Lake District

Foodie's Guide: 7 Must-Try Lake District Food Specialities!

Foodie's Guide: 7 Must-Try Lake District Food Specialities!

Local delicacies and items to buy
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    The table above lists all the local delicacies from the Lake District to purchase on your visit. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that item.

    Lake District Food Specialities

    If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then look no further than England's Lake District. Taking a trip to the beautiful lakes surrounded by mountains filled with quaint villages will refresh your soul and provide an opportunity to experience some amazing local food. With its blackberry-laden hedgerows, gingerbread from Grasmere, Cumberland sausages, or Carmel Sticky Toffee Pudding - just to mention a few - the whole area is full of culinary delights that you won't find elsewhere! Come explore amazing views and have an unforgettable adventure full of great tastes as well when you visit the Lake District--you won’t regret it.

    Lake District Foods FAQ's

    The Lake District is famous for its traditional English cuisine, particularly for its Grasmere gingerbread, Cumberland sausage, Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and Cumberland Rum Nicky. These foods either originated in the Lake District or have been made here for centuries.

    Discover the Flavours of the Lake District

    In this blog post, we will be discussing what delicacies you can expect to find in the Lake District.

    From traditional cuisine to more continental fare, there are plenty of mouth-watering options available in one of the most well-known areas in the country. Here are a few examples we recommend:

    Cumberland Sausage

    Tantalise your tastebuds with traditional Cumberland sausages - the long-coiled, pink delicacy made from seasoned pork and selected ingredients like ground meat, rusk, water, or ice as well as spices such as pepper, salt, thyme, nutmeg, and cayenne. For a cosy meal that makes mouths water, try baking them in Cumberland sauce — served with potato mash and fresh watercress on the side! But remember, for its full flavour impact to come alive – true authentic Cumberland Sausage must be prepared using time-honoured methods within the county of Cumbria, which is home to the Lake District area.

    Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding

    Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding has been delighting taste buds for over 30 years, ever since it was first made in the back kitchen of the village shop of Cartmel in the South Lakes. This famous dessert consists of dates, brown sugar and butter steamed to perfection and topped with warm toffee sauce – creating an indulgent sweet treat that is renowned around the globe. Well respected by celebrity chefs such as Rick Stein down to humble cafes throughout the region - this scrumptious pudding can be found everywhere! Next time you're touring through the lake country make sure you try out Cartmel's delectable sticky toffee pud.

    Grasmere Gingerbread

    Uncover the origins of Grasmere Gingerbread, a specialty treat from the picturesque English village of Grasmere that dates back to 1854. Created by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson, this unique and flavourful combination of biscuit and cake is sure to get your taste buds going! Boasting a secret recipe passed down through generations, its spicy-sweet flavour remains as beloved in the small town today as it was when first invented. Experience for yourself why locals inherently flock towards this delightful golden brown crumbly snack - perfect anytime you're craving something sweet while exploring the picturesque Lake District area!

    what food is the lake district famous for

    Cumberland Rum Nicky

    When you visit the Lake District, make sure to try the legendary Cumberland Rum Nicky! This unique shortcrust pie has a rich history dating back to the early 19th Century, when foods imported from areas like the Caribbean were used alongside more traditional British ingredients to produce a range of new variations of well-known pies and pastries. For centuries, sailors and workers throughout the region enjoyed this hearty pie with rum-soaked dried fruits. The flavour of this traditional food is a delightful mix of spices married with warmly spiced dark rum – truly a treat for your taste buds! Whether you're looking for something special to savour while visiting the Lake District or simply want to indulge in a tasty treat, Cumberland Rum Nicky is sure to delight your palate.

    Easter Ledge Pudding

    Easter Ledger Pudding is a treasured savoury dish that has been enjoyed in the United Kingdom for centuries. Made with nettle tops, onion, and butter, this mouth-watering pudding can be boiled or steamed to perfection and then served alongside lamb or beef as an iconic Easter delicacy - though it's delicious enough on its own that you'll find yourself wanting seconds throughout the year!

    Kendal_Mint_Cake

    Kendal Mint Cake by Cnbrb under license CC0 1.0

    Kendal Mint Cake

    Kendal Mint Cake, a sweet and refreshing treat that originated from the town of Kendal in Cumbria as an accidental creation, is now celebrated by outdoor adventurers around the globe. Its delectable combination of sugar, glucose syrup, and peppermint oil makes it an ideal snack for climbers or hikers due to its lightweight yet high-calorie content. Not only does this distinctive cake satisfy cravings during long outings - but with such a unique history connected to it; tourists visiting The Lake District are sure to have their taste buds tantalised! Found in many stores in the area, trying Kendal Mint Cake is a must!

    Rum Butter

    Rum Butter is a beloved delicacy in Cumbria that dates back to the Caribbean sugar trade. Combining butter, rum, and sugar creates a decadently smooth mix ideal for lavish occasions such as Christmas and New Year. However, this luxurious treat can also be enjoyed any day of the year and is available throughout the Lake District! The heavenly flavour of Rum Butter has been loved across England since its inception - often delightfully served alongside traditional festive desserts like mince pies and fruit cake.

    Conclusion

    So there you have it, seven reasons why you should try the local cuisine on your next visit to the Lake District. Will you be brave enough to give it a go? We think you should! Not only for the experience but also because the food is delicious and is enjoyed by millions of tourists each year! These are just a few of the many delicious Lake District foods you can try.

    We write lots of blog posts from each area of free activities to do. Have a look at our blog posts from the Lake District by clicking the links below:

     

    Lake District Blogs

     

    Free Things to do in the Lake District

     

    Cycling Routes in the Lake District

     

    Forest Walks in the Lake District