Devon cuisine: Food and drink you must try in Devon
No visit to Devon is complete without sampling some of the delicious cuisine on offer so here are a few things you must try if you are on holiday in Devon.
Cider
Devon produces some of the finest beers and ales in England but the region is most famous for its cider. Also known as scrumpy, this hard cider is the traditional drink of Devon, and the Whiteways of Whimple once had the largest cider orchard in Britain.
If you do prefer beer, two of the best-known breweries are Otter Brewery and Dartmoor Brewery. Devon also has several vineyards and has produced gin since the 1700s, making the area an excellent destination for alcohol aficionados of all kinds.
Pasties
You simply can't visit Devon without eating a pasty. These meat-filled pastries are one of the cornerstones of local cuisine, and you can find them in shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. You will find pasties hard to ignore with their delicious smells wafting through towns and villages. The traditional steak pasty is a firm favourite with locals and holidaymakers but there are many different pasties you can choose from including balti pasties, vegetable pasties and cheese and ham.
Cream teas
Also known as Devonshire teas, this refers more to the method of taking tea than to the type of tea itself. In order to properly enjoy a cream tea, you would drink hot tea with fresh scones, clotted cream and jam. There are several tea-houses that serve up a proper cream tea in Devon, but many are overrun with tourists; you're better off asking locals for suggestions for a more authentic experience.
Fish and chips
Arguably the best-known dish in England, fish and chips is a popular meal throughout Devon and being a coastal destination, fresh delicious fish is never far away either on the high street on at campsites in Devon. You can buy fish and chips from the many traditional fish and chips shops or you can get a scaled-up version in a local restaurant. No matter what, be sure to generously season the hot battered fish and chips with some sea salt and some high-quality malt vinegar for a rich, authentic taste.
Restaurants in Devon
There are also numerous restaurants to try when you explore Devon. Though many small, hole-in-the-wall eateries may serve excellent food, a few eateries stand out as must-visit destinations. If you want excellent food in a quiet, unique atmosphere, try visiting Gidleigh Park in Chagford. Located on 45 acres of serene countryside, this restaurant features the cuisine of Michael Caines, one of the finest chefs in the country. Gidleigh Park offers the perfect match of atmosphere and fine dining.
For people looking for something a bit more mainstream, try The Rockfish in 8 South Embankment in Dartmouth. Overlooking the estuary, this upscale fish-and-chip shop is run by Mitch Tonks, a well-known chef with a particular passion for sustainable fishing practices. In addition to the more traditional fried cod, guests can include locally caught oysters, squid, monkfish and more.
Several other critically acclaimed restaurants can be found in cities throughout Devon, so there's plenty of places to explore no matter where you choose to visit. Whether you're stopping off at a restaurant or picking up a bite from a street vendor, be sure to try some of these must-have meals before you leave Devon.
