A Taste of Scotland

Traditional Scottish Food to try in Edinburgh

When you’re visiting Edinburgh, you’ll find plenty of world cuisine to try. But no trip here is complete without a taste of traditional Scottish food! There are plenty of unique dishes to try in Edinburgh. We’ve got a few of the highlights for you.

Haggis

It may not sound like the most appetising dish in the world, but trust us, it’s delicious! Haggis is the national dish of Scotland for good reason. You’ll find this spicy meat pudding on the menu everywhere in Edinburgh, and you can find vegetarian versions too. There are even whole restaurants that specialise in the dish! Whether you have yours with neeps, tatties and a whisky cream sauce, or stuffed inside Chicken Balmoral, you must try it. Haggis even features as part of our hearty full Scottish breakfast, along with local bacon, sausages and potato scones. 

Haggis, neeps, tatties and whisky

Scottish Cheese

Scotland is renowned for its cheeses, and you’ll find cheese shops like IJ Mellis across the city. Or why not enjoy a cheeseboard? With cheese such as Isle of Mull cheddar and Blue Murder (from Tain), you’re guaranteed an authentic taste of Scotland.

A variety of cheeses on a wooded board

Fish and Seafood

Fresh seafood, such as salmon, trout, langoustines, lobster, oysters and mussels, is a real treat in Scotland. There are a number of wonderful fish restaurants in Edinburgh and along the coastline in East Lothian. For a relaxed take-away option, you could also try a traditional fish supper (fish and chips) from a local chippy.

Pan fried salmon with potatoes and vegetables

Cullen Skink

Its name may be a little odd, but when it comes to Scottish cuisine, this Scottish soup is up there at the top of the list! When you’re visiting Edinburgh, you must try Cullen Skink. This soup originates from the town of Cullen in Moray. With undyed smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, it’s simply delicious. Find it on menus across the city, where it often features as the ‘Soup of the Day’.

Scottish fish soup in a white bowl with spoon

Scotch Pie

You can pick up a Scotch pie in most local bakeries. They are also sold at half-time during football matches. The small round pies have straight sides and a pastry lid, filled with minced meat (traditionally mutton) and spices. Scotch pies are a big deal in Scotland. There’s even an annual World Championship scotch pie competition!

A Scotch pie served on a blue and white plate

Cranachan

To finish your meal, you can’t go wrong with Cranachan – “the uncontested king of Scottish dessert”. There are many different versions of this creamy Scottish dessert, but it’s usually made with honey, cream, whisky, raspberries and toasted oatmeal.

Traditional Scottish dessert

Scottish Tablet

An old-fashioned treat, sometimes served with your after-dinner tea or coffee in a restaurant. You may also be able to pick it up in a local cafe or gift shop. Scottish tablet is a bit like fudge, but with a slightly harder, more brittle texture. Made with sugar, milk and butter, it’s very sweet and melts in your mouth.

Pieces of Scottish tablet

Shortbread

Another sweet treat, found in bakeries, cafes and gift shops. Crumbly, buttery shortbread is a Scottish favourite to savour with a cup of tea. This biscuit has been made for hundreds of years and is still going strong today. And for an extra luxury, try Millionaire’s shortbread, topped with caramel and chocolate.

Shortbread fingers on a plate

A Wee Dram

When you’re staying at Parliament House Hotel, you can’t afford to miss our range of whiskies. We’ve got everything from Islay, Speyside, Highland, Lowland and Island whiskies to try. So enjoy a wee dram in our cosy snug, perhaps a Glenkinchie 10 yo, the Edinburgh malt. Or sample a peaty, smoky Talisker 10 yo as a special treat. Local gin features heavily on our drinks menu too. Why not have a Pickerings (from Summerhall Distillery in the city) and tonic? Or sample some Edinburgh Gin, available in a range of exciting flavours.

Dram of whisky with ice

Enjoy some of this traditional Scottish food on your next visit to Edinburgh. Take a look at some of our favourite restaurants near our hotel and book your stay today!