A Cornish pasty is a British pastry traditionally associated with Cornwall and filled with beef, potato, swede, and onion.
The pasty became practical food for Cornish miners because its thick, crimped edge could be held with dirty hands and discarded after eating. The enclosed pastry also made a portable meal that stayed relatively protected underground.
Traditional descriptions place the filling in a sturdy pastry case, with the ingredients arranged so that the meat and vegetables cook together. Modern pasties come in many sizes and fillings, but the classic beef version remains the best-known.
In 2011, the Cornish pasty received protected geographical indication status in the European Union. The protection specifies links to Cornwall and production requirements, distinguishing the traditional product from ordinary filled pastries.