Top 10 foods to try in Scotland

10 Scottish foods to try

1. Haggis

Haggis represents the best of Scottish cooking, using every part of the animal and adding lots of flavour and spices. Of course, it has so much tradition attached as well; across the world, people associate haggis with Scotland. It's traditionally made from 'sheep's pluck' – the finely chopped liver, heart and lungs – mixed with oatmeal, suet, herbs, spices and seasoning, packed into a natural casing (traditionally sheep intestines) and boiled or baked.

Read our guide, what is haggis for more info on this national dish , including how it's made, cooked and best enjoyed. If you’ve never had it before, it’s best tried the traditional way - see our recipe for haggis, neeps and tatties. Looking for a meat-free version

2. Fresh fish

The fish and seafood that Scotland’s waters have to offer are just sensational. There's a variety of fresh fish to sample, including Atlantic salmon, trout and pollock, not to mention an abundance of mussels and oysters.

Try our trout with lovage, pea purée & crisp spring onions.

3. Lobster

One of my favourite holiday moments in Scotland was sitting on a beach on the west coast on a beautiful sunny day, eating squat lobster with my wife. This sweet and succulent seafood is delicious served straight from the sea, slathered in melted butter. It can be boiled or grilled and makes a great addition to simple pasta dishes.

Try our best lobster recipes, from luxurious lobster thermidor to casual lobster rolls.

4. Grouse

Scottish game is distinctive and versatile, and grouse is a particularly treasured ingredient for its beautiful flavours. During its shooting season (usually from the beginning of August until the end of December), you can get plump birds straight from the Scottish moors. Each bird is normally enough to serve one person and they're delicious roasted or stewed in casseroles.

Try our roast grouse with blackcurrant & beetroot sauce for your own taste of the wilds, and check out our top tips for buying and cooking game.

5. Cullen skink

This classic Scottish soup with smoked haddock, potatoes and leek should really be made with Finnan haddie, a cold-smoked haddock from Aberdeenshire. I remember trying it for the first time at a cosy pub down the road from my parents’ house when I was about 12 years old. This classic, comforting soup is a hug in a bowl.

Serve up a satisfying bowl of our cullen skink.

6. Clootie dumpling

It's not all about the savoury. Bake this classic steamed Scottish pudding, rich in spices and dried fruit. Enjoy on Burns Night with a wee dram and custard or ice cream to serve.

Finish your Burns Night feast with a classic clootie dumpling.

7. Gin

Gins created in Scotland are plentiful and it’s wonderful to see so many producers perfecting the careful craft of distilling, from Edinburgh Gin to the Isle of Islay's The Botanist. I am also a great fan of the new Fidra Gin, which is a Scottish dry gin made from locally foraged botanicals in East Lothian, just outside of Edinburgh.

Want to experiment with this classic Scottish drink? Try our five ways with gin & tonic for simple cocktails you can make in minutes. Get inspiration for your next cocktail evening with our gin cocktail recipes and flavoured gin recipes.

8. Whisky

You can't come to Scotland without having a wee dram. It’s wonderful to see new whiskys being launched so more people can enjoy and discover it – more than any other spirit, the flavours are incredibly diverse. Whether you're partial to something light and fruity or a full-bodied smoky sip, there's something for everyone.

Do your research before you head off and sample our best bottles of whisky, taste tested by experts. Get inspiration from our whisky cocktail recipes and then try your hand at mixology with our 5 easy whisky cocktails.

9. Porridge

Porridge is a staple of the Scottish diet, ideal for staving off the winter chill. Some like it sweet, some salty; my version is a little bit of both, with sea salt and grated apple. Try giving it some texture by adding walnuts or sunflower seeds.

Start your day off with our favourite porridge recipes or jazz up your standard bowl of oats with our best ever porridge toppings.

Discover how to make the perfect bowl of porridge and the health benefits of oats.

10. Shortbread

Shortbread is a great addition to a celebration or a Burns Night supper. Try serving it with raspberry and local honey, alongside cranachan, or with teas and coffees to end the evening on a sweetly Scottish note. Another Scottish sweet treat that makes a great end to a meal is Scottish tablet. Try a whole host of flavours, from chocolate and caramel to delicate rosewater, with our ultimate shortbread recipes.

Make our simple, three-ingredient shortbread biscuits for the perfect pairing with your cuppa.

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Tom Kitchin is the chef and founder of Michelin-starred restaurant The Kitchin, and has recently opened sister venues Southside Scran and The Bonnie Badger.

Are you a fan of Scottish cuisine? Share your must-try dishes below…

Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the country they are travelling to.