Scotland – Food & Beverage

Where does a country gain its flavor if not from the local food and beverages? Often we travel to a country specifically for an edible creation native to that country or area and we will bring back those treats to enjoy later or give as gifts.
Scotland has its share of traditional food and drink, although I think people go more for the beverages myself!

A typical breakfast in Scotland would consist of eggs, a tattie scone (made of potatoes), baked beans, grilled tomato and black pudding, with a side of porridge.

Porridge, or oatmeal, is popular with a little milk, dried fruits and sugar, but it’s also the ingredient in many Scottish recipes, including their sausages. Black pudding (also known as blood pudding) is made of pork blood and oatmeal along with spices and is very popular with the locals.

Probably the most famous Scottish dish is Haggis, although the ingredients often turn away visitors. It’s made with oatmeal, onions, spices and sheep’s “pluck”, which are its
heart, liver and lungs. Traditionally contained within the animal’s stomach lining, now they are encased in an artificial lining. The famous poet Robert Burns even wrote a poem to honor Haggis!

Scotch pie is another traditional meal. A full crust wrapped around a meat filling, this is often popular as a “fast food” as it can be carried with you on the go. Stovies are similar to shephard’s pie or cottage pie, with a meat and vegetable filling topped with potatoes and baked.

Shortbread is said to have originated in Scotland and is certainly a favorite treat. Simply made from sugar, butter and flour in 1:2:3 ratio, this is definitely a gift brought home!

What would you expect the national drink of Scotland to be? Well Scotch whiskey, of course! This particular whiskey typically distilled from malt barley, is aged in oak barrels for at least three years, but the longer it is aged, the more preferred and expensive it becomes. There are also different types of Scotch, including single grain, blended and blended malt. Most people are either a lover or a hater of Scotch. Which are you?

Don’t worry, if you’re a hater, Scotland has plenty of breweries creating craft beers and there’s also Scottish gin, which is gaining in popularity.

Whatever your preference, you won’t go hungry or thirsty while visiting Scotland!