Fuel & Flex: My Food Adventures in Cornwall
When you think of Cornish food, the first things that come to mind are probably hearty pasties and sweet, creamy scones. And yes—those are a must-try! But for me, my trip to Cornwall was more than just tasting the classics. It was a journey of learning how to balance indulgence with nourishment—the essence of my Fuel & Flex lifestyle.
Because food isn’t simply “good” or “junk.” It’s about whether it fuels you—physically, mentally, or even emotionally. Sometimes that’s a wholesome salad, other times it’s a scone with clotted cream. The key is balance.
The Best of Cornish Tradition
You can’t go to Cornwall without trying the classics.
On Day 2 in Truro, I started my morning with Eggs Royale at Lemon Street Bistro. The silky hollandaise, soft poached eggs, and smoked salmon made a nourishing breakfast that hit the balance perfectly: protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
On Day 3 in St. Ives, I visited Yellow Canary Café for a traditional Cornish pasty and, of course, a scone. The pasty was rich with beef, potatoes, and vegetables—a proper “Fuel” meal that carried me through the morning. The scone? Thick, crumbly, and topped with the richest clotted cream I’ve ever had. Was it indulgent? Definitely. But here’s the thing: it was part of the experience. I had just two scones, savored every bite, and that was enough. Fuel isn’t just calories—it’s also joy.
Lighter Choices & Perfect Balance
Cornwall also showed me that being healthy on the road doesn’t mean boring meals.
For lunch in St. Ives, I had grilled seabass at Balcony Bar & Kitchen. Perfectly crispy skin, tender flesh, and served with chips—it felt indulgent yet wholesome.
Dinner in Mousehole at Mousehole Deli & Kitchen was another highlight: roasted chicken thigh with Cornish potatoes and greens. The skin was golden and crisp, the meat juicy, and the rosemary-seasoned potatoes were comforting without being heavy.
Before visiting Tintagel Castle, I stopped at Moomaid On The Square in St. Just for a pastrami sandwich. Simple, hearty, and exactly what I needed to get ready for the walk. After the castle climb, I refueled with a peri-peri chicken salad at King Arthur’s Café—light, fresh, and perfectly energizing.
A Taste of Everything: The Good and the Not-So-Good
Not every meal was perfect—and that’s part of the adventure.
Near St. Michael’s Mount, I ordered mussels that came with the worst bread I’ve ever had. At Land’s End, I tried a seafood curry where the seafood itself was disappointing, but the coconut rice completely made up for it.
And for my sweet flex moment in St. Ives, I had Cornish ice cream from a little shop near the beach. Sometimes, you need dessert simply because it makes you happy—and that’s Fuel too.
My Cornwall Food Takeaway
This trip reminded me that Fuel & Flex isn’t about strict rules. Food doesn’t fall into “good” or “bad” boxes—it’s about how it fits into your bigger picture.
A buttery pasty fuels your adventures with carbs. A roasted chicken with greens fuels your body with lean protein. A scone with clotted cream fuels your soul with joy.
Travel is about balance—just like food. And if you can leave Cornwall with both energy in your body and happiness in your heart, you’ve done it right.
What’s a meal you’ve had while traveling that perfectly captured your own balance of fuel and flex? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
Keep Reading: My Cornwall 4-Day Road Trip Itinerary
Now that you've seen the food, you can read all about the rest of my adventures! From discovering hidden villages to tackling cliffs and castles, my full itinerary has all the details. Find out more in my post: My Cornwall 4-Day Road Trip.
