Chances are when you think of Scottish food, you may instantly think of the national dish of haggis. But there is so much more to Scottish cuisine than you’ve seen in movies or shows. But Scottish cuisine is far more than meat pudding covered in whisky sauce. When you go to Scotland, you are in for an adventure that will last from breakfast to brunch to dinner and dessert. Fresh seafood, locally raised meat and homegrown produce, and the finest Scotch whisky, beer, and gin you could imagine - it’s all waiting for you in Scotland.
It’s All About Atmosphere
At the center of Scottish life is their love for food and drink. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, there are many food and drink festivals around the country - including the Inverness Gin Festival and Springfest, an annual festival in Loch Lomond.
Scottish pubs are another way to enjoy the festive and jolly atmosphere that typically comes with a meal in Scotland. Pubs are full of life and serve up plenty of hearty comfort food and local beer or cider. What might surprise you is that you can find some of the freshest seafood at small seaside village cafes, bars, and restaurants and Scottish chefs know exactly how to highlight their flavors. A seafood platter including quality Scottish lobster by the beach with a pint of Tennent’s Lager is the perfect lunch on a summer day.
Scotland also offers an abundance of Michelin-star restaurants. So, if fine dining is your joy, indulge in a romantic dinner for two at The Kitchin in Edinburgh or Loch Bay Restaurant in the Isle of Skye.
Something for Everyone
If you are in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you may want to start your visit with a walking food tour of the city. If you find you have a genuine love of Scottish food, you might like to take a traditional cooking class before going home. This way, you get to experience every aspect of Scottish cuisine! Some dishes you may want to try might include:
- Grouse (a bird from the Scottish moors)
- Black Pudding
- Neeps and Tatties (also known as turnips and potatoes)
- Cullen Skink (soup made from smoked haddock, potato, and leeks)
- Deep-fried Mars bars are a popular treat, too - just don’t think about the calories!
Slàinte mhath!
While in Scotland, be sure to take some time to raise a glass to good health! Since whiskey is Scotland’s main export and the national drink, you can not go wrong ordering a dram for yourself. When ordering, be sure not to ask for “a shot of whiskey.” Whiskey is ordered as a “dram” and meant to be savored and appreciated.
A distillery tour is a great way to learn about the history and methods of whiskey making, with a premium dram of whiskey an almost compulsory part of the experience.
Not much of a whiskey drinker? Beer and gin production is also significant to Scotland’s economy, and IRN BRU, a soft drink so popular it rivals Coke. Many even refer to it as Scotland’s other national drink.
Ready to get a taste of what Scotland has to offer? Click here to schedule a call and “Seymour” of the world with us.
Until the next time!
Lisa
