Wales is a country that wears its culture proudly on its plate. From the rolling hills of Eryri (Snowdonia) to the rugged coastlines, Welsh food is deeply rooted in the land and sea that shape it.
At The Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis, we’re passionate about showcasing both the region and its flavours. Whether you’re joining us for a hearty meal after climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), enjoying a romantic dinner for two or simply curious about classes Welsh dishes, you’ll find food that celebrates tradition while adding a modern touch.
What is Welsh Food?
Traditional Welsh food is hearty and full of character. Rooted in farming, fishing and local produce, it makes the most of what’s available in the valleys, mountains and coastlines. Think fresh lamb, leeks, seafood and rustic breads – dishes that honour the country’s resilience and community.
Welsh cuisine is also about sustainability and respect for nature. Local ingredients have always been at the heart of cooking here. Many of the traditional Welsh recipes have been passed down through generations, keeping the flavours of Wales alive today.
Classic & Traditional Welsh Dishes You Have to Try
Visiting North Wales? Here are some of the classic Welsh dishes you have to try:
Cawl: A traditional, hearty Welsh soup
Often regarded as the national dish of Wales, cawl is a hearty soup or stew made with lamb or beef, root vegetables and leeks. Traditionally served with crusty bread and a chunk of strong Welsh cheese, it’s warming, nourishing and perfect after a long day of walking in Eryri National Park.
Welsh Rarebit: Classic comfort foodWelsh rarebit takes the humble cheese on toast and turns it into something special. Made with a savoury mixture of strong cheese, ale, mustard and spices, it’s poured over toasted bread and grilled to golden perfection. It’s one of the most typical Welsh foods you’ll find in pubs and restaurants, a true crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a pint of local ale.
Bara Brith: A slice of Welsh tradition
Bara brith – literally “speckled bread” – is a fruit loaf made with dried fruits soaked in tea and lightly spiced. Traditionally served sliced and buttered, it’s a favourite for afternoon tea and one of the most famous Welsh foods to take home as a souvenir. Every region has its own slight variation (and every baker will tell you theirs is the best). You could even try to make your own with this traditional Welsh recipe.
Laverbread: The seaweed superfood
Unique to Wales, laverbread isn’t bread at all but a delicacy made from laver seaweed. Traditionally, it’s rolled in oats and fried, often served with bacon and cockles as part of a full Welsh breakfast. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s been called a “Welsh superfood” and has sustained coastal communities for centuries.
Welsh Lamb: A world-renowned staple
Welsh lamb is celebrated across the globe for its top quality and flavour, a result of the rich pastures and clean air of the Welsh countryside. Whether enjoyed as a slow-roasted Sunday joint, a tender cutlet or the centrepiece of a restaurant dish, it’s a staple of Welsh cuisine and a must-try for visitors.
Modern Welsh Cuisine
While these traditional dishes remain firm favourites with locals and tourists, Welsh food has also embraced modern culinary creativity. Chefs across the country are reimagining heritage recipes with seasonal twists, from laverbread incorporated into artisan breads to bara brith transformed into rich desserts.
At The Royal Victoria Hotel, we’re proud to follow this tradition of respecting the classics while adding fresh ideas. Our menus feature influences from across the world while keeping Welsh flavours at their heart.
As our Head Chef, Aron Davies, explains: “Working in a hotel in Snowdonia, my cooking style is simple but effective, staying true to my Welsh roots whatever dish I’m creating. For example, if I'm creating an Asian-inspired dish, I aim to put a Welsh twist on it.
“I, like many chefs, prioritise sourcing high-quality ingredients and supporting local suppliers. At the hotel, we focus on using seasonal, organic, or sustainable produce, meats, and seafood. I have direct relationships with local farmers, fishermen and food producers to ensure the freshness and quality of our ingredients.”
This approach means diners can expect both familiarity and surprise – classic comfort dishes reimagined with a creative flair. Read the full conversation with our head chef here.
Where to Try Welsh Food in Llanberis
The best way to discover Welsh food is to taste it for yourself. In Llanberis, our hotel offers two dining experiences that reflect our region’s heritage:
Padarn Restaurant: Our award-winning restaurant is the perfect choice for a special evening. The menu highlights Welsh-inspired dishes prepared with care, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think comforting plates that celebrate local flavours, designed to be shared with loved ones in a relaxed, elegant setting.
Eryri Bar & Lounge: For something more casual, our bar and lounge serves light bites, local ales and hearty plates. It’s an ideal stop after a day of exploring Eryri National Park, where you can enjoy Welsh rarebit, local lamb dishes or simply a pint of Welsh beer with friends.
Pair this with the hotel’s stunning backdrop, cradled between Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris at the foot of Yr Wyddfa, and dining becomes as much about the setting as it is the food.
Can’t wait to try some delicious Welsh cuisine? Check out some of our favourite Welsh dishes and how to make them at home here including Glamorgan sausages and a traditional Welsh cake.
Why Welsh Food Belongs on Your Travel Itinerary
Food is one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with a place. Sampling typical Welsh food is like tasting history, geography and community all in one bite. In North Wales especially, where culture and landscape are so closely tied, dining becomes a way of understanding what makes the region unique.
- For couples, it’s the romance of sharing a traditional meal in a historic setting.
- For families, it’s the fun of discovering something new together, whether it’s trying laverbread for the first time or enjoying a sweet slice of bara brith.
- For locals, it’s the pride of enjoying flavours that have defined generations.
A Culinary Journey Worth Exploring
Trying Welsh food is an essential part of any visit to North Wales. From the warming bowl of cawl to the iconic bara brith, these dishes tell the story of a nation proud of its heritage and deeply connected to its landscapes.
At The Royal Victoria Hotel, we’re proud to share these flavours with guests from near and far. Whether you dine in the Padarn Restaurant or the Eryri Bar & Lounge, you’ll enjoy food that celebrates both tradition and creativity.
Join us to sample Welsh-inspired dishes during your stay. Book your stay here and make Welsh cuisine part of your North Wales adventure.