The Ultimate St David’s Day Feast: A Celebration of Welsh Food

St David’s Day, celebrated on March 1st, is a time for the people of Wales to honour their patron saint and showcase the best of Welsh culture, heritage, and—most importantly—food. From hearty lamb dishes to sweet traditional bakes, St David’s Day is the perfect excuse to gather with family and enjoy a feast packed with authentic Welsh flavours.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the ultimate St David’s Day menu, featuring delicious and traditional dishes that highlight the best of Welsh produce and cooking. Whether you're looking for a warming stew, a showstopping roast, or a sweet treat, these recipes will help you celebrate in style.

Starter: Welsh Rarebit – The Ultimate Cheese on Toast

A staple of Welsh cuisine, Welsh Rarebit is no ordinary cheese on toast. Made with mature Welsh cheese, mustard, ale, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, this rich and flavourful dish is the perfect way to start your St David’s Day feast.

Ingredients:

• 200g strong Welsh cheddar, grated

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp plain flour

• 1 tsp English mustard

• 2 tbsp Welsh ale (or milk for a non-alcoholic version)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 4 slices of crusty bread

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Melt the butter in a pan, then stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

2. Gradually add the ale, stirring continuously, then add the cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth.

3. Season with salt and pepper, then spread the mixture onto slices of toasted bread.

4. Grill until bubbling and golden, then serve immediately.

Main Course: Welsh Lamb & Leek Stew (Cawl Cymreig)

No St David’s Day meal is complete without Cawl, a traditional Welsh lamb and vegetable stew that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made with slow-cooked lamb, leeks, carrots, and potatoes, it’s a comforting and flavourful dish that showcases the best of Welsh produce.

Ingredients:

• 500g Welsh lamb shoulder, diced

• 2 leeks, washed and sliced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1.5 litres lamb stock

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the lamb. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, fry the onions and leeks until softened.

3. Return the lamb to the pot, add the carrots, potatoes, and stock, then bring to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until the meat is tender.

5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Alternative Main: Roast Welsh Lamb with Mint Sauce

If you’re looking for something more formal for St David’s Day, a roast Welsh lamb joint is a fantastic centrepiece. Slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and mint, this dish is simple but bursting with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1.5kg Welsh lamb leg

• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp sea salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Mint sauce to serve

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.

2. Make small cuts in the lamb and insert slices of garlic and rosemary.

3. Rub the lamb with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes (for medium) or longer if preferred.

5. Rest for 15 minutes, then serve with mint sauce and roast potatoes.

Dessert: Traditional Welsh Cakes

These buttery, spiced griddle cakes are a true Welsh classic, perfect for ending your St David’s Day meal on a sweet note. Serve warm with butter or a sprinkle of sugar.

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour

• 110g butter, diced

• 75g caster sugar

• 50g currants or sultanas

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp mixed spice

Method:

1. Rub the butter into the flour until crumbly, then mix in the sugar, spice, and fruit.

2. Beat the egg with the milk and stir into the mixture to form a dough.

3. Roll out to 1cm thick and cut into circles.

4. Cook on a greased griddle or frying pan for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

5. Serve warm with butter and a sprinkle of sugar.

A St David’s Day Feast to Remember

This traditional St David’s Day menu celebrates the best of Welsh cuisine, from hearty lamb dishes to comforting Welsh cakes. 

Looking for the best quality Welsh meat to cook up a St David’s Day feast? Butchery Bocs offers premium Welsh lamb, beef, and pork, sourced sustainably and delivered fresh to your door.

Celebrate St David’s Day in style—shop our range today!