Plan A Stop To This Region If You're A Foodie Visiting The UK
While England is not traditionally seen as a foodie destination outside of London, this opinion can be changed by a visit to the county of Cornwall. It's actually on the Bucket List Travels' recommendations of the "23 best foodie destinations" because of its abundance of locally made fresh offerings. Its local produce is so high quality, it has a protected designation on its pasties, sardines, and clotted cream to ensure that they aren't reproduced elsewhere. Traditional Cornish foods span all cuisines, including pastries, desserts, and delectable fish dishes.
The ocean that surrounds this coastal region is rich in seafood, and this has provided inspiration for many of the region's favorites. It may be part of the reason why several top chefs have set up shop here where they can prepare their dishes using the finest Cornish ingredients. The best way to enjoy this food is by hopping between Cornwall's towns while sampling the best cuisine they have to offer.
What to eat in Cornwall
The two most famous traditional foods are the Cornish pasty and cream tea, which is a scone served with jam and clotted cream, something the Queen herself used to eat. In Cornwall, the jam is put on before the cream and in neighboring Devon, it is the opposite way around, something the two regions famously disagree on. Another delicious bake is the Cornish saffron bun, which can also be served with clotted cream or butter. More famous dairy products include the Cornish Yarg cheese, which is traditionally wrapped in nettles, and ice cream made from their clotted cream.
As Cornwall has an abundance of coastline, it is a fabulous place to try locally caught seafood. The quality of the catch is one reason why this is a great place to try a British classic — fish and chips! Newlyn crab caught near Penzance is thought to be Cornwall's best crab, and its mackerel is best served baked inside a stargazey pie, so-named because the fish heads are left poking out of the crust and "gazing at the sky." Cornwall's sardines and pilchards are also a mainstay of traditional seafood dishes. If you like your meals to be served with a view, by a top chef, or both, then there are many Cornish eateries that will appeal to you.
Where to eat traditional food in Cornwall
There are so many bakeries and cafés that are said to serve the best pasties or cream teas that it is best to look for the biggest lines of locals or ask for recommendations in the area that you're staying. Cornwall boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants: Outlaw's New Road and Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, both in Port Isaac and run by Nathan Outlaw, as well as Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow. The Sardine Factory in Looe has a Bib Gourmand accolade, is set in an old fish factory, and is known for its local fish and regularly-changing menu.
Celebrity chef Rick Stein has six restaurants in Cornwall, with Rick Stein's Café in Padstow also being awarded a Bib Gourmand. He also has a fish and chip shop facing the Camel Estuary where you can get prosecco with your takeaway. The Red Lion pub, which overlooks Newlyn Harbor where the catch is brought in, is recommended by Cornwall Guide as the best place to eat its tasty crab. After your meal, don't forget to head to an ice cream parlor for a scoop of clotted cream ice cream! It helps that so many of Cornwall's best eateries are in beautiful settings, so you can eat your way around this English county surrounded by beautiful scenery.