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When you think about Scotland your mind probably fills with picturesque scenes of rolling highlands, dramatic coasts and secluded islands, maybe even adorably hairy cows. Scottish food probably isn’t at the front of your mind – but we’re here to tell you that it’s terribly underrated and should be a reason to visit the country itself. The best food in Scotland isn’t even hard to find – it’ll be in most local pubs – but here’s your guide to all the best bites.
About Scottish food
Scottish food is all about being warming and hearty. You’ll find a lot of simple and organic ingredients in Scottish cuisine, lots of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and meats like beef and even venison on the fancier side. Seafood is also a staple, especially around the coasts. Don’t let ‘simple’ fool you. This is comfort food – like eating a big hug.
While many Scottish dishes include meat, you can easily find vegan options, including vegan haggis, that way you won’t miss out on any of the succulent choices.
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What food is famous in Scotland?
When you think of the best food in Scotland you’re probably thinking of haggis and deep-fried Mars bars. Two very different sides of the spectrum, but they are equally famous. And the best part is you can have them in the same meal as your main and dessert.
What is typical pub food in Scotland?
Typical pub food in Scotland is generally a lot like typical pub food in England, which is to say cosy, hearty, and very filling. Staples include bangers and mash, cullen skink, haggis, neeps and tatties, and stovies. Think meat like sausages, beef, and poultry, and side dishes that include potatoes and other seasonal vegetables. And of course a mandatory wave of gravy over the top!
Some of the best food in Scotland is served in pubs, so it’s a good thing you can find one basically around every corner.
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What is a normal breakfast in Scotland?
A full Scottish breakfast is one of the BEST things to eat in the world in general. It includes bacon, sausage, a fried egg or two, baked beans, toast, and some unique traditional Scottish additions such as haggis, black pudding, and tattie scones (aka, potato pancakes). Some versions may also include mushrooms and roasted tomatoes for a bit of veg, but honestly who needs it?
Traditional Scottish foods
1. Haggis with Neeps and Tatties
This traditional Scottish dish is maybe the most quintessential Scottish food of all! You’ve probably heard of it because of the key ingredient that many find intimidating: sheep offal, aka heart, liver, and lungs. But there’s really no need to be afraid! The meat is minced and cooked with onion, oatmeal, suet and lots of spices which makes it taste like a shepherd’s pie. Haggis is often served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) making it perfect for a cold night.
It is the iconic national dish for a reason and you must try it on your next trip to Scotland.
Don’t want to eat meat but still want to try it? Veggie haggis is equally delicious and proves that Scottish food can be vegetarian and vegan friendly too!
2. Scotch pies
Meat pies are classic across the UK, but Scotch Pies are an adorable mini version! They’re made with double-crust pastries and are filled with minced mutton or beef, sometimes lamb. They’re a classic treat you can find at Scottish bakeries and takeaways as well.
3. Cullen skink
Any soup fans out there? This one is absolutely perfect to make after a brisk walk in the Highlands. Cullen skink is a thick soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, and can be seasoned with sprinkles of parsley. Different varieties of fish can be used or added, like salmon or perch, but a traditional cullen skink will always have haddock. It’s a little like a New England clam chowder, if that’s something you’re familiar with.
4. Smoked salmon
Not a dish, but Scottish smoked salmon cannot be beat. Buttery, delicate, and with various oaky or smoky finishes, the wild caught fish hails from the icy North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, making it some of the best in the world. Take yourself out for brunch when you’re in Scotland and have it on your eggs or avocado toast.
5. Aberdeen Angus Beef
Aberdeen Angus Beef is the name of the cow rather than the specific cut of meat. Also not a specific dish, but many meat connoisseurs swear that Scotland has the best beef in the world – better even than Japan’s wagyu or what’s being served up in Argentina. So, whether it’s a steak dinner or a burger, you must indulge in this entry for the best food in Scotland.
6. Black pudding
You’ll find black pudding all over the UK, typically served in a full Scottish breakfast! To the locals, black pudding is a beloved part of Scottish meals – but it can definitely be an acquired taste. Black pudding is a blood sausage made of blood, fat, and oatmeal or barley. It’s then fried and eaten in slices instead of as a whole link. Give it a go, see what you think!
