As the 1st of March marks St David’s Day, why is it important to celebrate traditional Welsh cuisine in the country’s capital?
Joe Holloway, the supervisor at the Welsh House restaurant, makes his way into the bustling restaurant, carrying plates of steaming lamb cawl and fresh Welsh cakes, filling the air with irresistible aromas. Customers wait with anticipation, eager to tuck into the warm and inviting meals.
At the Welsh House restaurant, it comes as no surprise that Welsh culture is all around you. As guests walk in, familiar tunes from Tom Jones and the Stereophonics play out. Lyrics of the national anthem are painted on the walls, and Welsh symbols, such as the Welsh dragon, a rugby ball and vases of daffodils are dotted throughout the room.
Joe explains that food is integral to Welsh culture. “There is a proudness of where you come from and food is a big part of that,” says Joe. “It is part a long-standing tradition of what people like to eat in Wales, which is warm, hearty food.”
Welsh food is a central part of celebrating St David’s Day. The patron saint is honoured on the 1st of March every year. Across Wales, people join parades and concerts, wear the daffodil or leek emblem and children wear traditional Welsh clothes. Enjoying a fresh slice of ‘bara brith’ or few Welsh cakes is essential too.
Music plays an important role in the culture of Wales, after all the country is known as the ‘Land of Song.’ At the Welsh House, incorporating Welsh music is a must.
Joe talks about the importance of promoting Welsh music in the restaurant. “I think music in Wales is important to the culture in Wales, it’s a big part of life here,” says Joe. “It represents Wales in ways that you can’t just do by going there. The same goes for the Welsh language, it’s really important to people to speak Welsh here.”
Joe explains that supporting local produce by sourcing their ingredients from Welsh traders is important. “You have to support what’s around you,” says Joe. “So, places will buy that instead of Welsh lamb for all the wrong reasons. I think that’s a really important angle to consider. I think it’s part of keeping traditions alive as well.”
The unofficial national dish of Wales is cawl, which is a form of stew, dates to the 14th century, standing as an affordable family dish. Today, it is a classic winter staple found in many pubs and restaurants across Wales.
The dish a fan favourite amongst new and returning customers from all over the world. “People come here just for the Welsh lamb. Welsh people are so proud that Welsh lamb is so well thought of,” says Joe.
“We have a good Asian community in Cardiff, and they come here just to eat the cawl,” says Joe.
Joe explains that the Six Nations bring people from around Europe to Cardiff, who are eager to sample Welsh food. “So, we just had a lot of Irish people here, all of them wanted the lamb cawl. They have all heard about it and want to try it,” says Joe.
Using Welsh produce is essential to supporting local businesses and sustaining the Welsh farming industry. At the Welsh House, this is an area that they make sure to prioritise.
In 2023-2024, the average farm business incomes in Wales fell by 39% year on year, according to Welsh Government on Farm Income Data.
“I think the farming industry has been in better places, so it’s really important to keep it alive,” says Joe. “If everyone went to their local farmer, it would be better. Even if we do run out of something during the day, we go to the market, so even then we are supporting local businesses.”
St David’s Day is the perfect day to explore traditional Welsh food that plays a key role in the culture of Wales, that represents centuries of traditions and heritage.
“Having Welsh food, that you grow up eating, if you can go out and someone can cook that for you, I think that’s really important, says Joe.