What Is Laverbread? Taste, Texture and What to Expect

Laverbread is a traditional Welsh dish made from a red seaweed called laver.

Laverbread is made by boiling the laver seaweed until it is very soft with a jelly-like consistency.

Contrary to the name, laverbread is not a type of bread.

What does Laverbread taste like?

As you would imagine with a seaweed based dish Laverbread has a subtle taste of salt – like a brine. Similar to olives or a weak miso.

What does laverbread look like?

Laverbread is dark-green to almost black in colour (that same as cooked spinich) and has a soft, paste-like appearance.

Does Laverbread have a strong smell?

I didn’t notice any strong or distinctive smells when eating laverbread. All I did notice is a slight smell of the sea and only when I put it close to me nose.

What is the texture of Laverbread?

Laverbread has a soft texture, a bit like runny scrambled egg or very soft jam, it is like this throughout or you may occasionally get a tougher piece of seaweed that requires you to chew it.

Have you had it, did you like it?

I have had laverbread on a few occasions, each time it was part of a delicious Welsh fry up.

I found the taste of laverbread ok – a subtle salty taste with a runny scrambled egg texture.

It wasn’t too strong or overpowering and it went well with the other breakfast items.

I would have it again as part of a breakfast but wouldn’t have an issue if it was left out, and wouldn’t choose it as a side for another dish.

How is it served and what is it eaten with?

Laverbread is traditionally served as a breakfast item as part of a Welsh fry up alongside sausages, eggs and bacon. It is served just on its own without any additional flavourings or sauces added.

It can also be served as a side dish, or sometimes as a topper for toast similar to mushrooms on toast.

If you would prefer to keep it separate from the other food items on your plate, but still give it a try, then ask for a small portion in a separate dish.

What is a Laverbread Cake?

One of the most common recipes using laverbread is to mix it with rolled oats and create an laverbread cake.

This is created by mixing rolled oats and laverbread together and then frying the result in bacon fat to create a delicious flavoured oatcake. If done well then it should be crisp on the outside and moist in the middle.

Laverbread as an ingredient in other dishes

Laverbread can also be used as an ingredient in other foods such as soups, stews, breads and cakes.

Is Laverbread best served hot or cold?

Laverbread is usually served hot but can be eaten cold. The texture becomes a little more solid if served cold and a bit more jam like than scrambled egg.

Where can you buy Laverbread outside of Wales?

If you would like to try laverbread without visiting Wales, or you are a fan of it following a trip to Wales then you can buy it from Amazon.

One option is Parsons Laverbread Twin Pack, available for next day delivery at the time of writing.

Do the Welsh celebrate Laverbread?

Yes, in fact, there is now a national laverbread day in Wales.

What Would You Like To Do Next?

• Learn more about the food of Wales.
• Buy some laverbread to try.
• Book a cottage in Wales.

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