Sure, Scotland is known for its rugged landscapes, imposing castles, bagpipes, and men in kilts, but what about its food and drink? There’s a fantastic array of tastes to experience while there, whether you’re having a full Scottish breakfast after landing in Edinburgh, sipping Scotch in the Highlands, or getting acquainted with bacon rolls or Victoria sponge in Glasgow, this lush country offers something delicious and unforgettable for any visitor. 

NextTribe is taking a small group of women aged 45 and over to Scotland this coming June. Join us if you want to taste these wonderful dishes and drinks (plus experience all the fun the country has to offer). More info here.

So come with us and learn about the food and drink culture of this wonderful destination. We’ll share a few of our favorite restaurants, tearooms, and bars as well. 

The Culinary History of Scotland: More than Haggis

Scottish cuisine, shaped by its geography and history, is a blend of hearty comfort food and refined regional specialties. The climate of Scotland is not ideal for agriculture, so its cuisine has traditionally made use of the land’s natural resources — meat, fish, dairy, and grains. The Scottish were among the first to use oats as a staple, and this humble grain remains a key ingredient in many Scottish dishes today, such as Scottish porridge. Much of Scottish cuisine was originally designed to be practical, nourishing, and inexpensive, ideal for sustaining workers and families during long days.

Scottish cuisine makes use of the land’s delicious bounty: meat, fish, dairy, and grains.

The influence of neighboring countries has also played a role in shaping Scotland’s culinary landscape. With its proximity to France, there are obvious links to French techniques and fine dining, while Scotland’s connection to the seas has resulted in an emphasis on fresh seafood. The Scottish love affair with whisky is no surprise either, with the spirit taking center stage in both food pairings and as a featured ingredient in cooking. Get ready to eat and drink well when traveling to Scotland, from energizing Scottish breakfasts to a Burns night feast, from a perfect scone with clotted cream and jam to single malts.

What to Eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a city where the past and present meet. Known for its grand architecture, cobbled streets, stunning gardens, and famous festivals, Edinburgh also offers a terrific food scene. Here, you can find traditional Scottish fare alongside innovative dining options.

Scottish Breakfasts

Scotland’s food is known for a hearty start to the day, whether with some oatmeal or one of the most revered tradition dishes, a full Scottish breakfast. If you pull up at, say, Wetherspoon’s, a popular chain, you could get a plate that includes fried eggs, bacon, two sausages, two slices of black pudding (a roasted sausage with pig’s blood; you decide if this is for you or if you take a hard pass), baked beans, potato scone (aka a tattie scone), two slices of toast. That’s more than likely adequate fuel for a day of sightseeing around town. 

Sunday Roasts

At the opposite end of the day, there’s the quintessential British tradition, the Sunday roast. These are widely popular across Scotland. In Edinburgh, many pubs and restaurants offer their version of the roast, often featuring beef, lamb, or chicken, accompanied by roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding (like a popover or savory Dutch baby), and gravy. It’s a social meal, ideal for a relaxed afternoon. The Sunday roast is often served in large portions and is the perfect way to unwind after a busy week of exploring the city.

Scottish Seafood

Being surrounded by water, Scotland boasts an exceptional array of fresh fish and seafood. Home to some of the finest fish and seafood restaurants in the country, Edinburgh can be best place to try this kind of Scotland food. Dishes like Cullen Skink, a creamy smoked haddock soup, and Finnan Haddie (a cured, cold-smoked haddock) are staples. You’ll find Atlantic salmon and smoked salmon on many menus.

Surrounded by water, Scotland boasts an exceptional array of fresh fish and seafood. Get ready for fantastic salmon, haddock, oysters, and more.

Local restaurants such as The Ship on the Shore and Ondine serve up seafood platters brimming with Scottish shellfish, langoustines, oysters (which may be quite larger than the ones you are used to in America), and crab. Many eateries source their produce directly from local fishermen, ensuring the freshest possible catch. If you visit Edinburgh, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these fresh, flavorful dishes.

Favorite Restaurant: The Kitchin

For a more modern take on Scottish cuisine, The Kitchin is a must-visit, and, yes, you will need a reservation. Located in Leith, Edinburgh, this contemporary restaurant sits inside a converted whisky bonded warehouse within the old dock area. It offers a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients (with the area of origin mapped for you on the menu). The Kitchin is especially known for its creative use of seasonal produce (including sea urchin served in its spiny shell), and their extensive wine and whisky list makes it a perfect spot for pairing dishes with a drink. And the glamorous setting will make the meal all the more memorable.

