As I stepped foot into Edinburgh’s vibrant food scene, my senses came alive with a mix of traditional and modern flavors that left me craving for more. From hearty fish soups to sweet sticky toffees, every bite was a testament to Scotland’s rich culinary heritage. In this article, we’ll delve into the best restaurants, traditional locals, and street food in Edinburgh, showcasing 10 must-try Scottish dishes that will leave you wanting more.
Haggis: The National Dish of Scotland
No discussion of Scottish cuisine would be complete without mentioning haggis, a classic dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, fat, salt, pepper, and oatmeal. This slow-cooked delight can be served as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by mashed potatoes, puree, and whisky sauce.
Recommended for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: £10.00 per person
Ingredients: Sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, onion, fat, salt, pepper, oatmeal
Cullen Skink: A Hearty Fish Soup
Another Scottish staple is Cullen Skink, a fish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. This comforting dish is often served with crusty bread, making it the perfect remedy for a chilly Edinburgh evening.
Recommended for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: £10.00 per person
Ingredients: Smoked haddock, potatoes, onion
Smoked Salmon: A Popular Ingredient
Smoked salmon is a popular ingredient in Scottish cuisine, often served as part of a starter dish or used to make sandwiches and salads. Its rich flavor pairs perfectly with buttery shortbread cookies.
Recommended for: Anytime
Cost: £9.00 per person
Ingredients: Smoked salmon, bread, butter
Fish & Chips: A Classic British Dish
A classic British dish that’s easy to find in Edinburgh is fish and chips, consisting of battered and fried fish served with crispy chips (fries) and often accompanied by mushy peas.
Recommended for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: £12.00 per person
Ingredients: Fish, batter, oil, potatoes
Scottish Beef & Ale Pie
A hearty pie made with beef, ale, and pastry is a staple of Scottish pubs and restaurants. This comforting dish is perfect for a cold winter day.
Recommended for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: £6.00 per person
Ingredients: Beef, ale, flour, salt, pepper
Hotch Potch: A Slow-Cooked Stew
A slow-cooked stew made with lamb or mutton, vegetables, and sometimes pearl barley is a comforting dish perfect for cold winter days.
Recommended for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: £15.00 per person
Ingredients: Lamb or mutton, carrots, potatoes, onions, pearl barley
Shortbread: A Classic Scottish Biscuit
Buttery shortbread cookies are a classic Scottish biscuit that’s easy to find in shops and cafes throughout the city.
Recommended for: Snacks
Cost: £5.00 per person
Ingredients: Butter, flour, sugar
Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Sweet Treat
A sweet dessert made with dates, toffee sauce, and often served with vanilla ice cream is a Scottish classic that’s hard to resist.
Recommended for: Dessert
Cost: £6.00 per person
Ingredients: Dates, toffee sauce, flour, sugar, eggs
Highlander Scottish Steaks, Sausages, and Hamburgers
Made from local beef, these steaks are often served with sausages and burgers, accompanied by mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Recommended for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: £15.00 per person
Ingredients: Beef, sausages, hamburgers, potatoes, gravy
Whisky: A Symbol of Scottish Culture
A symbol of Scottish culture, whisky is a must-try when visiting Edinburgh. With numerous distilleries in the city offering tours and tastings, you can sample some of the finest whiskeys in Scotland.
Recommended for: Anytime
Cost: £5.00 per person
Ingredients: Cereals, alcohol
Where to Eat in Edinburgh: Best Restaurants, Traditional Locals, and Street Food
Edinburgh is a vibrant city with a thriving food scene, offering a wide range of traditional Scottish dishes and modern twists on classic favorites. Here are some recommendations for where to eat:
- The White Hart Inn: Scotland’s oldest pub, serving traditional Scottish cuisine and delicious beer.
- Makars Mash Bar: Traditional Scottish cuisine with a wide range of options for vegetarians, vegans, and those looking for healthy meals.
- Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips: One of the best fish and chips shops in Edinburgh, serving delicious battered and fried fish with crispy chips.
- The Edinburgh Larder: A cozy cafe serving a delicious full Scottish breakfast, perfect for starting your day.
- The Devil’s Advocate: A pub offering over 300 types of whiskey, along with traditional Scottish cuisine and hearty meals.
Conclusion: Uncovering the Flavors of Scotland
Edinburgh’s culinary scene is a true reflection of its rich cultural heritage, with traditional dishes like haggis, Cullen Skink, and shortbread being just as delicious today as they were centuries ago. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a taste of Scotland, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best way to try haggis?
A: Haggis can be served as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by mashed potatoes, puree, and whisky sauce.
Q: Is Cullen Skink spicy?
A: No, Cullen Skink is not typically spicy, although some variations may include hot peppers.
Q: Can I find smoked salmon in Edinburgh supermarkets?
A: Yes, smoked salmon can be found in many Edinburgh supermarkets, including Whole Foods and Tesco.
Q: What is the difference between fish and chips and fish and fries?
A: Fish and chips typically refers to battered and fried fish served with crispy chips (fries), while fish and fries may refer to a variation using thinly sliced potatoes instead of chips.
Q: Can I find traditional Scottish cuisine in Edinburgh cafes?
A: Yes, many Edinburgh cafes offer traditional Scottish cuisine, including shortbread, scones, and tattie dog (potato bread).
Q: Are there any vegetarian options at The White Hart Inn?
A: Yes, The White Hart Inn offers a range of vegetarian options, including vegetable skewers and salads.
Q: Can I take haggis home from Edinburgh restaurants?
A: Some Edinburgh restaurants offer haggis for takeaway or home delivery, but be sure to check with your server before ordering.
Q: Is whisky available in Edinburgh supermarkets?
A: Yes, whisky is widely available in Edinburgh supermarkets, including Tesco and Whole Foods.
