Devon is our home and also the source of our culinary inspiration. Nestled in the heart of southwest England, Devon boasts a rich culinary heritage that mirrors its diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush countryside. While we use locally sourced ingredients to create unique delights and twists on classic dishes, we want to take a moment to explore the food that Devon is famous for.
Pasties: Devon’s Delicious Tradition
One cannot mention Devon’s culinary delights without paying homage to the beloved pasty. While often associated with neighbouring Cornwall, Devon has its own rich tradition of crafting these hearty handheld pies, and one of the earliest pasty recipes was found in Plymouth!
Dating back centuries, pasties were a staple among Devon’s miners and labourers, offering a convenient and nourishing meal on the go. Devon pasties typically feature a crimped edge along one side, allowing miners to grasp them without contaminating their fingers with the mineral-rich residue of their work.
Crafted from a flaky pastry crust and filled with a hearty combination of meat, potatoes, onions, and swede, Devon pasties embody comfort and sustenance in every bite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a portable snack during outdoor adventures, these savoury treats are a true taste of Devon’s culinary heritage.
Crab Sandwiches: Coastal Delicacy
With its extensive coastline and bustling harbours, Devon offers a bounty of fresh seafood delights, and none are more iconic than the humble crab sandwich. Served on freshly baked bread and garnished with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley, this simple yet exquisite dish showcases the delicate flavours of locally sourced crab meat.
Whether enjoyed at a seaside cafe or savoured on a leisurely picnic by the shore, Devon’s crab sandwiches are a testament to the region’s maritime bounty.
Cheeses: Dairy Excellence
Devon’s lush pastures and dairy farms yield an array of artisanal cheeses renowned for their quality and flavour and each cheese reflects the terroir of its surroundings. Whether paired with a crisp apple or melted atop a warm slice of bread, Devon’s cheeses are a testament to the region’s dairy excellence.
Fresh Fish and Seafood
Devon’s coastal waters teem with an abundance of fish and shellfish, providing a wealth of options for seafood lovers. From succulent scallops to plump mussels, Devon’s seafood offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether enjoyed in a seaside bistro or prepared at home with a dash of Devonshire butter, fresh fish and seafood are integral to Devon’s culinary identity.
Pasture Raised Beef and Lamb
The rolling hills and verdant pastures of Devon are home to herds of cattle and flocks of sheep, whose meat is prized for its tenderness and flavour. Grazing on nutrient-rich grasses, Devon’s livestock produce beef and lamb of exceptional quality, destined for tables across the region. Whether roasted to perfection or simmered in a savoury stew, pasture-raised beef and lamb are a cornerstone of Devon’s farm-to-table ethos.
Hog’s/White Pudding: Savoury Delight
A lesser-known gem of Devon’s culinary repertoire, hog’s pudding is a savoury sausage made from a blend of pork, oatmeal, and spices. Traditionally served as part of a hearty breakfast or sliced and pan-fried as a savoury snack, hog’s pudding offers a comforting taste of Devon’s rural heritage.
Cream Tea: Quintessential Devon Experience
No visit to Devon is complete without indulging in the quintessential British tradition of cream tea. Originating in the county’s charming tearooms and cafes, cream tea is a leisurely affair that pairs freshly brewed tea with scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam. Whether enjoyed in a sun-dappled garden or beside a roaring fireplace, cream tea offers a taste of Devonian hospitality and tradition.
Fudge: Sweet Treats
Devon’s sweet tooth is satisfied by its delectable fudge, made from a rich mixture of butter, sugar, and cream. Whether studded with nuts, infused with chocolate, or flavoured with fruits, Devon’s fudge is a decadent indulgence that delights locals and visitors alike.
Gin: Crafted with Devon’s Flair
Gin has a rich history in Devon, with the oldest working gin distillery still going strong in Plymouth, and in recent years, Devon has become a hub of artisanal gin production, with distilleries dotted across the region crafting spirits infused with local botanicals and flavours. From citrusy gins redolent of Devon’s orchards to herbal blends inspired by its hedgerows, Devon’s gins are a testament to the region’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Cider: Devon’s Liquid Gold
Devon’s orchards yield an abundance of apples, which are transformed into cider, a beloved beverage that holds a special place in the region’s heart. From crisp and dry to sweet and sparkling, Devon’s ciders come in a variety of styles to suit every palate. Whether enjoyed at a traditional cider farm or sampled at a bustling cider festival, cider is an integral part of Devon’s culinary landscape.
Tips for Trying Devon’s Foods
For those eager to sample Devon’s culinary delights, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Seek out restaurants and eateries that prioritise locally sourced ingredients, as these establishments often offer the most authentic taste of Devon. Be sure to inquire about dietary options and considerations, as many venues are happy to accommodate special requests. And above all, approach each dish with an open mind and a hearty appetite, ready to savour the flavours of Devon’s rich culinary heritage.
If you would like to experience a true taste of the region with the very best local produce the South West has to offer, you can hire our services for private dining, weddings, corporate events and more.