Top 10 culinary specialities in Edinburgh

What’s for dinner in Edinburgh? Are you asking for typical Scottish specialities? Well, you’re in for a treat! Influenced by other British cuisines, Scottish cuisine boasts a wide variety of terroirs, succulent dishes and sweet varieties to try. Scotland is surrounded by a torrid, rough sea, so you’ll regularly find fish and other seafood on your plate. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy red meat! If you’re looking for the top specialities to try, you’ve come to the right place. This way, foodies!

What to eat in Edinburgh

1. Haggis

If we had to give Scotland one image in terms of its culinary face, it would undoubtedly be that of the Haggis. This dish, straight out of the back of a Scottish drawer, is made from a mixture of meat (usually stuffed sheep’s belly), oats, a little mashed potato and kidney fat. This dish is so famous that it exists in several versions, including burgers and vegetarian versions. What’s more, according to historians, the origin of the word “haggis” comes from the Vikings, from the word “hoggva”, which means “to chop”.

2. Angus beef

This very tender meat is one of Scotland’s exceptional dishes. It comes from a breed of Angus beef that is known to be extremely robust, feeding mainly on the surrounding grassland. This gives the meat a naturally marbled flavour. It’s sure to win the hearts of carnivores and red meat lovers alike. What’s more, Angus beef is high in protein and particularly rich in vitamin A and omega 3 and 6. Don’t we say “strong as an ox”?

3. Fish and chips

This is THE dish that all children love! After all, no-one says no to a good slice of chips accompanied by a fish and chip that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, is there? Served with a little vinegar-based sauce, it’s a simple meal, admittedly high in calories, but one that’s good to eat from time to time (to please our stomachs). In the city of Edinburgh, and more widely in Scotland, it’s typically the kind of dish you’ll find in every restaurant on every street corner.

4. Whisky

Scotch is the national drink of Scotland. You’ll find this intoxicating nectar in every bar, bistro, restaurant and stall in Edinburgh. The interesting thing is that each distillery has its own recipes and its own specialities: so you’ll never get the same taste in your mouth depending on which bottle of whisky you choose to try. A tasting session is in order, isn’t it?

5. Scottish Breakfast in all its glory

Like all British breakfasts, the Full Scottish Breakfast has nothing to do with the good old traditional French breakfast. Forget the croissants and cereals, and opt for a plate filled with slices of smoked bacon, the smell of which will titillate your nostrils, fried eggs, a few pieces of tomato (to keep you slim), cheese, mushrooms… and ‘Tattie scone’, a potato cake found in absolutely all Scottish breakfasts. You’re all set for a great start to the day!

6. Oatcakes

An oatcake? It’s a small, round biscuit that’s really easy to make. This Icelandic and Scottish recipe is made with oats, a rich food that grows abundantly in Edinburgh and other parts of the country. Very low in calories, and infinitely rich in fibre, this is a dish that can be enjoyed as a dessert after a high-calorie meat-based meal. With a cup of tea or coffee, or why not a glass of whisky? This is an ancient biscuit that was already eaten in Roman times and can now be enjoyed at any time of day.

7. Seafood dishes

What you need to know about Scotland is that it is one of the countries with an extremely varied cuisine. In the morning, you’ll eat a typically British breakfast, at lunchtime why not a dish based on red meat and mashed potatoes, and in the evening a grilled lobster accompanied by a salad and chips. That’s the culinary beauty of this country! Seafood is very popular here, especially langoustines served piping hot with a little parsley butter. And don’t forget to try the oysters and coquilles St Jacquet. And don’t forget Scottish salmon, one of the sweetest and most tender fish you’ll ever eat.

8. Cullen Skink

Sometimes, in the evening, it’s a good idea to have a light dinner that doesn’t weigh too heavily on your stomach, so that you can get a good night’s sleep. If we had to recommend a dish par excellence, it would undoubtedly be the “Cullen Skink”, originating from the small town of Cullen on the north-west side of the country, which has quickly become a favourite everywhere, and particularly in Edinburgh. The soup is made with potatoes, onions and what is known as ‘smoked haddock’, a typical white fish from the North Atlantic. This soup is usually served as a starter, but can also be an excellent evening meal!

9. Cranachan

The “Cranachan”? A traditional local dessert made with nothing but foods that make you smile just to read the name: honey, raspberries, cream, toasted oatmeal and whisky! Behind this panoply of perfectly matched dishes lies a visually pleasing dessert, created to celebrate the raspberry harvest in June. With quality fruit, it’s a sweet treat that’s worth trying at least once in your life!

10. Porridge

As we said, oats are a precious ingredient in Scotland. So what does porridge taste like over there? Well, it’s a marvel! This porridge, usually served with fruit, is high in fibre and very low in calories. There are several ways to prepare it in Edinburgh. Many people like it sweetened for breakfast, while others prefer a more “muscular” version with added salt. Travellers also appreciate this dish for the quality of its produce and its fresh, refreshing taste.