A Personal, Mouthwatering Journey through Edinburgh’s Food Scene
From the moment you touch down in Edinburgh, the scent of haggis and freshly baked shortbread wafts through the air. This is a city where centuries-old traditions merge seamlessly with global cuisine, creating an exciting and diverse food scene just waiting to be explored. In this guide, we’ll journey through the best of what Edinburgh’s food scene has to offer – from traditional Scottish fare to innovative and contemporary eateries.
A Brief Overview of Edinburgh’s Culinary Scene
Edinburgh’s food landscape is as varied as its beautiful, hilly terrain. The city’s gastronomical reputation has steadily grown over the years, boasting a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, charming pubs, and hidden foodie gems. Edinburgh offers a delectable mix of Scottish classics, world-renowned whiskies, and a burgeoning street food scene. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s also plenty of traditional Scottish confectionery to try. By now, your tastebuds are probably tingling, so let’s dive in!
Traditional Scottish Cuisine
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without trying the national dish of Scotland – haggis, served with ‘neeps’ (turnips) and ‘tatties’ (potatoes). Haggis is a savory pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach. Sounds a bit off-putting? Don’t let the description deter you, haggis has a delicious nutty texture and a hearty, rich flavor. The Last Drop in the Grassmarket is one of my personal favourites for a hearty haggis meal.
Scottish Seafood
Scotland’s cold waters produce some of the finest seafood in the world, and the city’s restaurants showcase this bounty. Fish and chips is a must-try, but for a true taste of the sea, try langoustines, oysters, scallops, or the famous Cullen skink – a hearty soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Ondine, located just off the Royal Mile, serves an exceptional seafood platter.
Edinburgh’s Pubs and Whisky
Scotland is synonymous with whisky, and you’ll find an impressive range in every pub around the city. If you’re a whisky enthusiast or a newbie willing to try, a visit to The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must. For a traditional pub experience, head over to The Bow Bar in the Old Town, where a selection of over 300 malt whiskies awaits.
Street Food and Markets
Edinburgh’s street food scene is bustling and offers a global culinary tour. From freshly made pizzas to aromatic Thai food, there’s a world of flavours waiting to be discovered. Check out the Pitt Market in Leith, open every Saturday, or Stockbridge Market on Sundays for a fantastic selection of street food stalls.
Fine Dining and Michelin-starred Restaurants
For those seeking a more refined culinary experience, Edinburgh offers several Michelin-starred restaurants. Among them is The Kitchin, where Chef Tom Kitchin serves beautiful dishes “from nature to plate” using the best of Scottish produce. There’s also Restaurant Martin Wishart in Leith, known for its innovative French and Scottish cuisine.
Delightful Bakeries and Cafes
For your morning fix of caffeine or a sweet treat, Edinburgh’s cafés and bakeries have you covered. The city is brimming with cozy nooks perfect for relaxing with a good book or people-watching. Try Lovecrumbs in the city centre for a fantastic cake selection or The Manna House Bakery & Patisserie in Leith for artisan bread and pastries. Tea lovers should not miss Eteaket, where they offer a plethora of tea blends from all around the world.
Vegetarian and Vegan Eateries
Edinburgh has been making waves in the plant-based scene with a great variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots. The cosy vegetarian restaurant, David Bann, offers deliciously inventive dishes that even the most avid meat-eaters will enjoy. For vegans, consider trying the Harmonium in Leith or Novapizza in the New Town, both offering an entirely vegan menu, including pizza and pasta.
Food Events and Festivals
Edinburgh isn’t just about fringe festivals and literature; it also hosts an array of fantastic food festivals throughout the year. The Edinburgh Food Festival in July showcases the finest local produce and artisanal products, while the Scottish Vegan Festival occurs twice a year, providing an abundance of plant-based goodies.
By now, you should have a clear taste of what culinary delights await you in Scotland’s capital. Edinburgh’s food scene is rich, diverse, and utterly mouthwatering, catering to all palates and dietary preferences. From traditional Scottish staples to innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes, you’re bound to find something that will make your taste buds dance. As we always say, the best way to get to know a place is through its food, and Edinburgh is no exception.