It’s St David’s Day on 1st March, and as a proud Welshman, I’ve been doing what I do best – having a little dig into food, history, and why we Welsh happily pin a leek to our chests once a year and call it national pride.
If you’ve ever wondered why the leek… you’re not alone. And if you’re anything like me, your next thought is probably: “Right – where does cawl come into this?”
Let’s get into it.
So… Why Do We Wear a Leek on St David’s Day?
There are a few theories, but the most popular one has its roots firmly planted in legend.
Roll back to 1346, when the Prince of Wales and his troops defeated the French at the Battle of Crécy in northern France. The story goes that Welsh archers fought bravely in a field full of leeks. To tell friend from foe, they wore leeks in their caps – and just like that, a national symbol was born.
Practical. Patriotic. Slightly odd. Very Welsh.
And it stuck.
Every St David’s Day, the leek became a reminder of bravery, loyalty, and Welsh identity – the kind you don’t need to explain if you feel it in your bones.
The Leek Isn’t Just a Symbol – It’s a Staple
Now, if you’re a Welsh foodie, your mind probably jumps straight from leeks to food – and rightly so.
Because the leek isn’t just a badge of honour… it’s a star ingredient in one of Wales’s most iconic dishes: cawl.
What Is Cawl? The National Dish That Tastes Like Home
Often described as the national dish of Wales, cawl is a proper classic: a hearty stew traditionally made with lamb, leeks, and root vegetables.
It’s been fuelling Welsh families for centuries – and it’s the kind of food that doesn’t try to impress you… it just looks after you.
Its origins go all the way back to the medieval period, when it began life as a simple broth made from whatever was available – usually mutton or goat, plus seasonal veg.
No fuss. Just honest, filling food for hard-working rural communities.
Why Leeks Matter in Cawl (and in Welsh Cooking)
Over time, the recipe evolved. Lamb replaced mutton, potatoes and carrots joined the party – but the leek always kept its place.
That’s what I love about it. You can tweak cawl a hundred different ways depending on the family, the village, or what’s in the kitchen… but leeks are non-negotiable.
They bring that gentle sweetness, that unmistakably Welsh “this is going to be a good bowl” aroma – and they connect the dish to the wider story of Wales itself.
Cawl on St David’s Day: A Tradition That Still Feels Right
Today, cawl is comfort food at its finest – warming, nourishing, and deeply tied to Welsh culture.
Whether it’s served on a cold winter’s day or enjoyed as part of a St David’s Day celebration, cawl remains right at the heart of Welsh cuisine.
Simple. Timeless. Full of history.
Much like the leek.
So This St David’s Day…
Whether you’re wearing a leek, cooking a pot of cawl, or just raising a glass to Wales, remember:
Our national symbol isn’t just a vegetable…
It’s a story.
