin
At one point in time, cawl cennin was considered to be the dish of the lower class, with not many being able to afford meat. Therefore, at the core of this dish lies two main ingredients: potatoes and leeks. However, the dish has made its way into today's society, with more flavors added via various spices or herbs, and the result is a velvety, rich soup. The potatoes are hearty while the leeks add a hint of sweetness, and the entire bowl is well-deserved on a cold winter's day. Nowadays, the dish is also made with chicken stock which doesn't make it fully vegetarian.
Welsh Rarebit
Welsh rarebit is a bit of a conundrum of a dish and also one with a slightly amusing history. Despite the sound of its name, this dish contains no meat whatsoever and definitely no rabbit. Rather, Welsh rarebit is essentially a sandwich that's been buttered and toasted, and is served with a generous topping of either Caerphilly or cheddar cheese that has been mixed with butter and ale. Essentially, the dish is buttery toast with a delicious, creamy, and tangy cheese sauce poured over the top, and it's nothing short of decadent.