Traditional Scottish Dishes and Treats You Should Try On Holiday
Scotland is a winning destination for any staycation holiday – and much more tolerable for the average family in the summer months. While much is made of Scotland’s rolling hills, imposing castles and excellent whisky, little is made of its culinary exports. Here are some of Scotland’s quintessential dishes, and why you should try them on your next holiday.
Scottish Porridge
While porridge is something of a global dish, with variants cropping up in America and Iran alike, the staple breakfast dish has become synonymous with Scotland owing to its perfect climate for growing oats. No visit north of the border can be complete without a morning bowl of Scottish porridge in your cosy holiday home.
Deep-Fried Mars Bars
Scotland is famed for many foods and delicacies, but there is one concoction for which it is infamous: the deep-fried Mars bar. The unholy union of nougat-based chocolate bar and fish-and-chip batter has been near-universally regarded a heart-attack waiting to happen, but also yields one of the most surprisingly-tasty junk-food abominations available to buy – and was invented in none other than Scotland’s own Aberdeen.
Haggis
Haggis as a dish gets a bad rap – and any half-hearted definition of the dish is sure not to help things. Haggis is a form of pudding, consisting of sheep organs, oats and spices stuffed into a sheep’s stomach lining and boiled. Though its history as a dish is borne of necessity, the dish itself is delicious – and a key part of Scotch culture. If you’re there for Burns Night, do not hesitate to get stuck in.
Neeps and Tatties
Haggis is commonly served alongside neeps and tatties, which are mashed turnips and mashed potatoes respectively. Served alongside one another, they are an incredibly nutritious and creamy companion to a hearty stew-like meat dish.
Scottish Salmon
While not strictly a dish in and of itself, salmon from Scotland is something else – and deserves its own entry. The country has a rich fishing tradition, and the salmon found off the coast in the North Sea have to be tasted to be believed. Scottish smoked salmon is the gold standard for cured fish, and its inclusion in any breakfast bagel is sure to improve your day immeasurably.
Cranachan
Cranachan is an exceedingly simple but delicious dessert, comprising oats, honey, cream, whisky and raspberries. These basic ingredients form a traditional pudding with roots in harvest celebration, and elevate one another to form a dessert experience like no other. If you are served this as a guest in someone’s home, don’t be surprised if you’re given the ingredients to make it yourself!
Cullen Skink
Lastly, Cullen Skink is a vastly underrated, underreported and under-made Scottish soup that begs to be tried – especially if you are visiting its place of origin and namesake Cullen, in Moray. The soup is a creamy affair, containing haddock, onion, potato, milk and cream, and thickened with corn starch. For such a simple soup, this hyper-local dish is a transcendent affair and a must-try.
