St David’s Day menu
Celebrate St David’s Day with a hearty feast of Welsh recipes. Our three-course dinner party menu includes classics such as cawl, onion tart and Welsh cakes.
Across Wales and beyond, 1 March is a national day of commemoration for the patron Saint David. This is marked by an array of festivities encompassing feasting, parades, singing and poetry competitions. Needless to say, food and drink feature largely as an expression of national identity, with leeks worn as badges and Welsh cakes being rustled up in fairs, shops and households across the nation.
So whether you're Welsh or not, why not embrace the spirit of the red dragon by gathering round family and friends for your own St David’s Day celebration. Our three-course dinner party menu showcases the best of Welsh cuisine and provides options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. You can also find more inspiration from our St David's Day recipes.
When is St David's Day?
St. David’s Day, also referred to as Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant, stands as a prominent national holiday in Wales dedicated to honouring the revered patron saint, St. David. This significant cultural and religious event is marked by a tapestry of traditions and festivities encapsulating Welsh heritage's spirit. Annually observed on March 1st, the upcoming celebration in 2024 falls on a Friday. This chosen date is not arbitrary; it is believed to commemorate the passing of St. David in the year 589 AD. As a day deeply embedded in Welsh history and tradition, St. David’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines this nation.
What are some St David's Day traditions?
National St David's Day Parade in Cardiff
Features exciting performances by dragons and theatre groups.
School celebrations
- Children are encouraged to wear costumes reflecting their Welsh heritage.
- Traditional costumes include: For girls, red and black plaid skirts, red shawls, tall black hats, or bonnets. For boys: Flat cap and shorts.
- Alternative interpretations include costumes such as rugby players, miners, and medieval Welsh Princes.
Local parades and concerts
- Towns and villages across the country host their own parades and concerts. For example, St David's holds a special dragon parade.
Pembrokeshire, the religious centre of Wales
- The host of the Ras Dewi Sant marathon – one of the toughest races. It takes runners through the scenic Pembrokeshire Coast Path around the St David's Peninsula.
Special events by organisations
- Cadw, responsible for castles and ancient monuments, arranges special events at some of its locations.
- The National Trust offers daffodil-laden gardens and St David’s Day events at its sites in Wales.
- Several national museums in Wales host interactive events.
Starters
Kick off your meal with steaming bowls of our fresh and minty version of Welsh cawl. This herby lamb, potato & pea stew is hearty and comforting, yet still light enough to serve as a starter. Welsh lamb is renowned for it’s rich flavour, so it seems only right to pay homage to this speciality. This comforting stew is also packed with lots of chunky veg, including carrots, shallots, potatoes and leeks – the national emblem of Wales. Serve with a warm chunk of crusty bread and butter.
For a veggie alternative, our pea, mint & spring onion soup makes a simple yet sophisticated starter, bursting with spring flavours. The soup itself is easy to make ahead and store overnight in the fridge, then heat up over the hob before serving. Add a touch of finesse by topping each bowl with a crispy cheese tuile (making sure to use vegetarian parmesan if required).
Mains
Impress your crowd with this next level take on a classic Welsh onion cake. We’ve added gorgeously crumbly Caerphilly cheese for a sharp, tangy flavour that balances perfectly with the sweet leeks and onions. If you aren’t able to find Caerphilly, then an alternative salty, crumbly cheese will work. Simply assemble by layering buttered potato slices with cheese and caramelised vegetables, then bake until beautifully crispy and golden brown on the outside with a melty, soft centre.
Dessert
St David’s Day would not be complete without copious amounts of Welsh cakes, so we naturally had to round off the meal with these sweet treats. One of the country’s age-old food symbols, recipes for Welsh cakes are often passed down the generations, leading to a impressive range of interpretations.
Traditionally baked on hot stones, these flat scone-like cakes are now commonly made on a griddle or in a heavy-based frying pan. Our easy Welsh cakes recipe uses a classic combination of lard and butter, but you can use all butter if you wish. The cake mixture is studded with juicy currants and a hint of spice, but you can of course experiment with new fillings, or leave out the fruit if you wish.
Welsh cakes are delicious served warm with butter and jam or simply sprinkled with sugar. We recommend you make a big batch as they are likely to dissapear like ‘hot cakes’.
If you want to try another popular Welsh bake, our bara brith recipe is also a brilliant teatime treat.
Now the feasting is complete, why not round off your evening in true Welsh style by raising a glass (of scrumpy if available) to Saint David and belt out a few empassioned choruses of ‘Land of my Fathers’.
Snacks
Still hungry? Treat yourself to a slice of Welsh rarebit, which is the perfect late-afternoon snack. Serve it fresh and piping hot from the grill, generously garnished with chopped chives for extra flavour. For a playful twist on the classic, try our Welsh rarebit muffins. These add a creative touch to your celebration and prove convenient for packing into lunchboxes, ensuring the enjoyment extends beyond the day of festivities.
Get more inspiration for St David’s Day...
St David's Day recipes
Rarebit recipes
Top 10 roast lamb recipes
Top 10 foods to try in Wales
Leek recipes
More inspiration for national holidays...
St Patrick's Day recipes
How to celebrate St Patrick's Day
Burns Night recipes
Classic Burns Night menu ideas
St George's Day recipes
Easter recipes
Comments, questions and tips
