What and Where to Eat in Scotland

by - 10:21 on 19 May 2010

Scotland has a rich culinary heritage, and you’ll find that most traditional Scottish meals are hearty and warming dishes - no small surprise once you have experienced Scotland’s climate!

In recent years, Scotland’s cuisine has been transformed, and you will find many restaurants across the country serving Modern-Scottish dishes. These dishes have taken traditional Scottish meals and given them a modern twist and have become very popular. For those looking for a fine-dining experience, in most towns, particularly Edinburgh and Glasgow, you will find a large selection of hotels and restaurants serving five-star food, although usually at five-star prices. Scotland has a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.

Scotland is renowned for its beef, particularly Aberdeen Angus beef, its seafood, and its game. Good seafood restaurants are plentiful, and in coastal towns especially you will find some of the best seafood in the world. Specialties are langoustines, scallops, oyster, salmon, smoked haddock, crab and lobster. A delicious traditional seafood dish to try is Cullen Skink. Although the name may sound a little off-putting, this hearty and delicious fish soup is made with smoked haddock and shellfish, cream and potatoes.

A must for anyone visiting Scotland is the full Scottish breakfast, or ’fry-up’. A traditional Scottish hangover cure, you will find that the ingredients vary, with posher restaurant now serving their own versions. But typically your breakfast will include fried eggs, square sausage, black pudding, bacon, fried bread, potato scones, baked beans in tomato sauce, tomatoes, mushrooms and scrambled eggs. You’ll find these big Scottish breakfasts served in most hotels, B&Bs and cafes. For a healthier, but just as filling traditional Scottish breakfast, try porridge instead.

Another famous Scottish meal is haggis, neeps and tatties - that’s haggis, mashed turnip, and potatoes. This dish is always served at traditional occasions such as on Burns Night, where the Scottish poet Robert Burns is celebrated, and on St. Andrew’s Day and Hogmanay - the Scottish new year.

Besides Scottish food, you’ll find a wide range of cuisines on offer all across the country, from Indian, French, Spanish and Italian to Japanese, Polish, Moroccan and Turkish. Especially in the larger cities, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes and restaurants. And vegetarians are in luck too, as you’ll find at least one good vegetarian establishment in each town - Edinburgh especially has a large selection of fine vegetarian restaurants and cafes.

Before you embark on your trip, make sure you’re adequately covered. For cheap travel insurance check out AA travel insurance.