The best places in Cornwall to enjoy a Cornish Pasty

A really good Cornish pasty is something you are unlikely to forget. They're so good that tourism experts were quick to include it in a list of things to do in Cornwall for our Ultimate Guide.

This humble baked pastry filled with chunky meat or veg has spread across the UK and beyond since its beginnings, but Cornwall is still the best place to eat a pasty.

Take it from us, if you haven’t had one of these beauties, you have been missing out!

What is a Cornish Pasty?

To make sure you are biting down on a genuine article, look for the signature ‘D shape’ baked pastry with a decorative twisted edge on one side – this twist is created using a traditional method called crimping. The inside the pasty traditionally contains mince or roughly chopped beef, potato, suede and onion with a light sprinkle of pepper. Although in reality they have always been filled with whatever food was available and these days you can get all kinds of delicious vegetarian pasties too.

Where can I get one?

You can pick up a pasty almost anywhere in Cornwall, but some will be better than others. In fact, you don’t even have to go to Cornwall because many of the more famous pasty producers take online orders and will send you a pasty anywhere in the UK. And the good news is that Cornish pasties are cheap, typically costing between £1 and £3.

To get you started, here are some recommendations for some of the best places in Cornwall to buy a pasty.

Ann’s Pasties

Ann’s Pasties are made from a recipe passed through generations and have a noticeable family feel. From its infancy as a market stall to a local shop and family run kitchen in a converted garage, Ann’s Pasties has received much praise over the years via newspaper reviews, radio shows and television coverage. The owners, who are clearly passionate about their products, also offer a handy online pasty service. Whether you want the pasties to line your buffet table for an event or you simply want to tuck into one of your own at tea time, Ann’s Pasties are willing to deliver to all parts of the UK. Alternatively, you can head to the little shops in Helston or the Lizard and a small number of cafes around Cornwall also sell these delicious fresh pasties.

Sarah’s Pasty Shop

Sarah’s Pasty Shop on Buller Street in Looe is another family run business which prides themselves on their high quality produce and friendly service. Although the creator, Sarah, has now retired, her daughter has taken over the shop and continues to provide locals and visitors with scrummy treats. Alongside their traditional line of Cornish pasties, Sarah’s Pasty Shop also has a whole range of other delights to tuck into for different dietary requirements – including vegetarians and coeliacs (you need to call ahead for gluten free orders). The shop also provides fish Friday specials which include locally sourced mackerel and pea pasties. This little shop is open every day of the week between 9am and 4pm.

The Chough Bakery

The Chough Bakery in Padstow is an acclaimed eatery which won first prize in the British Pie Awards in 2012 and 2013 as well as first prize at the World Pasty Championships in 2013. You can pop into this extremely popular bakery to pick up a pasty or you can order online. A box of 12 delicious Cornish pasties can be enjoyed for £25 or if you fancy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you can buy their own recipe book for just £10. Other choices from their menu include a Cornish cream tea and steak and Cornish blue pasties – the winning pasty at this year’s World Pasty Championships.

Rowe’s Cornish Bakers

Rowe’s Cornish Bakers have been serving up delicious pasties and other baked goods since 1949. Since its shop first opened in beautiful Falmouth, its great value goods made with great quality ingredients have been a hit with the locals. Today, Rowe’s bakeries can be found all over the South West inside Asda and Tesco stores at St. Austell, Falmouth, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Launceston and Truro. The extensive menu now also includes sweet and savoury options, sandwiches, bread and pasties. Although Rowe’s Bakers is now a successful chain, the family friendly shops can still only be found in and around the birthplace of the company, Cornwall.

Take Your Own Tasting Trail

Trying a Cornish pasty is not to be missed. Our recommendations above will ensure that you will not be disappointed. If you are in Cornwall for your holidays, you may want to make your own tasting trail – no excuses necessary - pasties are cheap, delicious and sold everywhere!