Welsh cuisine is perfectly suited to the colder weather which is now approaching, as it is full of hearty warming stews and tasty sweet treats. It’s a country rich in varied natural produce. No wonder there are plenty of traditional delicious Welsh dishes to choose from: here are just a few.

Bara Brith

This translates as ‘speckled bread’ and it is a delicious version of tea bread, which is sadly dying out even in its home country. It’s made with mixed fruit and spices, which are soaked overnight in black tea. They are then mixed with eggs, sugar, and self-raising flour, and baked slowly in the oven. Serve warm with butter for a tasty teatime treat.

Welsh rarebit

This version of cheese on toast evolved from a snack that was popular in Welsh pubs in the 18th century. Its name is thought to be ironic, as it was originally called Welsh Rabbit, although it contains no meat. The traditional version consists of a sauce made from ale, cheese and mustard, served melted onto toasted bread and garnished with pepper.

Nowadays, the cheese is often blended with Worcestershire sauce or wine, for a fuller flavour. It’s a filling snack, perfect for when you want a light meal, or just something to keep up your energy levels on a busy day. 

Cawl

Cawl is a traditional Welsh stew, which some say is the national dish. It’s a hearty mixture of Welsh beef or lamb, bacon, and root vegetables. The exact recipe tends to vary with the season, and even the region of the country where it is made. 

Generally, it will contain one or two types of red meat, and potatoes, leeks, onions, and carrots, which are cooked in one pot. This is a perfect winter dish to batch cook and freeze in portions, for quick dinners on busy evenings. 

If you are interested in buying a traditional Celtic gift, Welsh love spoons make a great choice—they are definitely not for stirring the stew with though!