Why We Love Cawl: 10 Interesting Facts

At Cawl & Co, we’re a little bit obsessed with cawl, Wales’ national dish, a bowl full of comfort, heritage, and good honest flavour. But cawl is more than just soup, it’s a story simmered over centuries.

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Here are ten reasons (and fascinating facts) why we love it so much.

1. It’s the National Dish of Wales

Cawl has been the heart of Welsh cooking for centuries, often called the true taste of Wales. Every region, and even every family, has their own twist on the classic recipe.

2. It Dates Back Hundreds of Years

The earliest records of cawl go back to the 14th century. Traditionally made in a single pot over the fire, it was the perfect way to feed a family using whatever was available from the land.

3. It’s Seasonal Eating at Its Best

Cawl was originally made to celebrate the end of winter, using the last of the stored vegetables and fresh lamb from springtime. It’s a delicious reminder of eating with the seasons.

4. Every Bowl Tells a Local Story

North Wales might go hard on the leeks and root veg, while in South Wales, you’ll often find a stronger flavour coming from beef or mutton. Each recipe reflects the land and community it came from.

5. It Was the Original Zero-Waste Meal

Nothing went to waste in a traditional Welsh kitchen. Leftovers from a Sunday roast often became Monday’s cawl, an early form of sustainable cooking long before it was trendy.

6. It’s Better the Next Day

Ask any Welsh mamgu (grandmother) and she’ll tell you, cawl always tastes better after resting overnight. The flavours deepen and meld beautifully.

7. There’s a Right Way to Eat It (Apparently)

Traditionally, the broth is eaten first, followed by the meat and vegetables as a second course. But we won’t judge if you eat it all together!

8. Cawl and Cheese, A Match Made in Heaven

Many people serve cawl with a thick wedge of Caerphilly cheese and a hunk of bread on the side. Simple, satisfying, and perfectly Welsh.

9. It’s a Symbol of Welsh Identity

From St David’s Day celebrations to local festivals, cawl is proudly served as a symbol of community and national pride.

10. It’s Still Inspiring Us Today

At Cawl & Co, we’re keeping the tradition alive with modern twists, from hearty vegetarian versions packed with barley and roots to ready-to-enjoy tubs made from local, sustainable ingredients.

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Cawl is comfort, connection, and culture in a bowl. Whether you grew up eating it or are discovering it for the first time, we think everyone should experience this humble Welsh classic.

Explore our range of cawl and cookery tools at Cawl & Co, because tradition should always taste this good.