If I asked you what are the top 10 things to eat in Scotland I bet your answer would include Haggis and Whisky. Yes, they are two popular (and tasty) options. But after living in Edinburgh for the last two years, I have learnt there are so many more scrumptious things to try.
Top 10 things to eat in Scotland
From Haggis to the Scotch Egg, Scotland has a few foods that might suit everyone. Here are our top 10 foods to eat in Scotland for your next visit.
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties are some of the most traditional meals in Scotland and the most well-known to tourists.
Before you try it I would urge you not to look up what goes into haggis as I promise it will make you think twice about trying it. Better to think of it as a delicious, spicy mince mixture.
Haggis is generally served with mashed turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties). A must try for any visit to Scotland and one that you will be able to find in most, if not every pub.
Whisky
Whisky is Scotland’s most famous drop. But before Scotch Whisky can be called Scotch Whisky, it must fulfil three main criteria, which are defined in law:
- It must be distilled and matured in Scotland;
- Matured for a minimum of three years in oak casks; and
- Bottled at a minimum strength of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume).
While Whisky may not be a favourite with everyone, it does seem to pop up on most pub crawls in Scotland and after you get home from a night out!
Porridge
Oats have been a staple part of the Scottish diet for centuries.
And nothing beats porridge on a cold winter’s morning. I prefer to make mine with milk and drizzle a bit of honey on top. Most cafes will serve up porridge for breakfast.
Tablet
Scotland’s answer to fudge, but with MUCH more sugar.
Extremely tasty with a great texture. Beware the sugar content can be overwhelming so only try a small bit first! Coincidentally, the tablet is a brilliant topping for porridge, but somehow I don’t think that is the healthiest way to start the morning.
Cock-a-leekie soup
The name pretty much says it all. Traditionally made with chicken, stock and onions it is a pheasant soup from centuries ago. Another heart-warming meal which you will find on special in the pubs on most of Scotland’s National Holidays.
Also goes great with a piece of fresh toasted bread.
Scotch Egg
Hard boil an egg, wrap it in sausage meat, cover it in breadcrumbs, before frying it up and what do you have? A Scotch egg!
I am not sure who invented it, but I am extremely impressed with the person who thought up this crazy concoction. And once you taste it, you will be too.
Oatcakes
The infamous oats make another appearance, but this time in the form of a tasty cracker. Oatcakes go incredibly well with cheese and relish from the many local farmers’ markets around Scotland.
Cullen Skink
Originating from Cullen, which is found on the northeast coast of Scotland, Cullen Skink is another traditional Scottish soup made of haddock, potatoes and onions. Another simple yet delicious soup, usually served up as a starter.
Aberdeen Angus Beef
Many consider this to be the world’s finest beef.
A particular breed of cattle found in… you guessed it … Aberdeenshire and Angus counties. A steak meal is pretty hard to beat anyway, but this steak will leave your mouth watering for more.
Luckily this is a Highland Cow Calf and not an Aberdeen Cow. No one could make themselves eat him!
Hot Toddy
Hot water, whisky, honey and lemon. Awesome when you have a cold, or just as a nightcap. I especially like to drink this at Christmas when I feel all alcoholic beverages should be hot.
As with the Hot Toddy, and a lot of the options above, the Scots have perfected the art of keeping warm.
What are your Top 10 things to eat in Scotland?
