Think Jersey, think potatoes, cream, seafood, gastro pubs, countryside picnics – this place is all about the food. And it really revolves around its own homegrown grub. On land, it all starts with those world-famous cows whose oh-so creamy milk goes into butter, ice cream and cheese. Yum. The fields are full of potatoes and apple orchards, while the sea serves up the most indulgent of seafood – the fish markets are a must here.

Head to any deli or farm shop and you can have your fill of picnic fodder too, from freshly-baked bread and handmade pies to truly scrumptious chutneys.When it comes to drinks, clinking pints in cosy pubs plays a big part of daily life here – look out for the local brews. And thanks to a heritage in apple-growing, artisan cider is on the menu too. Wine or cocktails are more your thing? Jersey’s swish bars and bistros have those covered as well

Must-try dishes

Jersey Royals

The crème de la crème of potatoes

Roasted, crushed with garlic and herbs, tossed through a salad or served as simple side with a blob of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt – these potatoes are something else. They’re famed for their unique soft, flaky skins and nutty flavour, so it’s no wonder they’re a protected product.

Seafood

Super-fresh, salty and one-of-a-kind

Jersey’s well known for its fishing finery, so you’re in luck here if you’re a fish fan. And we’re talking extra-special delicacies like lobster, oysters and spider crab, which pop up on most chalkboard specials. Feeling adventurous? Look out for the more unusual coastal treats of ormers and conger eels.

Jersey Wonders

A traditional sweet treat

These sweet cakes are pretty similar to doughnuts and are believed to have once been cooked by the island’s housewives in line with the tide. A simple mixture of flour, butter (Jersey of course), sugar and eggs is mixed, then dollops of the batter are deep-fried until twisted and golden.

Black Butter
Sticky apple spread for bread

Butter by name but not by nature, this speciality comes from a tradition of using up leftover cider apples from the autumn’s harvest. It’s a farmhouse spread spiced with cinnamon and liquorice, and you can pick up a jar in any good deli. Spread lashings of the stuff on toast, bread or scones – delish.

Jersey Bean Crock

French-style stew

A mixture of beans and pork make up this cassoulet-style classic and it’s cooked low and slow overnight for a deep, rich flavour. Dunk in some crusty cabbage loaf (bread cooked between cabbage leaves) with lots of local butter for a hearty, wholesome finish to the dish. And don’t forget your napkin.

Divine drinks to try

Jersey milk

An old-fashioned favourite

You’ll find this distinctive island delight in all the local butter, cream, cheese, yoghurts and ice cream, but you can’t beat a simple glass of it straight up. Served super-chilled, this creamy as you like milk is a real indulgence and harks back to old-school “top of the milk” memories for many generations.

Wine

Very fine vino

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the island’s north coast, La Mare Wine Estate is the island’s only vineyard. Making the most of Jersey’s glorious sunshine and fertile soil, this place produces some fine wine, from white and fizzy varieties though to a summery rosé and rich red

Real ale

The great pub pint

Islanders love a pint of real ale, which is why Jersey has its fair share of CAMRA pubs, mircopubs and craft beer bars. There’s even a real ale trail you can follow. There are a handful of breweries showing off the homegrown trend too, so make sure you check the labels for local when it’s your round.

Cider

A homage to the island’s apple-growing heritage

Cider-making’s not as popular here as it once was, which makes the artisan producers that are making it today extra special. The traditional process for Jersey cider is much like in neighbouring France, where a vintage press uses nothing but apples to create a fine, delicate fizz. Keep your eyes peeled for the local stuff in pubs, restaurants and shops.