Eating Around Town

A walkable city, Edinburgh offers yummy food and drink at every turn. For instance, if you’re visiting the Royal Botanic Garden in Stockbridge or picking through the thrift shops in the neighborhood, stop by The Raeburn (outdoors in good weather is a delight) for a cocktail, like the refreshing Framboise 42 Sour with fresh raspberries.

Food halls, Italian cafes, outdoor beer and cocktail gardens are all part of Scotland’s eatery scene.

Pop into the Edinburgh food hall Bonnie & Wild (even if just for a gelato) to see all that’s available. Or stroll over to Valvona and Crolla, an Italian deli with a dining room in back, immortalized in Alexander McCall Smith’s novels about Edinburgh. You can sit and have the perfect espresso or pasta with gorgonzola, radicchio, and walnuts. While it may not be among the traditional dishes of Scotland, it’s part of eating well while traveling.

Whisky Bars

Edinburgh is a city that takes whisky seriously. A visit to one of its many whisky bars should be on any traveler’s agenda. Bars like The Scotch Whisky Experience and Whiski Rooms provide an educational yet fun journey through Scotland’s famous national drink. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a casual drinker, the bartenders at these establishments are eager to share their knowledge, and you’ll find hundreds of different whisky varieties to sample.

Pastries

While Scotland is known for hearty meals, there’s also a strong tradition of baking. Shortbread, the iconic Scottish biscuit (or cookie), is ubiquitous throughout the country. In Edinburgh, The Royal Mile and surrounding streets offer several shops selling freshly made shortbread, often paired with a cup of tea. For a more indulgent treat, try Empire Biscuits, a sweet sandwich-style biscuit topped with icing and a cherry. If you’re craving something a bit lighter, a scone served with clotted cream and jam is a must-try for breakfast or afternoon tea.

What to Eat in Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, has long been a hub for food lovers, from its thriving restaurant scene to its celebrated food markets. Known for its diverse and multicultural vibe, Glasgow’s culinary offerings span both traditional and modern influences, reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural mix.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Tea Rooms

Want to combine design and dining? Glasgow is home to some truly unique places, and the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Tea Rooms are a prime example. These iconic tea rooms, designed by the famous Scottish architect and designer (he lived from 1868 to 1928), are a singular place to sit and feel as if you’ve time-traveled to the turn of the century.

The Mackintosh Tea Rooms in Glasgow offer a sumptuous place to enjoy Art Nouveau interiors while having a stellar afternoon tea.

Here, you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, complete with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of sweet pastries. The Art Nouveau interiors provides the perfect backdrop for an elegant, relaxed dining experience. There are both original restored Mackintosh tea rooms and ones that have been lovingly recreated to embody his style. Take your pick. 

Other Interesting Ideas for American Travelers

For those looking for something a bit different, Glasgow offers several culinary delights that cater to a variety of tastes. The Gannet, a modern bistro in the city, focuses on seasonal Scottish ingredients, with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable seafood. Glasgow’s bustling Barras Market is also a must-visit for food lovers, where local vendors sell everything from freshly prepared street food to artisanal cheeses. For something a bit more indulgent, Shannon’s Bar is famous for its hearty Scottish pub fare, like haggis and tattie scones.

Another interesting find is The Ubiquitous Chip, a Scottish institution that blends traditional ingredients with modern techniques. Its menu features everything from venison to fresh seafood, all served in a relaxed yet stylish setting. And, to be honest, you can have quite a wonderful time off the foodie trails surveying the ready-to-eat offerings at Marks & Spencer. Delicious and perfect for toting back to your hotel room or Airbnb.

What to Eat in the Highlands

The Scottish Highlands, famous for its rugged beauty, offer a culinary experience that reflects the simplicity and purity of the region. The food here is a celebration of the land and sea, with plenty of wild game, fresh produce, and meats and seafood. And of course, you can follow the whisky trail and sample Scotland’s national drink.

Whisky Trail

A trip to the Highlands is incomplete without exploring the Whisky Trail, a stretch of distilleries that dot the region and produce some of the world’s finest whiskies. Along the way, you can sample various whisky expressions, from peat-heavy Islay whiskies to the lighter, fruitier styles from Speyside. Many distilleries offer tours, tastings, and even food pairings, so it’s worth planning a visit. At NextTribe, we pride ourselves on partnering with Johanne McInnis, the Whisky Lassie, to make sure our travelers learn all about and love this time-honored spirit. 

