Experience the Delectable Cornucopia: A Food Travel Guide to Cornwall
Welcome, gastronomic adventurers, to this culinary exploration of Cornwall, a county in Southwest England renowned for its unique and delightful flavours. From scrumptious pastries to succulent seafood, Cornwall’s food scene promises an unforgettable voyage of taste and discovery.
The Iconic Cornish Pasty
When you think of Cornwall, the traditional Cornish pasty inevitably springs to mind. This warm, pastry-wrapped treat filled with chunky meat, potato, swede and onion is emblematic of Cornish cuisine. A legacy from the region’s tin-mining days, these hearty meals were an easy, portable lunch for miners. With a thick, crimped crust on one side (designed originally as a handle of sorts for dirty hands), the Cornish pasty is as practical as it is delicious.
If you’re looking for the perfect pasty, don’t miss visiting Warrens Bakery in St. Just, the oldest pasty maker in Cornwall, dating back to 1860. For a modern twist on the classic, pop into the Philps Famous Pasties in Hayle and try their cheese and onion or even the lamb and mint variations.
Seafood Specialties
Cornwall’s location, surrounded by fertile seas, ensures a fresh bounty of seafood. Crab sandwiches, mussels, scallops, and oysters – the Cornish coastline offers these in abundance. In particular, Cornish sardines, locally known as pilchards, are a must-try. These are often served grilled, drizzled with olive oil, and paired with a glass of crisp white wine.
Take a trip to Harbour Lights in Falmouth, where you can enjoy award-winning fish and chips, or head over to Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow for a more upscale experience with a variety of seafood delicacies.
Cornish Dairy: Ice Cream and Clotted Cream
Cornwall is renowned for its dairy products, with its verdant pastures home to contented cows that produce rich and creamy milk. This lends itself wonderfully to two Cornish delights – ice cream and clotted cream. Cornish ice cream is particularly creamy and flavorful, often enjoyed in a cone while strolling along the beach. Cornish clotted cream, with its luxurious texture and slight crust on top, is typically enjoyed with scones and jam in the quintessentially English tradition of cream tea.
For a taste of heaven, try the ice cream at Calley’s Ice Cream Parlour in Penzance, renowned for its homemade flavours. For an authentic cream tea experience, don’t miss the charming Miss V’s Vintage High Tea Room in St. Just.
Cornish Drinks: From Cider to Mead
Cornwall’s liquid offerings are just as enticing as its food. Cider, ale, and even mead are traditional tipples in these parts. Cornish cider, often served chilled in the summer months, is a refreshing drink made from the county’s apple orchards. Cornish ales, with their unique blends of local hops, malted barley, and Cornish water, offer a wide variety of flavour profiles.
Cornwall’s Mead and Breweries
Continuing from where we left off, mead is indeed an iconic beverage that Cornwall has perfected. This ancient honey-based drink holds its roots in the medieval era. Cornish mead often has a sweet, aromatic profile that pairs wonderfully with the region’s rich, savoury dishes.
Experience this medieval drink at the Cornwall Meadery in Penzance, where you can learn about the process of mead making and sample a variety of their offerings.
For the beer aficionados, a visit to one of Cornwall’s microbreweries should not be missed. Sharp’s Brewery in Rock is particularly famous for its flagship beer ‘Doom Bar.’ A tour here will give you an insight into the art of Cornish brewing.
Cornish Cheese
Blessed with lush pastures, Cornwall is also a land of cheese. From creamy Brie-style cheeses to hard, mature cheddars, Cornish cheese is a delightful experience for any cheese lover. The crowning glory is the Cornish Yarg, a semi-hard cheese wrapped in nettles for a distinctive, fresh, creamy taste with a slightly crumbly core.
Visit the Cornish Cheese Co. for their famous Cornish Blue, a cheese that has won multiple awards. For the best Cornish Yarg, head to Lynher Dairies, where this delectable cheese is handcrafted.
Local Farmers’ Markets
One of the joys of visiting Cornwall is exploring its local farmers’ markets, which offer fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisanal treats. You’ll get to interact with local farmers, bakers, and makers, which gives a wonderful insight into the food culture of Cornwall.
Visit the Truro Farmers’ Market for a wide array of local products or the St. Ives Farmers’ Market for an excellent range of fresh, local seafood, bread, and more.
From traditional pasties and delectable dairy to fresh seafood and a diverse range of beverages, Cornwall’s food scene is a tantalizing journey for any food lover. A tour of this charming county promises to leave you with wonderful memories and a satisfied palate. We hope this guide helps you to plan your culinary adventures in Cornwall.