Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

What to eat in Cornwall? Top 78 Traditional Foods in Cornwall

Last update: Sun Apr 20 2025
Top 78 Traditional Foods in Cornwall
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Cornwall Foods

01

Ice Cream

CORNWALL, England and  one more region
4.6
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Clotted cream ice cream is a traditional ice cream that’s associated with Cornwall, although it’s sold in supermarkets throughout the United Kingdom. This ice cream is made with Cornish whole milk, eggs, and clotted cream. The use of Cornish clotted cream gives the ice cream a unique flavor and a velvety consistency.


This decadent ice cream can be flavored with various additional ingredients such as vanilla, and it can be found in many bars and cafes across the region. It is also not uncustomary to add a dollop of clotted cream on top of the scoops of Cornish ice cream.

02

Snack

CORNWALL, England and  one more region
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Cream tea is a traditional type of afternoon tea that’s associated with the West Country – Devon, Cornwall, as well as Dorset and Somerset. It consists of tea that’s usually served with a combination of clotted cream, scones, and jam.


Butter is also often added to the mix, as well as whipped cream instead of clotted cream, but the addition of whipped cream makes the tea less authentic. In Devonshire, the scones are split and first spread with clotted cream and then strawberry jam. 
03
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Cornish pasty is a popular dish that is a specialty of Cornwall. Shaped into a form of the letter D or a half-moon, this crispy and juicy pastry is filled with beef and various root vegetables and seasonings. The golden color of the pastry is achieved by using egg wash or milk glazing, while the interior is filled with potatoes, turnips, onions, diced beef, herbs, and seasonings.


The final product has a balanced, savory taste, due to the fact that only high-quality beef and vegetables from the Cornwall area are used in it. It is believed that Cornish pasty was invented as a practical, portable meal for tin miners who couldn't leave the mines for lunch, and its thick crust kept the fillings warm for a long time.

MOST ICONIC Cornish pasty

View more
1
2
3
4
5
04

Cheese

CORNWALL, England
3.8
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Cornish Yarg is an English cheese hailing from Cornwall. This semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. It's wrapped in nettle leaves and matures for 5 weeks. The nettles give the cheese a latticed imprint, attract natural molds, and impart a mushroomy note to the cheese as it ages.


Underneath the nettle-wrapped rind, the texture is creamy and crumbly. The aromas are grassy and mushroomy, while the flavors are lemony and mushroomy. The cheese was first produced on Bodmin Moor by Alan Gray, who produced Cornish Yarg according to a 17th-century recipe found in his attic. 
05

Cheese

CORNWALL, England
n/a
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Keltic Gold is a traditional semi-hard cheese produced in North Cornwall. The cheese is made from pasteurized Cornish cow's milk and has an edible washed rind that's dipped in local cider during the production. Due to the cider, the aromas are fruity and pungent with distinctive apple overtones.


The texture is smooth and creamy, while the flavors are fruity, rounded, and sweet, reminiscent of French Alpine cheeses. Keltic Gold melts exceptionally well, and it's recommended to melt it into a fondue sauce, with an added sprinkle of nutmeg.

06
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Cornish Wild Garlic Yarg is an English cheese produced in Cornwall, hence the name. The cheese is made with cow's milk and it comes wrapped in wild garlic leaves which impart a subtle garlicky flavor to the cheese and give it a slightly firmer texture.


Apart from its garlicky, milky, and herbal aroma, this cheese has a firm and crumbly texture, while the flavor is garlicky and fresh. Cornish Wild Garlic Yarg has won many awards: Silver (British Cheese Awards 2018), Gold (British Cheese Awards 2017), and Supergold (World Cheese Awards 2015).

07

Cookie

CORNWALL, England
3.9
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Cornish fairing is a traditional cookie originating from Cornwall. The cookies have been made for many years by a baker's firm called Furniss, founded in 1886 in Truro, and the recipe is a trade secret. The ingredients for these biscuits include sugar, flour, butter, syrup, spices such as ginger and cinnamon, and raising agents.


The ingredients are formed into a dough, which is then cut with a wire futter before baking to give the cookies a rough surface. These dark brown, circular, spicy biscuits have long been associated with fairs in the South West, where they were bought and given as gifts to friends or relatives, hence the name Cornish fairing.

08

Cheese

CORNWALL, England
3.7
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Cornish Blue is an English blue cheese produced in Cornwall. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's designated to be eaten young. The texture is dense, moist, sticky, and buttery. The aromas are mild and sweet, while the flavors are creamy, sweet, and mild.


