Rub a Dub Dub...Get Me Some Grub

It’s the post you’ve all been waiting for! What do gluttonous pigs (like myself) eat to satisfy their appetites in Edinburgh?

Food was something that I was very curious about before I arrived…traditional dishes, local hot spots, the “must-try’s”, etc. Despite numerous Google searches, I wasn’t able to find a lot of information about what and where I should eat during my stay.

Now that I’ve eaten my way through Edinburgh, I have a firm grasp on the delicious grub available amidst the castles and cobbled streets.

Luckily, a hungry tourist will never have to search far for food, since the city is chockfull of small restaurants, cafes, and pub grub. Nearly every street has a posh little joint churning out soup, paninis, fresh pastries, lattes, hot chocolate, etc.

Baguette sandwiches are pretty popular too.

What may lift some eyebrows are the black pudding, haggis, jacket (baked) potatoes, fish & chips (fries), and pies you’ll find listed.

Haggis, Neeps, & Tatties:

(Haggis, turnips, and mashed potatoes)

Waaaait….what is haggis?

Well, Wikipedia says:

Haggis is a savory pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, lungs); minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach and simmered for approximately three hours. Most modern commercial haggis is prepared in a sausage casing rather than an actual stomach.

As previously stated, Haggis is not rare, but can be find in nearly any café or restaurant in the city. Even on nachos and in burritos:

Of course, we can't forget deep-fried haggis fritters:

Yes, I did eat one, and yes, it was delicious.

Jacket (baked) potatoes are big here too:

More choices than you ever knew were available on baked potatoes!

Left: Cheese & Guacamole, Right: Vegetable Curry & Mushroom

Both: Freaking Awesome.

Oh, and we can’t forget meat pies:

Steak & Ale Pie

Scotch pie with lamb, cheese, and haggis. Yum.

Fish & Chips…a must-have in the UK!!!

Scotland is also known for its great seafood.

Scottish Seafood Stew

Although I prefer the variety of a typical Portland brunch menu, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these heart attack-inducing Scottish Breakfasts:

Okay, this is one actually an English breakfast, as evident by the lack of haggis and the addition of black pudding (blood sausage):

Still great!

And I suppose we can’t forget dessert…

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Yes…I did eat all of these…

It’s research! Duh…

Despite my enthusiasm for Scottish culture, I was sure to try other countries’ fine cuisine during my stay:

Greek:

Indian:

Just so we’re clear, I did NOT eat out for every meal. I spent plenty of time in the grocery stores of Edinburgh.

They’re all small, with a small selection, and very high prices…

But, they do have crazy crisps (chips)!

Haggis & cracked black pepper: salty & peppery

Flame Grilled Steak: smoky, reminds me of almonds

Prawn Cocktail: tastes like Chinese Sweet & Sour sauce and vinegar

All: Not bad! Although I prefer BBQ myself…

So, the city isn’t all majestic castles and breathtaking views.

(Like these)

They have great food too! It’s best enjoyed in a cozy café or over a cold pint.

I give the stodgy (fattening) Scottish diet two thumbs up!