Most of Northern Ireland's traditional dishes have their roots in potatoes and bread. Everyone has heard of wheaten, soda and potato bread, but not many visitors can claim to have buried their gnashers in a thick slice of Veda.

Invented by a brewery in Scotland in 1904, and brought across by Ulster Scots settlers, Veda is a small, soft, caramel-coloured malty loaf which is only baked in Ulster. The real recipe is patented, but Veda is an absolute classic and the unsung hero of Northern Ireland's loaves.

Veda tends to be overlooked by the usual gastro-tourism restaurants and eateries, yet it's easily available in most corner shops and small supermarkets. Eat it sliced with butter, or toasted with butter, cheese or jam. The delicious secret is out...

If you want to find out more about NI's staple diet, look for Our Daily Bread - A look at Ulster bakeries by James Davidson, published by Colourpoint Books, 2004.