Due to its mild flavors, the cheese is very versatile and can be used in cooking. It's recommended to sevre it on crusty bread with chutney on the side or crumble it over buttery new potatoes. Pair it with a glass of port. Cornish Blue has been voted Supreme Champion at the 2010 World Cheese Awards.

Pair with
09

Dessert

CORNWALL, England
3.6
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Saffron cake is a traditional delicacy made in Devon and Cornwall, characterized by its close texture and a rich, spicy taste. The cake consists of bread dough, saffron, assorted fruit and spices, sugar, and butter. It is usually baked like bread and served sliced, with clotted cream on the side.


The dish is especially popular around Easter and is traditionally consumed on Good Friday.

MOST ICONIC Saffron cake

1
3
4
10
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Although they appear under various names, all the varieties of Cornish buns are prepared with a saffron-infused dough that is enriched with citrus zest and dried fruits such as currants and sultanas. Nowadays, the buns are usually found in bakeries, but in the 1800s they were typically associated with traditional tea treat outings that were organized by religious groups in Cornwall.


They are enjoyed plain or toasted, usually spread with butter or Cornish clotted cream.

MOST ICONIC Cornish saffron buns

1
2
3
4
11
Savory Pie
CORNWALL, England
n/a
12
Cake
CORNWALL, England
n/a
13
Cheese
CORNWALL, England
3.3
14
Cooked Sausage
CORNWALL, England  and  one more region
3.1
15
Cheese
CORNWALL, England
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Cornwall Food Producers

01

Cheese

LISKEARD, England
4.8
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Cornish Cheese, based in England, is known primarily for producing Cornish Blue, a type of cheese that has garnered recognition in various cheese awards. This company operates from a farm in Cornwall, where it crafts its cheeses using traditional methods.


The Cornish Blue, which is a soft, creamy blue cheese, was specifically developed to be milder than some of the sharper blue cheeses available. Cornish Cheese sources all its milk locally, ensuring freshness and quality in its cheese production.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024

BEST Cornish Cheese Cheeses
02

Cheese

DAVIDSTOW, England
4.5
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Davidstow is a cheese production facility located in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The facility uses locally sourced milk and has a longstanding cheese-making heritage. Davidstow cheeses are aged for different durations to develop a range of flavors and textures.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2024, 2023, 2021

Global Cheese Awards - Champion

2024

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2021, 2018

03

Cheese

BUGLE, England
4.5
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Curds & Croust is a cheese producer based in Cornwall, England. They specialize in crafting artisan cheeses using locally sourced milk. Among their offerings are soft cheeses including varieties such as brie and camembert, characterized by their rich flavors and creamy textures.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2019

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2024, 2023, 2018

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2021, 2018

04

Chocolate

WADEBRIDGE, England
4.4
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Tavoletta D'Oro -

2022, 2021

BEST Macondo Chocolates
05

Cheese

PONSANOOTH, England
4.3
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Lynher Dairies Cheese is a cheese producer known for manufacturing Cornish Yarg, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese wrapped in nettle leaves. The company also produces Kern, a hard cheese aged for 16 months and covered in a black wax coating. These cheeses are crafted using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2024, 2023, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024, 2023, 2022

BEST Lynher Dairies Cheese Cheeses
06

Tea / Infusion

TRESILLIAN, England
4.3
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Tregothnan is a historic estate in Cornwall, United Kingdom, renowned for being the first place in the UK to successfully grow tea. Established in 1334, Tregothnan has a rich heritage and continues to cultivate high-quality, unique teas in its ideal microclimate, which is enhanced by its proximity to the coast and the fog from the nearby deep-sea creek.


The estate is famous for its Cornish tea, a blend of native leaves and the finest Assam and Darjeeling varieties, which results in distinctive, flavorful teas. In addition to tea, Tregothnan also produces rare and sought-after Manuka honey, derived from plants grown on the estate. 
BEST Tregothnan Teas and Herbal Infusions
07
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2022

BEST Southwestern Distillery Limited Spirits
08

Cheese

PENZANCE, England
4.3
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
The Buffalo Dairy Ltd is located in Penzance, Cornwall. They specialize in producing buffalo milk products, including cheese and yogurt. The dairy sources milk from their own herd of buffalo, which graze on local pastures. They emphasize sustainable farming practices and high-quality animal welfare.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

BEST The Buffalo Dairy Cheeses
09

Chocolate

HELSTON, England
4.2
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Nicky Grant is a chocolatier based in Helston, who specializes in creating handcrafted chocolates. She incorporates locally sourced ingredients into her chocolate creations. Nicky Grant has also gained attention for her wedding cakes and chocolate sculptures.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2011

