Haggis is Scotland’s national dish that has been enjoyed by Scots for centuries. It is made from cows or sheep’s offal prepared with oatmeal, suet and seasonings. Many visitors of Scotland are not familiar with what a ‘Haggis’ actually is and for a bit of ‘craic’ (banter) locals will convince them that it’s a four-legged creature that roams the Scottish Highlands.
Jokes aside, the dish is not only delicious but also central to other cultural traditions of the country. Every year we celebrate Burns Night, an evening held in honour of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns which involves a ‘Burns Supper’ consisting of haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
Scots closely associate the poet with haggis as one of his famous works is a love letter to the dish where he calls it the “Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!” In short, it’s a staple of Scottish cuisine and for anyone visiting Auld Reekie (“Edinburgh” in the Scots language) then it really is a must-try.
To show you where you can get your hands on some, here are our top picks of Haggis restaurants for you to enjoy in our wonderful capital city.
9. The Last Drop
The Last Drop rests in the Grassmarket where it is named after the last hanging that took place there in Edinburgh’s history (“fun” fact). That aside, it is a venue that has been called a “haggis-lover’s paradise” as it offers exceptional haggis on its menu that includes a vegetarian option if needed. (Address: 74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR) | Screenshot via Shiran De Silva on YouTube
10. Greyfriars Bobby's Bar
An establishment named after Scotland’s most iconic and loyal wee dug whose statue you can find outside, the Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar is a historic local that delights guests with their pub fare. This includes the classic haggis, neeps and tatties option that is also available for vegetarians. (Address: 30-34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE) | zoetnet on Flickr
11. Teuchters Landing
Teuchters Landing (named after the word for a Gaelic-speaking Highlander of Scotland) is situated in the popular shore area of Leith in Edinburgh. Aside from having roughly 80 malt whiskies on offer, it also made headlines this year for being named in the ‘top 10 best places in the UK to have breakfast’. TripAdvisor reviews add that it’s a “great place to try Haggis”. (Address: 1c Dock Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LU) | via WikiCommons
12. The White Hart
The White Hart Inn’s origins can be traced back to 1516 but the building today is slightly more “recent” at 1740. It is said to be the place where Robert Burns himself would dine, and to this day it is regarded as a lively pub that serves top-notch haggis (that comes in vegetarian options too.) (Address: 32 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU) | via WikiCommons