Scotland loves food. We love food. And if you love food, you’ll love Scotland.
Everywhere has their delicacies: Wales has rissoles, Ireland has the warming Irish stew, Spain has paella, and England has fish and chips. Scotland is lucky enough to have multiple tantalising local delicacies that will leave you borderline addicted. And our delicacies are obviously the best (naturally, we’d think that)
With recipes passed down through generations, Scottish people know how to cook up a storm (and have a real storm, Scottish weather is no joke). If you’re renting a motorhome from us, you’re in the perfect position to sample them all.
Below, we’ll give you three of our favourite local delicacies to bring back from your Scottish holiday.
Shortbread
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Every savoury lover can’t help but indulge in something sweet – shortbread is that something sweet everybody can turn to. Even savoury warriors wouldn’t mind tucking into a cheese shortbread (yes, they exist, sorry sweet lovers).
Millionaires shortbread, cheesecake shortbread, chocolate chip shortbread; shortbread knows no bounds, and neither does our appetite when it comes to it. First baked in Edinburgh in the 12th century and refined in the 16th century by Mary, Queen of Scots, this local delicacy isn’t so local anymore. Go into almost every bakery or shop and you’ll find some shortbread.
Still, we’re talking real, traditional shortbread here. Go into the Pastry Section in Stockbridge and take home as many traditional, freshly baked shortbreads as you can fit into your bag. The simple recipe of only flour, butter, and sugar leaves lasting love in your mouth.
Scottish Tablet
Not as many people know about the Scottish tablet, but you have to put it on your list.
It’s another sweet one (don’t worry, savoury is next), but we’re sure this fudging, melty sensation will change your life. It’s similar to fudge in texture, but not quite the same. It’s firmer and more grainy with a sweeter taste (as if fudge could get any sweeter?).
Records don’t exactly tell us where the Scottish tablet originated, but it was from the early 18th century in The Household Book of Lady Grisell Baillie. Made from sugar, butter, and condensed milk, it’s cooked until crystalised and lasts for ages. You can take this home and eat it for weeks.
Some bakers add vanilla, nuts, or whisky (couldn’t be more Scottish) – you can find Scottish tablet at markets, in sweet shops, and in some bakeries.
Haggis
It would be very unpatriotic of us if we left Haggis off the list. It has to be the most traditional and well-known Scottish delicacy. It’s everything about Scotland, and we love it.
Don’t let this put you off, it’s made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs. Chefs combine it with onion, oatmeal, and spices like coriander seeds and nutmeg. Trust us, it does taste incredible. If we’re talking traditional Scottish, it’s often served encased in the sheep’s stomach and simmered until it tastes like perfection. Sorry, we know that part might put people off, but even if you only try a small bite, we promise it’ll take you by surprise!
You can buy vacuum-sealed and ready-to-cook haggis from local butchers across Scotland. Brands like MacSween or Simon Howie are award winning Haggis producers if you want the best of the best.
Yes, haggis isn’t for everyone, but you can’t knock it until you try it.
Where to Get the Best Food in Scotland
Everywhere. End of section.
But we’re not joking. Each town, city, and village in Scotland serves incredible food. And if you want our recommendation, we wouldn’t go straight to the big cities. Small village vendors sometimes do it best.
Or, if you are going to big cities like Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market has some of the best and freshest local produce you’ll ever buy. It’s not all a tourist trap!
We’d also recommend the Highlands or the Isle of Skye for incredible, locally sourced produce that makes some of these marvellous delicacies.
Or, if you want our best recommendation, do a food tour in one of our luxury 5* motorhomes. Hop from city to village to find the best food Scotland has to offer.
Scotland will leave your mouth watering – it’s not all about the views and the hiking (although we would also recommend that). Scotland really is a foodie’s dream, and if you wouldn’t consider yourself a big foodie, you will be by the time you leave. Do you have a local delicacy you can’t wait to sample?
