Blaa

The blaa is a soft, doughy white bread roll that is unique to Waterford city in the southeast of Ireland. Its origins trace back to the Huguenot refugees who settled in Waterford in the late 17th century, bringing their baking traditions with them. Granted Protected Geographical Indication status by the EU, a genuine blaa can only come from Waterford. It has a pillowy soft interior, a thin crust, and a generous coating of white flour. Eaten fresh on the morning it is baked, ideally filled with butter or red lead (a local processed meat), there is nothing else quite like it.