One of the most enjoyable things that happen as you travel if you get to indulge and enjoy the culture and history, but perhaps even more delightful, is that you can try new foods! Every country that you go to will have national dishes, and each city or town will have some local options too.
Scotland has some of the most iconic (and divisive) eating around, so no matter if you’re looking for something meaty, something with an alcoholic addition or fresh seafood, you’ll find it in Edinburgh! So what is the traditional Scottish scran you should be looking out for as you make your way around this historic city? Read our Scottish foodie guide to find out…
Haggis
The first option had to be haggis – of course, it did! There are vegan and vegetarian options for haggis, too, so everyone can enjoy it. And while the ingredients might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the final product is a spiced meaty, delicious thing.
Traditionally you’ll see haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) as the meal combination. But you’ll find a haggis supper (haggis and chips) on many fish and chip shop menus too. It’s not pretty, but it is a real taste of Scotland.
Porridge
Porridge has been on the menu in Scotland for many years – and you’ll find it where you find the best breakfast in Edinburgh! Porridge has been a Scottish staple for years and is the ideal way to start your day of exploring. And, if you happen to visit in the Autumn and Winter, a warm breakfast is a must.
Tablet
Are you partial to toffee, caramel or fudge? You can kick that sweetness up a notch with a tablet. Tablet isn’t chewy like the toffee or caramel and has a similar texture to fudge. It’s medium hard and often crumbles in the mouth. Tablet is made up of white sugar, full-fat milk, condensed milk and butter – quite a rich recipe!
You’ll find some recipes are flavoured with nuts, rum and raisins and even citrus!
Cullen Skink
Heading to somewhere that regularly serves up traditional Scottish grub is your best bet to find the best Cullen Skink soup. Unlike many other soups, Cullen Skink is a thicker soup made up of potatoes, onions and haddock. It has a rich and creamy taste, and while it is a specialty soup and often even better in seaside villages, there are some great places in Edinburgh.
(Head to Cullen for the best of the best).
White Pudding
White Pudding is a deliciously creamy mix of oatmeal sausage, animal fat and cereal grain. You can find white pudding in Canada, Scotland and Ireland, so recipes do vary. It’s a real must in our Scottish foodie guide as it is very traditional.
The Scottish version so white pudding (often called mealy pudding) usually doesn’t have pork but instead is lard, oatmeal, onions, leeks and spices. Served up with mince and tatties for a hearty evening meal. Although you can get it battered and with chips at a chip shop!
Edinburgh is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, and you are spoiled for choice with both modern and traditional food places throughout Edinburgh. Aside from the food, here are some other must-do things: Why Edinburgh is the Most Romantic City in the World.
