Scotland is way more well-known for its whisky than its food, so you might be surprised to hear that Scottish food is actually delicious. Sure, it’s lots of comfort food, but like many places, it pairs well with the weather. In this case, comforting dishes paired for the dreary weather. Here’s what to eat in Scotland, including the Scottish dishes you have to taste while you’re there.
What to Eat in Scotland :: 6 Must Eat Scottish Dishes
1. Haggis
Haggis starts off this list of what to eat in Scotland because it’s one of the most famous Scottish dishes, thanks to its shock value. Many people find its ingredients unusual, and it’s actually illegal in the United States! (But so are some soft cheeses, so take that with a grain of salt.)
Made of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs minced with oatmeal, onion, and spices, haggis was traditionally served in a sheep’s stomach. Today, it’s usually shaped into a mound. But don’t be intimidated. Haggis is delicious! It’s usually served with “neeps and tatties,” which is slang for turnips and potatoes. And if you’re lucky, it’ll have a side of whisky-infused gravy or rich sauce.
Fun fact: most Scottish locals don’t actually eat haggis very often. Just like Chicago-style deep dish in Chicago, it’s only eaten when tourists come into town or on Burns Night, the January holiday celebrating the poet Robert Burns.
2. Scottish Salmon
Even though you’ve likely seen “Scottish salmon” on menus at home, it’s still one of the must eat Scottish dishes while you’re in Scotland. That’s because it tastes so much better there! Luckily Scottish salmon is on a lot of menus, served in dozens of different ways.
Scottish Salmon is considered the best in the world. That’s because it’s farmed in frigid waters with strong currents, which makes the fish strong and high in fat content, creating more flavor. Many chefs allow that flavor to stand out by serving it simply, like pan-seared with light garnishes.
3. Scottish Beef
Another famous dish to add to your what to eat in Scotland list is beef. Cows in Scotland are fed byproducts of whisky production (the non-alcohol parts, obviously) so the world-famous whisky and world-class beef go hand-in-hand. In fact, Diageo (who owns several distilleries) produces enough animal feed to feed the entire dairy cow industry in Scotland.
As much as I’d like to attribute great Scottish beef to whisky, the cattle breeds also play a part. Scotland’s native breeds have adapted to the local environment and are specifically bred to produce high-quality beef. Farmers also prioritize the cattle’s well-being, like giving them lots of land to graze on.
You’ll find Scottish beef served dozens of ways — and all are worth tasting.
4. Fish & Chips
While fish and chips is more synonymous with England than Scotland, it’s still one of the must eat Scottish dishes. And they are actually different! In England, fish and chips usually means cod, while in Scotland it’s made with haddock.
Another difference between Egnlish vs. Scottish fish and chips is the sauce on the side. In England you’ll find vinegar and (often) mushy peas. In Scotland, well, it depends where you are. In and around Edinburgh, fish and chips comes with a combination of brown sauce (similar to Worcestershire) mixed with malt vinegar, often called “chippy sauce.” Everywhere else in Scotland, it’s usually served with just salt and vinegar.
No matter where in Scotland you are (and what the fish and chips is served with), it’s worth trying. Bonus points if you’re close to the sea, like in Oban or Islay.
5. Scotch Pie or Steak Pie
Served around the world in different variations for thousands of years, meat pies aren’t exactly unique. But the Scottish version is still worth tasting. Traditionally made with mutton, today Scotch pies are usually filled with beef or lamb seasoned with lots of pepper. Sometimes they’re topped with baked beans, mashed potatoes, or gravy.
Scotch pies are sometimes called steak pies, even though steak pies contain gravy and sometimes vegetables. Both meat pies are popular because of their convenient hand-held size, which makes them a favorite at soccer games. You’ll also find them at take-away (to go) counters or anywhere people need a quick bite (I ate a delicious one at Ardbeg Distillery!) and also sit-down restaurants.
6. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Like all great dishes, the origins of sticky toffee pudding are disputed, with several pubs in several places claiming to have invented it. Udny Arms Hotel in Aberdeenshire may have created the popular dessert, or it could have been the Gait Inn in Yorkshire or a hotel in Cumbria who learned about it from Canadian World War II officers. Wherever it came from, it’s definitely on the what to eat in Scotland list!
Sticky Toffee Pudding isn’t a pudding in the American sense, but a sweet sponge-like cake topped with a toffee sauce. Often the cake is sweetened with finely chopped dates, and the toffee sauce has a touch of spiciness to it. Together it’s a rich and sweet dish that’s delicious.
Even though sticky toffee pudding is popular throughout Britain, you’ll find it on lots of Scottish menus. And once you taste it, you’ll be glad it’s so easy to find!
And one thing you can’t miss: Scottish beer!
Yes, Scotland is famous for whisky and even gin. But the high-quality barley that makes good whisky is also used to make beer, so the beer is surprisingly delicious. There are two traditional styles of beer in Scotland: Scotch ales and Scottish ales (confusing, I know). Both are dark, but Scottish ales are lighter in alcohol (3%-5% abv). Also known as Wee Heavy, Scotch ales are robust in flavor and alcohol (above 6%), with a malt-forward, slightly sweeter taste.
Taste your way through the local beers in the pubs to discover your favorite Scottish beer. Just make sure to savor it since you likely won’t find it back home!
Related :: Where to eat in Edinburgh, How to Decide Between Glasgow & Edinburgh, and more on Scotland.
