Traditional Scottish food dishes to try

Scottish porridge 

These humble oats have been part of a staple Scottish diet since 600 AD, with traces of barley porridge found in 2,500-year-old pots excavated from the Outer Hebrides. 

Today, you’ll find porridge on the menu in local B&Bs, hotels, and youth hostels across Scotland. It’s usually served hot with various toppings including brown sugar, fresh fruit, jam, honey, or even a dash of whisky. 

Find places to try Scottish porridge 

Full Scottish breakfast 

You can’t go wrong with a hearty, full Scottish breakfast. On your plate, you’ll typically find fried eggs, toast, bacon, baked beans, hash browns, sausages, black pudding, ‘tattie’ (potato) scones, mushrooms, and fried tomatoes. 

For our veggie friends, many restaurants and cafes will happily swap some items with delicious meat-free alternatives. Haggis can also be included as an alternative to black pudding. It consists of sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet and spices. Vegetarian haggis is just as delicious, retaining most of the flavours and textures of a meat-based haggis. 

Start off the day with a full Scottish breakfast 

Cullen Skink

This Scottish soup comes from the town of Cullen in Moray, on the north east coast. You might be surprised but Cullen Skink was originally a beef broth. In the early 1890’s, many people couldn’t afford the luxury of beef and instead turned to the cost-effective ingredient of fish - an easy switch for the people of Cullen due to the town’s thriving production of smoked haddock. The rest, as they say, is history and has become a beloved part of Scottish cuisine. 

The dish is now made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and is served as a starter in many restaurants, cafes, and at formal dinner parties. 

Enjoy the taste of Cullen Skink 

Haggis, neeps and tatties 

One of our most traditional and famous Scottish dishes is haggis, neeps, and tatties (Scottish words for turnips and potatoes), a delicious combination of meat, oatmeal, onions, salt, and spices. 

Scotland’s love for haggis began in 1786 when Robert Burns wrote ‘Address to a Haggis’. These days haggis is often made in a synthetic casing instead of a sheep's stomach and forms an integral part in Burns Night celebrations each year on 25 January, paying homage to Scotland’s National Bard. You can also find vegetarian haggis in many restaurants and supermarkets across Scotland. 

Dig into Scotland’s national dish 

Stovies 

A traditional bowl of stovies is made up of potatoes, onions, beef dripping and leftover meat. You can find many restaurants and pubs serving different variations of this classic recipe, from roast beef, lamb, sausage and corned beef to vegetarian versions. 

The name ‘stovies’ originates from the Scots word ‘stove’ which refers to slow-cooking, similar to stewing or braising, and derives from the French word ‘étuvé’. Stovies were traditionally made to use up leftover meat from Sunday roasts to avoid any waste and stretch meals further.  

Try stovies in Scotland 

Aberdeen Angus beef 

Native to north east Scotland, the Aberdeen Angus breed can be traced back as early as the 19th century and were locally known as ‘Doddies’ or ‘Hummlies’ due to them being a naturally hornless breed. 

Thanks to its amazing source of iron, zinc and marbling of fat within the meat, it helps to enhance the flavour and juiciness with every bite when you order a delicious steak dinner or mouth-watering burger. 

Find places to try Aberdeen Angus beef 

Clootie dumpling 

This traditional Scottish fruit pudding can be traced back to the 17th century and is made with flour, breadcrumbs, dried fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas), suet, sugar, spices and some milk to bind it together. The name ‘clootie dumpling’ comes from the Scottish word ‘cloot’ which refers to a ‘cloth’, as the mixture is wrapped in a floured cloth and boiled to help give its distinctive round shape and slightly crusty skin. 

This Scottish cult classic remains popular for celebrations including Burns Night and Hogmanay and can be enjoyed both hot and cold, often served warm with custard, cream and ice cream or cold with a spread of butter and jam. 

Finish off your meal with a clootie dumpling 

Cranachan 

Maybe one you haven’t heard of before, but this traditional Scottish dessert was originally a celebration of harvest, following the raspberry season in June. This dessert includes cream and fresh raspberries served up with Scottish oats and whisky. It has been called “the uncontested king of Scottish dessert”. 

Find places to try cranachan in Scotland

What kind of food will I find in Scotland? 

Scotland is a very cosmopolitan country. During your visit, you’ll find restaurants specialising in food from many different cultures. Eating local is very important in Scotland and you'll find lots of restaurants that proudly serve dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. What could be better than trying a mouth-watering new dish in the place where the ingredients were farmed? 

How many Michelin star restaurants are there in Scotland? 

Scotland is proudly home to 16 Michelin star restaurants and are all celebrated for their outstanding cuisine. The Michelin Guide awards restaurants up to three Michelin stars for excellence. Currently there are two two-star restaurants and 14 one-star restaurants across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perthshire, Fife, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands & Islands. 

What foods can I only get in Scotland? 

There are many Scottish foods that have been granted European protected status. This identifies high-quality products that are unique to a particular region. This includes: 

• Scotch beef 
• Scottish wild salmon 
• Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop cheese 
• Arbroath Smokies 
• Scottish Farmed Salmon 
• Scotch Lamb 
• Shetland Lamb 
• Orkney Beef 
• Orkney Lamb 
• Stornoway Black Pudding 
• Orkney Scottish Island Cheese 

What’s in vegetarian haggis? 

Vegetarian haggis includes beans, lentils, nuts, vegetables, and oatmeal and was invented by John MacSween in 1984. 

What food and drink events can I find in Scotland? 

Every year, Scotland proudly showcases food and drink producers through various events and festivals. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge on Scottish food and drink brands while also sampling some of the best cuisine in the country. Here are just a few to add to your list: 

Stirling Vegan Festival – March welcomes a hotly anticipated event to the city. Find over 60 stalls with vegan food to try and cruelty-free gifts to buy. 

Fife Food & Drink Week – for one week only in March, celebrate Fife’s culinary scene with tasty events and special menus.

Springfest, Loch Lomond – held annually in April, this family-friendly festival offers cooking demonstrations, street food, and lots of fun activities to keep the little ones entertained. 

Edinburgh Foodies Festival – see celebrity chefs come to the city in August. Delight your palate with food tastings and live musical entertainment. 

Scottish Wild Food Festival, near Glasgow – held in September, enjoy a food festival with a difference. Forage for your supper and cook up a storm with the ingredients you found into a tasty meal.  

Bowhouse Market Weekends, Fife – taking place monthly from December to March, see the best local food and drink traders from across Scotland.

Is there anywhere I can see food being made? 

Yes, there are a number of cheese makers, ice cream makers, and smokehouses you can visit. Some farmers markets also offer cooking demonstrations, so you can see the produce being turned into a tasty meal and pick up recipe tips. 

Discover food producers in Scotland