Eating is one of my favorite things to do in a new country! Scotland was no exception. Although Scotland does not have any wild dishes (according to my simple standards), the food in Edinburgh is very diverse and influenced by a variety of cultures. Scottish food has some similarities to some Irish food, as well as some similarities to dishes found in England. Here is a list of foods you must try in Scotland!
Although our personal favorite has been the food in Portugal, there are many classic Scottish dishes you must try. I also wanted to recommend some delicious restaurants to visit! After reading through this blog you will not only have a list of the best food in Scotland but also what to try at some amazing restaurants!
Haggis
Of course, you have heard of Haggis! I am hesitant to tell you what it is because I do not want you to be turned away from a yummy dinner! My husband had ordered it and I wanted to try a bite! He claims it tasted like meatloaf, whereas I thought it tasted like sausage. This might have been a toned-down version for tourists. But I enjoyed it just the same.
Fish And Chips
I was born for this meal! My husband jokes and says I should be a potato farmer with the number of potatoes I eat. I could eat potatoes, in their many forms: fries, hash browns, mashed, chips, baked, scalloped, etc. However, nothing beats a good ol’ fashion fried fish and chips! Yummy! You will find this dish served in almost any Scottish restaurant and pub. (PS, French Fries are called chips in the UK and chips are called crisps).
Salmon
I have a great love for seafood. Scotland is known for its amazing salmon! The frigid waters and strong currents produce salmon that are both strong and high in fat content. It is fabulous, even better when you are near a port! Probably the most famous, and popular river for spring salmon fishing in Scotland is the River Dee – located in Aberdeenshire.
Full Scottish Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Sometimes referred to as a ‘fry-up’, our hotels offered the full Scottish breakfast experience-complete with eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, and black pudding. Don’t forget your cup of tea as well! If you are feeling especially hungry add baked beans, hash browns, or buttered toast. Served in most hotels, B&Bs, and even all-day breakfast places.
Bangers And Mash
This could be eaten as lunch or dinner. A classic sausage and mashed potatoes. (There they are again with the potatoes, yum!) usually served with onion gravy, but may also include fried onions and peas. A perfect pub-food dish for a late-night snack!
While we were in Scotland we got to eat at many delicious restaurants. The one thing we did learn was, to make a reservation!! These restaurants get very crowded very fast and are usually booked for the night.
Must-Try Restaurants:
From Michelin-starred dining to budget restaurants, Scotland has something for everyone! Start at a cafe for a quick and tasty bite. (Great for early mornings or an afternoon snack). Even if you are not a guest there, hotels usually serve outside diners. If you are looking for a place to experience Scottish culture, check out the local pubs.
Pibroch, Edinburgh
This was our favorite restaurant in Edinburgh. We had stopped in because it was close to our hotel. It had the cutest design and the most excellent service! This is where we tried Haggis! I ordered the salmon cakes for myself.
Total cost $30
Mustard Seed, Inverness
The best restaurant in Inverness! We had heard about this restaurant through Lonely Planet and had to check it out! When we arrived around 6:30 pm it was already a full house. Thankfully, there had been a cancellation and we snatched a seat. Their food was absolutely amazing! I had salmon cakes and Sam had the Sea-bass. I would definitely recommend giving this place a try!
Total cost $30
Storehouse, Inverness
If you are looking for a perfect picnic area, this is it! Sitting right on the Cromarty Firth, The Storehouse is a lovely restaurant with some amazing views! There is even a place to spot seals! I had the fish finger sandwich and Sam ordered the smoked salmon. As you walk in you order your food right away, as it is being prepared, you will find a seat, and they will bring it to you once it is ready. They also have some lovely shops to look around and ice cream for dessert!
Total cost $25
Crannog Seafood, Fort William
The Crannog was a fabulous restaurant in Fort William, right on the water! Sadly, we got there around 6:30 pm, and there wasn’t a seat available until 9 pm. We then walked around to 5 different pubs, until we found a seat at Grog and Gruel. The Menu was delicious. but we caved and got pizza.
Total cost $31
Table Manners
As is the case with most European restaurants, the water is not free. Request a bottle of tap water (sparkling is the standard).
Do not expect the check to be brought to you unless you ask for it.
If you are eating al fresco, some restaurants will have you come inside to pay. So keep an eye out for your table number (or ask the waiter).
Make reservations if you can. A lot of the popular restaurants will fill up quickly, so you want to make sure you get a table!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
Also, if this blog was helpful or you would like something more, please do not hesitate to comment. We would love to improve our blog and get as many helpful hints as we can!
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