Scotland is known for many things, cashmere, whisky and Harry Potter. But one thing it isn’t well-known for is its cuisine. While Scottish food may not look the best, and often tend to be greasy and calorific, don’t turn your nose up at it as it is also delicious. With such hearty dishes, it is no wonder the Scots are such hardy people. The best way to experience a culture is through its cuisine, so steady your stomach, throw the diet out the window and immerse yourself in Scottish gastronomy.
Haggis
Scotland’s national dish is a classic for the locals but can be intimidating to visitors. Made of oatmeal, various spices, and sheep or calf’s offal – entrails and internal organs, such as the heart and liver – this dish is usually cooked in the stomach of the sheep and served as a savoury pudding. Don’t let the ingredients throw you off, haggis is a flavourful and delicious meal that will leave you wanting a second helping. Don’t forget to wash it down with a shot of Scottish whisky!
Head over to the Royal McGregor pub to try some haggis fritters, which is a less intimidating introduction to haggis. For the authentic experience, head to the ever-consistent Arcade Whiski Bar where you can try a “haggis tower” – traditional haggis served with neeps (mashed turnips), and tatties (mashed potatoes).
Cullen Skink
Beloved by Scots, this rich and flavourful soup is the perfect dish to warm you up during Edinburgh’s cold and windy winters. Made with unassuming ingredients such as smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, this simple soup is a Scottish classic.
Visit Dubh Prais for an inexpensive, authentic bowl of cullen skink. The cult favourite Union of Genius is another excellent and affordable option for a bowl of this hearty soup (be sure to go early though!).
Hog Roast Sandwich
Perfect for days that demand an on-the-go kind of meal, who knew that hog roast in a roll could be so legendary? Stuffed with the most delicious pulled pork sourced from local farmers, this simple yet delicious hog roast is a cult favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Be sure to top your sandwich off with a piece of crackling and some haggis for a meal that hits the spot!
Only one place can do for a proper hog roast sandwich, and that is Oink. You won’t miss the roasted hog on display in the window, nor the queue that stretches out the door during lunch time. Be sure to get there early as they close as soon as they run out.
Stovies
Scottish food may be hearty and delicious, but they often aren’t much to look at. Traditionally made from leftover meat and onions, Stovies are a potato-based stew containing minced meat or other leftover beefy stuff (roasted, corned), root vegetables like carrots and onions and a whole load of lard or butter. Usually served with oatcakes and beetroot. Heart and delicious, this iconic Scottish comfort-food is sure to warm you up during Edinburgh’s cold, dark and blustery winters.
Usually hard to find outside of homes, your best bet for a taste of stovies would be a traditional pub or a builder’s cafe. Located in Leith, Teuchter’s Landing is known for its traditional Scottish dishes, including Stovies. The Thistle Sandwich Bar in New Town is another place to try your luck at if you happen to be in the area.
Cranachan
A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without trying a few of their sweets. Known as the “uncontested king of Scottish dessert”, Cranachan is a layered dish made from whipped cream, honey, whisky, fresh raspberries, and toasted oatmeal. Certainly an indulgence you won’t regret!
Arcade Whiski Bar doesn’t just serve an extensive array of pub food and drinks – you can also finish your night with a delicious dessert of cranachan here. Or head to Mom’s Great Comfort Food on Forrest Road for a taste of homestyle cooking!
Gelato at Mary's Milk Bar
Mary’s Milk Bar and its accompanying castle views hold a magical place in the hearts of Edinburgh locals. This adorable, retro, sweet-toothed playground is home to one of the most raved about gelato emporiums in Scotland. Exciting new fresh flavours are made daily at this Edinburgh institution. Expect to be served huge scoops of rich and creamy gelato, worth every single calorie!
Deep Fried Mars Bars
There isn’t anything that can’t be fried in Scotland. Among some of the more delicious things that the Scots have deep-fried, the classic Mars Bar is a treat that has been reinvented and made even better. Crispy yet gooey, this chocolatey dessert can be found in almost any takeaway shop in the city. Come Easter, there is also the option of deep-fried Crème Eggs!
They can be found at any chip shop in the city centre, though locals will tell you that Cafe Piccante on Broughton Street serves the best fried mars bars in town.
Irn Bru
Scotland is the only country in the world where Coca-Cola is not the most popular drink. That particular honour goes to Irn Bru – often described as “Scotland’s other national drink” (after whisky, of course). Pronounced “Iron-Brew”, this orange, carbonated drink can be found in any and all supermarkets and convenience stores in the city. While beloved by Scots, visitors often find themselves in a love-hate relationship with this drink!
Tunnock's Tea Cakes
Tunnock’s is a family-owned baked goods brand whose teacakes, caramel logs and wafer creams are the perfect companion to tea or coffee. The soft meringue on a biscuit base covered in milk chocolate will leave your mouth watering for more. These snacks also make for good souvenirs! Tunnock’s teacakes can be found in any supermarket (though be sure that you are buying the Tunnock brand as many supermarkets will sell their own-brand tea cakes that look very similar).
