Our Guide to the Food of Scotland - and What to Expect

When it comes to delectable cuisine, Scotland isn’t necessarily the first place most people think of. However, the country is famed for a variety of unique and delicious dishes that are sure to cure a rumbly tummy and taste like a dream! Here are some of our favourites:

Haggis

Scotland’s national dish, Haggis, is an unusual but tasty combination of meat, oatmeal, salt, spice and onions. Its crumbly texture is not unlike the stuffing you would serve with a roast dinner, but what it lacks in presentation it more than makes up for in mouth-watering taste! It’s difficult to describe the taste of haggis, but it has an earthy, comforting flavour and, of course, that famous spicy kick that’s not for the faint hearted.

Scottish Salmon

True to its name, Scottish salmon is an Atlantic salmon that’s found off the coast of Scotland. The harsh, strong waters found here have caused these fish to evolve to have a higher fat content to their counterparts, meaning they have a delicious buttery texture and a melt-in-the-mouth feel. Scottish salmon is also perfect for sushi as it’s parasite-free!

A Full Scottish Breakfast

Although the exact ingredients of a traditional Scottish breakfast tend to vary depending on where you eat it, the premise remains the same – a hearty, comforting, delicious brekkie that’s sure to leave you feeling pleasantly full afterwards.

Some of the most common ingredients included in a full Scottish breakfast include:

• Streaky bacon

• Sausage (lorne and link)

• Fried egg

• Black pudding

• White pudding

• Baked beans

• Tattie scone

• Buttered Toast

• Haggis

• All washed down with a cup of tea or coffee

Shortbread

When it comes to traditional Scottish foods, shortbread is the most well-known. The first known printed recipe for shortbread dates back to 1736, and to this day it still remains one of the most mouth-watering foods on the Scottish menu. The soft, buttery taste of shortbread is in a league of its own, serve with jam and a cup of tea for a tempting treat!

Battered Mars Bar

Peter Shanks, Flickr

Yes, you did read that right. The deep-friend Mars Bar is a delicacy in Scotland – go to any chip shop in Edinburgh and they’ll make it for you without a second thought. One bite into this battered delight is an explosion of melted caramel, and it’s not limited to Mars Bars. In fact, most chippy’s will batter any sweet treat of your choice!

For an unforgettable Scottish adventure, you need the perfect base. We have stylish, modern hotels in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Perth, so you’ll have a comfortable place to lay your head after a long day sampling the culinary delights of Scotland.