If you’re taking a food tour of the UK, there’s plenty of traditional food to try in Scotland. Some of which come from fish and cattle native to the region, others from family recipes handed down through the generations. Food tours in the Highlands of Scotland are a fantastic experience!

Below is a selection of traditional food to try in the Highlands, the majority of which can be found in pubs and restaurants across Scotland.

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  • • Haggis
    • Grouse
    • Salmon
    • Mackerel
    • Cullen Skink
    • Aberdeen Steak
    • Lobster
    • Shortbread
    • Tablet

Traditional Food to Try in the Highlands

Whether it's food tours in the Highlands or a pub lunch in a city centre, there's plenty of options on the table.

Haggis

Possibly one of the most famous traditional foods to try in Scotland. More often than not accompanied by “Neeps and Tatties” (root vegetables and potatoes). Haggis itself is a delicate mix containing offal, oatmeal, herbs and spices. One to certainly go for when booking yourself a dinner for Hogmanay or Burns Night celebrations.

Grouse

Scottish wild game provides the key component to any traditional roast dinner or authentic casserole dish. Shooting season takes place between August and December when menus are most likely to feature the likes of Roasted Grouse. Best served complete with rich sauces such as blackcurrant and red wine.

Salmon

Atlantic salmon in Scotland is big business, although always ensure you buy from places that support sustainable fishing and best practices. It’s certainly worth taking care over choosing the right place to eat. With the freshest salmon being available in the likes of the River Dee in Aberdeenshire or in the lochs heading towards Edinburgh.

Mackerel

Once considered a more humble and basic fish, the preconceptions of Scottish Mackerel have been transformed by modern gastronomy. It’s a dish now served as a starter or fish course within many fine dining restaurants, largely due to its versatility.

Cullen Skink

This hearty soup provides the ideal comfort food, perfect for those cold winter nights within the highlands of Scotland. Cullen Skink is traditionally made with smoked haddock, usually from the shores of Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeen Steak

While steakhouses around the globe lay claim to the best steak and chips in the world, nothing’s quite like Aberdeen Angus Beef. The cattle themselves are native to the region, with matured meat providing tender and flavoursome steaks.

Lobster

While shellfish in Scotland comes in a variety of forms, lobster is particularly associated with the East Coast. It is here, just 5 miles out to sea that you can watch the fisherman reeling in their lobster pots ready to deliver to the nearby ports.

Shortbread

Much more than just something to buy at the supermarket to accompany a cup of tea! Authentic Scottish shortbread can be found on street food tours, market stalls and local delicatessens. The buttery delight has long since become a staple of any tourist shop.

Tablet

If you have a sweet tooth, then delicious treats don’t come better than homemade Scottish tablet. Made simply with condensed milk, sugar and butter, it still takes a certain degree of patience and dedication to produce that authentic taste.

Also, remember the Highlands of Scotland are renowned for producing fine whisky. So why not join a whisky tour from Inverness? Follow our blog for more details on drink experiences we currently have available in Scotland.

Food and Drink Tours in the Highlands, Scotland

Here at tabl.com, we have a selection of food tours in the Highlands, experiences and cooking classes available in Scotland. Book online today and you could soon be eating some of the very best traditional food to try in Scotland.