Ask any local in Waterford to name something that is quintessentially Waterford, some might say Waterford Crystal, some might say our distinctive accent but the answer you are most likely to get is the magical bread we call “The Blaa”.
The Blaa is a firm food favorite in Waterford City and County and we can honestly say they are a staple part of our local diet.
Coming in a choice of soft or crusty, this delicious doughy bread is used for just about every sort of meal you can think of and we have to say they are absolutely delicious.
When we lived and studied abroad it was the one food item we longed for. Our Mother would ask us before we made our journey back to Ireland, “is there anything special you would like me to have in the house for when you get home?” I can honestly say the normal answer was “Blaa’s please”.
What is a Blaa and where did this delicious Waterford favourite come from?
The “Blaa” or “Waterford Blaa” is a soft white delicious doughy roll.
The Blaas are baked fresh every day by a number of local bakeries and are delivered around the city and county early every morning, it can be said if you don’t get your Blaa’s by midday they are going to be sold out and they are usually eaten on the very same day.
They are a favorite among the people of Waterford and are traditionally eaten for Breakfast or Lunch. Blass’s can be filled with a variety of delicious fillings with each household having their own traditional or personal favorite.
They can be filled with bacon or breakfast meats. For lunch, anything you like will be delicious.
For us growing up, we loved to stuff these delicious delights with Tayto Cheese and Onion Crisps (Irish potato chips). Another filling that is popular in Waterford is a luncheon meat that is often referred to as “Red Lead”.
The history of the Blaa in Waterford dates back to the 17th Century when a group of Huguenots arrived in Waterford City from France.
Waterford at that time was a centre of trade in Europe with a large variety of exports leaving the Port of Waterford for destinations around the world.
The Huguenots established a bakery in Waterford City in 1702, baking bread for the many merchants and traders that were active in the City.
It is thought that the Blaa was initially made from the leftover dough and the Huguenots used these left over’s to feed their families.
The word Blaa is thought to come from the French word Blanc meaning white, possibly referring to their floury white tops.
The Blaa became popular throughout the entire city of Waterford when Brother Ignatius Rice, who was the founder of the Christian Brothers, established his own bakery at his new school, Mount Sion, in Waterford City.
From this new bakery in 1802, he started to supply Blass’s to the people of Waterford and other bakers began to make this delicious Waterford dietary staple.
It is estimated that 1,000 to 1,200 Blaas are consumed in Waterford every day.
Blaas are a heritage product and the name is protected. Only specialist bakers in Waterford City and County can bake what we refer to as the Blaa.
Blass’s are still baked using traditional methods.
The recipe for the blaa has been handed down through generation so you are consuming a product that has remained true to its history since the 1800’s.
So when you are visiting Waterford try a Blaa, remember it is the only place in the world that you will get to sample this outstanding local delicacy.