Foods To Try On A Cruise: Scotland’s Traditional Cuisine

If you’re looking to try interesting, unique and delicious cuisine while on a luxury cruise, Scotland is a fantastic destination. This country has some of the best traditional foods in all of Europe, and exploring via cruise means you’ll be able to sample a variety of dishes in a variety of locations.

Read on for some of the best traditional eats – you can easily sample more than a few while on a cruise. Scotland is sure to impress everyone, from card-carrying foodies to those who just like to taste new dishes.

Haggis

Are you brave enough to try haggis while on your luxury cruise? Scotland is known all over the world for this iconic national dish. It comprises of minced sheep’s pluck (the animal’s heart, liver and lungs), onion, spices, oatmeal, suet and salt, served inside the lining of the sheep’s stomach. No matter how strange it may sound, it’s a delicious Scottish delicacy you simply must try.

Black Pudding

Another dish for all the brave foodies on a luxury cruise. Scotland is well known for black pudding and many foreigners see it on the same level as haggis: a bit intimidating, as it’s made up of oatmeal, sausage meat and, believe it or not, blood. However, once you try it, you’ll come to find this food is delicious.

A Full Scottish

You’ve heard of a full English – now it’s time to try a full Scottish for breakfast one of the mornings of your cruise (Scotland’s restaurants often serve it at all hours of the day, however, so don’t worry if you miss it for your morning meal). It has many of the same fixings as a full English, but it also comes with tattie scones, black pudding and lorne sausages. Often it will include white pudding (the same as black pudding, but with fat instead of blood) or haggis. This one is sure to fill you up and give you enough energy to take on the day.

Leek and Tattie Soup

Don’t worry if all these dishes sound a bit too meaty for your liking – Scotland also a selection of vegetarian-friendly traditional foods. Leak and tattie soup is, as the name implies, a soup made from leeks and tatties (‘tattie’ means potato). This dish, although modest, is a firm favourite among locals and international travellers alike. There really is nothing better to warm (and fill) you up.

For many, the best part of travelling is getting to try the traditional foods of other cultures. Scotland definitely won’t disappoint, as it’s filled with some of the most delicious and unique dishes in all of Europe. Make sure you sample haggis, black pudding and more on your next adventure through this terrific and tasty country.

Author Plate

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury barge holiday itineraries. If you’re planning a relaxing barge cruise, Scotland, France and Italy are just a few of the great destinations you can choose. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.