Did Welsh rarebit start as a joke by the English? Carwyn Graves Welsh food historian, Carwyn Graves says Welsh rarebit dates back to medieval timesKacie, from The Rare Welsh Bit food blog said Welsh rarebit, also known as Welsh rabbit, originated in the 1500s as a popular dish among Welsh working-class families who couldn't afford meat like rabbit, using cheese on toast as a substitute. She added that many mistakenly think Welsh rarebit contains rabbit because the dish was originally called "Welsh rabbit" in 1725. Rose Geraedts Rose Geraedts says people love her Welsh rarebit dishes as they are "nostalgic"Rose Geraedts, originally from the Netherlands, has lived in Brecon, Powys, for 20 years and runs the International Welsh Rarebit Centre. She took over a disused Victorian school building, renovated it and made Welsh rarebit the star of the show.