A little more about the different whisky traditions: Scotland is known for its whisky production, and each region has its own distinct whisky style. Speyside, in particular, is famous for its smooth, fruity whiskies, and distilleries like Glenfiddich and Macallan are world-renowned.

Speyside, in particular, is famous for its smooth, fruity whisies, and distilleries like Glenfiddich and Macallan are world-renowned.

Islay, on the other hand, is known for its heavily peated whiskies, with a smoky, earthy flavor that comes from the island’s unique peat bogs. Distilleries like Laphroaig and Ardbeg produce some of the boldest whiskies in the country.

Each whisky-producing region in Scotland offers a different taste experience, and visiting these areas provides a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Scotland’s whisky culture. Many distilleries offer tastings paired with local food, enhancing the overall experience. Also, if one of you is the designated driver, they’ll likely get a little takeaway tasting to enjoy later, which is so fun and thoughful.

Victoria Sponge and Other Pastries

For those with a sweet tooth, Scotland is home to several delightful pastries, including the classic Victoria Sponge, a light cake filled with jam and whipped cream. This simple yet delicious dessert can be found in many cafes and tearooms across the Highlands. Cranachan, a dessert made from oats, raspberries, whisky, honey, and cream, is another must-try treat. The combination of textures and flavors perfectly encapsulates the region’s focus on natural, locally sourced ingredients. Another dessert not to pass up is Sticky Toffee Pudding: It’s exactly what it sounds like, a heavy dose of sugar but totally yummy. And don’t miss the chance to have some Scottish tablet either. It’s a delicious sweet treat that doesn’t exactly have an American analog: Some say it’s like fudge, others say toffee, but whatever the case, it’s a tradition we approve of. 

Other Scottish Specialties

In the Highlands, you’ll find hearty dishes that utilize the fresh produce, seafood, meat, and game of the region. Venison, a staple in Highland cooking, is often served with a rich, red wine sauce. Cullen Skink, a smoked haddock soup mentioned above, is also popular, as is Haggis (actually, since it’s Scotland’s national dish, you’re likely to find it wherever you may roam), which is often served with mashed potatoes and turnips.

What is Haggis? Probably best left to adventurous eaters, it’s a savory Scottish dish of minced sheep organs (vegetarians, beware), oatmeal, suet, and spices. The poet Robert Burns wrote his famous “Address to a Haggis” in 1786, so if you choose to partake, you are sampling a centuries-old tradition. (Burns suppers, by the way, are a thing in Scotland, especially around his birthday in January.)

Many Highlands restaurants serve dishes prepared with locally sourced lamb, beef, and wild boar, making the area a paradise for carnivores.

The Isle of Skye: A Unique Culinary Destination

The Isle of Skye, with its dramatic cliffs and picturesque coastal towns, offers a unique food experience. Known for its pristine environment, the island boasts an impressive variety of local produce, from seafood to lamb.

Seafood

Skye is home to some of the best seafood in Scotland, with restaurants like The Oyster Shed serving fresh oysters, mussels, and langoustines right off the boat. Skye’s renowned seafood is often prepared simply, allowing the natural flavors of the catch to shine through.

Other Local Fare

The island also produces excellent lamb, which is often used in traditional Scottish stews and roasts. For something different, try Skye’s famous black pudding (or blood sausage), which is often served alongside a traditional Scottish breakfast.

A Little Vocabulary Lesson in Scottish Food and Drink

Here are a few more foods and beverages you may bump into in Scotland, so let’s help you boost your knowledge:

Arboath smokies: Arbroath is a large town in Scotland on the North Sea, and it gives its name to a kind of haddock dish. Smokies are salted for a couple of hours, hung on wooden rods, and the fish is then smoked in an upturned whisky barrel over hardwood chips.

Chip shops: If you love fried food, hello! This is for you. You’ll find fish and chips and all other manner of fried foods at these casual eateries.

Clootie dumpling: An iconic dessert, a steamed pudding rich with spices and dried fruit.

Deep-fried Mars bar: Exactly what it sounds like, and it is indeed a popular snack in Scotland.

Irn Bru: Known as Scotland’s other national drink, this is a beloved “secret recipe” orange soda.

Scotch broth: ​A delish warming soup made with cuts of lamb, barley, split peas, and vegetables.

Scotland’s culinary offerings are as diverse and captivating as its landscapes. From the bustling city streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the serene beauty of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, the country offers a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re enjoying a Sunday roast, savoring fresh seafood, or sampling the finest whisky, Scotland’s rich food culture ensures every meal is a memorable experience.