If you feel hungry for some great food, we have wonderful recommendations for you. We have listed a sample of some of the traditional favorites in Scottish cuisine that are sure to excite your appetite.
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Local Cuisine
Scotland is one of Europe’s biggest producers of seafood. You probably did not know that in the entire world’s production of langoustines, Scotland provides two-thirds of it. Because of the condition of miles of Scottish waters, the quality of seafood sourced from there, including oysters, salmon, lobster, and trout, is exceptional.
If you prefer to sink your teeth into a tasty bite of beef, you have to treat yourself to an Aberdeen Angus steak. For something more gamey, try some venison, hare, pheasants, and other game birds.
A couple of “puddings” are traditional dishes in Scotland. One of them is black pudding, which is actually closer to a sausage than a pudding. Its primary ingredient is pig’s blood. The other traditional pudding is haggis, which is made from the intestines of sheep with a casing made from sheep stomach.
If that is too exotic for you, you can get the local favorite “fish and chips.” You won’t be able to resist the savory deep-fried fish and potato wedges.
Whisky and Beverages
Whisky is serious business in Scotland. The country has more than a hundred whisky distilleries in five regions: Highland, Lowland, Campbeltown, Islay, and Speyside, each with its unique history and character. The production and labeling follow very strict laws. For instance, Scotch is required to age in a barrel for a minimum of three years. Otherwise, it cannot be labeled as Scotch. A fun activity is to go on a distillery tour and sample the brew.
The Scots are proud of their specialty breweries and craft beers. However, there is also something for those who don’t drink alcohol. They can try the “Irn-Bru,” or “iron brew” which is a carbonated orange soda that is the most popular soft drink in the country.
Scottish Specialties
A traditional “Scottish breakfast” will include the basics like bacon, eggs, sausages, toast, baked beans, coffee or tea. On top of that, you can have a side of smoked haddock or kippers, haggis, black pudding, or tattie scones made from potatoes. If you enjoyed an evening at the pub the night before, you can top the morning with a Scottish breakfast.
Oatcakes: These are what the Scottish soldiers made for their rations in the 14th century. Oatmeal is mixed with a bit of water and cooked on a metal plate over a fire.
Shortbread: These traditional cookies, which the Scots call biscuits, are made with three simple ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter.
Scones: These are small cakes made from oatmeal, barley, or wheat. These are eaten with cream and are not as sweet as the American scones.
Tatties: Otherwise known as mashed potatoes. You can eat them with practically anything.
Cheeses: The most popular is the Scottish Cheddar, but there are also many other varieties to try.
Influence From British and English Cuisine
Scottish cuisine also includes some classic specialties from Britain. Here are a few examples:
Puddings: This is not like the gelatin dessert that you might be familiar with in America. British pudding is solid. It is more like a savory meal made from meat. There are sweet British puddings, too. The favorite “Spotted Dick” is a steamed pudding made from meat fat and dried fruits. There is figgy pudding that is popular during Christmas. You can also try toffee pudding.
Afternoon tea: Throughout British history, the upper class always enjoyed an afternoon tea. A good pot of high quality tea is served with petite fours and other sweet treats and cucumber sandwiches. One of UK’s famous tearooms is Betty’s Tearoom located in Harrogate, Yorkshire. Be careful not to refer to this as “high tea,” which is what the working class folks had back in the old days.
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