What’s better than a Welsh cake (picau ar y maen) when you’re a bit peckish? Lucy Menon takes a pick from some of the best available in Cardiff.
CARDIFF BAKESTONES
Definitely the best in terms of thickness, the inside of a Bakestones Welsh cake is slightly squidgy with a crispness to the outside, giving it a different consistency to its rivals. The products are baked onsite, so you can watch them being made; you can even cheekily ask for a hot one right off the griddle. With several flavours, and diabetic and vegan ranges available, this little stall certainly has a lot of options for the humble Welsh cake. For 30p you might as well treat yourself to one.
Cardiff Market. Info: 029 2034 4159
FABULOUS WELSHCAKES
Being griddled in front of you in the shop means you can often get these while they are still warm, which is an extra bonus. Coming in a variety of flavours from traditional to white chocolate, this is definitely the place for the alternative Welsh cake. They also do heart-shaped ones which make perfect gifts for Valentine’s Day or wedding favours. Fifty pence for one or 12 for a fiver.
Castle Arcade and Cardiff Bay. Info: 029 2045 6593 / www.fabulouswelshcakes.co.uk
THE BREAD STALL
So much more than bread on this market stall: if you’re after a large, classic, sugar-dusted Welsh cake then look no further. If enjoyment of eating partly depends on how aesthetically pleasing something is, then overall, the Welsh cakes you can get here are the ones you imagine your granny making. They are 50p each or six for £1.70.
Cardiff Market. Info: 029 2022 6941
THE SWEET STALL
Got a lot of friends? Or just particularly hungry? Then come here and get a bargain 10 Welsh cakes for £2. Although perhaps slightly doughy in consistency (though this is not necessarily a negative for everyone) this was balanced by a good currant ratio and a distinctive cinnamon kick.
Cardiff Market. Info: facebook.com/centralmarketcardiff
TAN-Y-CASTELL
Available from all good supermarkets and priced at around £1 for six, these Welsh cakes make a great present for people who don’t have the luxury of being able to pop into town to get hold of some. The folk at Tan-y-Castell also offer a range of flavours, including some seasonal ones such as honey and orange or strawberry and white chocolate, which you can order from their website.
Info: www.welshcakes.comÂ