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What is a Cornish pasty – and why do students love them?

If you’re new to Cornwall, you might have already spotted pasties in the campus shop or heard someone mention them on your first day. They’re a big deal here – and for good reason!

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Photograph of 3 freshly baked Cornish Pasty (a traditional savoury pastry)

So, what’s in a Cornish pasty?

A Cornish pasty (pronounced pass-tee) is a baked pastry filled with diced beef, potato, onion and swede (a root vegetable a bit like turnip). It’s folded into a D-shape with a crimped edge and baked to golden perfection. You can eat it with one hand, and it’ll keep you full for hours – basically the perfect student meal.

You’ll find lots of different versions and flavours too, including cheese and onion, vegan spiced veg, even chicken tikka!

A Bit of History in Your Hands

Pasties are more than just a tasty bite – they’re a big part of Cornish culture. They were originally made for tin miners, who needed something easy to eat underground. The crimped edge acted like a handle so miners could hold the pasty with dirty hands and then throw away the crust – smart and safe.

Because of this history, the Cornish pasty is now protected by law! To be called a “Cornish pasty,” it has to be made in Cornwall and follow the traditional recipe.

Why do students love them?

  • Affordable
  • Filling
  • Easy to grab between lectures
  • A proper taste of local life

Whether you’re from the UK or overseas, trying your first pasty is a rite of passage. We recommend eating one on the beach or after a blustery walk – it hits different.

Got a favourite filling? Let us know – we’re always up for a good pasty chat!

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Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union
Penryn Campus
Penryn, Cornwall
TR10 9FE

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