7. Arbroath Smokies
Smokies are a type of smoked haddock which are whole and dry-salted, usually tied in pairs. This dish comes from Arbroath, hence the name, and is a traditional Scottish dish. The smoking and drying process gives the haddock a very unique buttery and flaky texture and a strong flavour that’ll make your mouth water for more. You can then eat them whole with a number of sides and sauces.
8. Cock-a-leekie Soup
Another classic Scottish soup, cock-a-leekie is a brothy soup made with chunks of leeks and peppered chicken. In some versions it can be thickened with barley or rice, but you can also have it as is! The traditional recipe had prunes in the soup as well, though some people skip this step – though it’s entirely up to you. Imagine tucking into a bowl of this after a chilly day visiting Edinburgh’s iconic Christmas markets?
9. Stovies
Picture a savoury bowl of oatmeal. This is sort of what stovies are. It’s made by slow cooking potatoes until they are incredibly soft alongside onions and any leftover drippings (to add delicious fat) and meat. It all comes together to make a very soft and mushy blend which is also warming and rich. The name comes from the Scots word ‘stove’ which means ‘stew’.
10. Fish n’ Chips
Fish n’ Chips is a mandatory dish whenever you are travelling along the British coasts. White fish like cod or haddock are battered and deep fried until golden and crispy! Served with a side of chips, salt and vinegar if you desire, or even gravy or curry sauce, it’s classic and cosy in summer and winter.
Scottish desserts
1. Cranachan
Pronounced ‘kran-e-ken’, cranachan is a lovely dessert which resembles a trifle. It’s very simple: layers of whipped cream, fresh strawberries or raspberries, and toasted oatmeal are put together in a pot or cup and drizzled with golden local honey. Some recipes add a splash of Scotch whiskey – because it’s Scotland and you have to – but you can leave it out if drinking isn’t your vibe. It’s light and refreshing and brings a lovely vibrant pop to any meal.
2. Porridge
You might be thinking ‘porridge? Really?’ Well, yes, really. The humble oat is one of the best foods in Scotland because of how versatile they are. Included in many savoury dishes like haggis and many desserts like the above cranachan, oats are very important! But you can always have them on their own in a hot bowl of porridge for breakfast. It’s filling and stodgy and best for long days spent trekking to places like the Isle of Skye.
3. Shortbread
If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back from Scotland of the edible variety, you’ve just found it. Shortbread biscuits are so deceptively simple, and so deceptively delicious. A short crust biscuit is made with sugar, butter, and flour – that’s it! They’re a little crunchy but totally melt-in-the-mouth and soooo buttery. Not to mention the tins you can buy them in are always so pretty, so you can keep them afterwards and think fondly about your holiday up north.
4. Scottish tablet
Scottish tablet is similar to toffee or fudge in that it’s a semi-hard sugary candy. But tablet is harder than the other two, so beware for your teeth! The recipe is simple: sugar, condensed milk, and butter which is then boiled until soft and left to crystallise. Vanilla flavouring can be added, or sometimes nuts. This is a great snack, and another perfect Scottish souvenir for foodie friends.
5. Deep-fried Mars bar
The infamous deep-fried Mars bar! Well it does what it says on the tin: it’s a Mars bar (the European version, not the American) that is battered and deep-fried making it all beautifully gooey on the inside. Pure indulgence, honestly, and definitely not the healthiest, but it is undoubtedly one of the best foods in Scotland.
6. Clootie Dumpling
Last but not least on the traditional Scottish desserts, clootie dumpling is very unique! This is basically a fruit cake, except it is simmered in a cloth – ‘cloot’ in Scots, which explains the name – and then left to dry. This practice of boiling and then drying the cake allows for a soft inside and crispy crust to form on the outside which gives it its distinctive taste and texture. Clootie dumpling is served warm and usually with custard on top.
Scottish drinks
1. Whiskey
If you can handle your liquor, you cannot leave Scotland without trying scotch whiskey. You may have heard the word scotch thrown around before, but much like French champagne, scotch is a protected title that can only be given to whiskey distilled in Scotland and left to mature in oak casks specifically.
We’ve even got a whole guide with everything you need to know about Scotch whiskey if you’re keen.
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2. Irn-Bru
Irn-Bru is… special. Some people love it and some people absolutely hate it, but it’s definitely unique. This fizzy drink is bright orange and sort of hard to describe. You honestly just have to taste it. It’s fruity and spicy and bitter and sweet all at the same time – a mysterious blend for Scotland’s ‘second national drink’.