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2021, 2018

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2014

10

Cheese

CORNWALL, England
4.2
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Whalesborough Cheese, a producer based in England, crafts artisan cheeses using milk from local herds. Their range includes a variety of unique, hand-made cheeses developed from traditional and innovative recipes. This cheese producer has gained attention for its focus on quality and sustainability.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2021

BEST Whalesborough Cheese Cheeses
11
Beer
WADEBRIDGE, England
4.2
12
13
Butter
LOSTWITHIEL, England
4.2
14
Spirit
CORNWALL, England
4.2
15
Chocolate
FALMOUTH, England
4.1
16
17
18
19
Spirit
PONSANOOTH, England
4.0
20
21
22
23
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Cornwall Food Products

01
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Cornish Blue is a semi-soft blue cheese made by The Cornish Cheese. It is known for its mild, creamy flavor and buttery richness, which sets it apart from traditional blue cheeses that typically have a salty tang. With a dense texture and gentle sweetness, this cheese is perfect for those who enjoy a more subtle blue cheese experience.


Cornish Blue is designed to be eaten as a young cheese and is suitable for vegetarians. It has received numerous prestigious awards, including the World Cheese Awards Super Gold and the Great Taste Awards Gold. It is recommended to serve Cornish Blue at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavors. 
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

02
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Cornish Nanny is a distinctive blue goat's cheese from Cornish Cheese, designed to be enjoyed as a young, creamy cheese. It features a smooth texture and a nutty aftertaste, creating a complex and rich flavor profile. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk, and its semi-hard consistency makes it ideal for slicing or adding to various dishes.


The Cornish Nanny has a mild blue flavor, perfect for those who appreciate a more subtle blue cheese experience. It's aged to provide a delicate balance of creaminess and a touch of nuttiness. Perfect for cheese lovers who seek a unique, creamy blue goat's cheese, Cornish Nanny offers a delightful twist on the classic blue cheese experience.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024

03
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Dairy Crest's Mature Cheddar is a product produced by Davidstow, a renowned cheese brand. This cheddar cheese is known for its rich and robust flavor, developed over a longer aging period compared to mild or medium cheddars. The texture of Davidstow Mature Cheddar is typically firm yet creamy, making it versatile for both culinary uses and direct consumption.


The cheese is crafted using high-quality milk and traditional methods that Davidstow has honed over the years.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2022

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2023, 2021

04
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Vintage Cheddar by Davidstow, produced at the Davidstow Creamery, is renowned for its bold and complex flavor profile. This cheese is aged for at least 15 months, allowing it to develop a rich, tangy taste and a firm, crumbly texture. It is made from high-quality cow's milk sourced from local farms in Cornwall.


The meticulous aging process ensures a robust and savory flavor that cheese enthusiasts highly appreciate.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2024, 2021

Global Cheese Awards - Champion

2024

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2021

05
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Russet Squire is a cider-washed, semi-soft cheese crafted by the artisan cheesemakers at Curds & Croust. The cheese is known for its distinctive aroma and rich, complex flavor profile. It features a creamy texture that makes it a delightful addition to any cheese board.


The washing process, using cider, gives the cheese a unique, slightly tangy taste and enhances its depth of flavor, making it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2018

Global Cheese Awards - Champion

2018

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2018

06
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2023

07
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Davidstow Medium Cheddar, produced by Saputo Dairy UK at Davidstow Creamery, is a well-crafted cheese celebrated for its creamy texture and balanced flavor. It is aged to develop a rich, full-bodied taste that makes it a versatile choice for a variety of culinary uses, from snacking to cooking.


Davidstow Creamery, located in Cornwall, is renowned for its high-quality dairy products, and the Medium Cheddar is no exception, reflecting the region's rich dairy heritage.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2021

08
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Best English Cheddar by Dairy Crest Davidstow is a high-quality cheddar cheese produced in Cornwall, England. This product is known for its rich, creamy texture and well-balanced flavor profile that is both sharp and smooth. The cheese is matured for a significant period to develop its distinctive taste, which often includes nutty and savory undertones.


Dairy Crest Davidstow follows traditional cheesemaking methods combined with modern quality control to ensure consistency and excellence in their cheese.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2023

09
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Cheddar Gorge Mature Cheddar is a cheese product made by Dairy Crest Davidstow. It is known for its full-bodied, rich flavor that embodies the traditional characteristics of mature cheddar. This product is crafted using high-quality milk sourced primarily from dairy farms located in the South West of England, which contributes to its distinct taste and texture.


It is typically aged for around 12 months to develop its complex flavor profile and crumbly yet creamy consistency.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2023

10
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.