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Edinburgh’s Royal Mile: A Gastronomic Walking Tour

Edinburgh's Royal Mile, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, is not only the heart of Scotland’s historic capital but also a gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored. This iconic street, packed with centuries of Scottish history, offers an array of epicurean experiences. Read on for a delectable journey along the Royal Mile showcasing the best of traditional and modern Scottish flavors.

Start at the Castle: Traditional Scottish Breakfast

Beginning at the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, you'll find charming cafes offering traditional Scottish breakfasts. Indulge in a hearty plate of tattie scones (a mixture of mashed potatoes and flour), Lorne sausage, black pudding, and fried eggs. Alternatively, try a bowl of traditional Scottish porridge, made from oats (one of the few grains that thrived in the local climate) and enjoyed by Scots since late medieval times. 

Traditional Scottish Breakfast 1

Midday Treats: Artisanal Cheese and Shortbread

As you descend the cobbled streets of the Mile, discover specialty food shops tucked within the medieval buildings that offer a wide selection of artisan cheeses. Sample historical cheeses like the rich, buttery Caboc, originally made for Scottish nobility, or the soft, creamy Crowdie, believed to be introduced by the Vikings and later a key part of the rural Scottish diet. Nearby, you'll find bakeries selling freshly baked shortbread, a buttery Scottish classic that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.

Artisanal Cheese

Lunch Stop: Modern Scottish Cuisine

For lunch, venture into one of the contemporary restaurants along the Mile that are reimagining Scottish cuisine. Here, you might find innovative dishes like haggis bon bons (bite sized balls of minced sheep organs, mixed with spices and coated in bread crumbs), Cullen skink (a creamy fish soup), or venison with a whisky sauce. These eateries blend traditional ingredients with modern cooking techniques, offering a fresh perspective on Scottish flavors.

Cullen skink

Sweet Indulgence: Tablet and Ice Cream

For a sweet treat, stop by a confectionery to try Scottish tablet, a beloved dessert in Scotland made from sugar, condensed milk, and butter. For a cooler option, especially on a surprise sunny Edinburgh day, look for shops serving Scottish ice cream, often featuring unique flavors like Irn-Bru (based on a Scottish soft drink), Scottish tablet, tayberry (a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry named after the River Tay), or whisky, honey, and oat.

Scottish Tablet Ice Cream

Afternoon Tea with a View

As the afternoon progresses, treat yourself to a traditional Scottish afternoon tea. Several establishments along the Royal Mile offer this experience, complete with finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of local pastries such as shortbread and tablet. Savor your tea while soaking in the atmosphere and unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the Royal Mile.

traditional Scottish afternoon tea 1

Early Evening: Seafood Delights

Scotland's coastline provides some of the finest seafood in the world. As evening approaches, seek out restaurants specializing in Scottish seafood. Savor fresh oysters from Loch Fyne on the west coast, succulent langoustines— also known as “Norway lobsters,” or smoked salmon, a classic Scottish dish served with oatcakes.

Scottish dish smoked salmon with oatcakes

Dinner: Fine Dining with a Scottish Twist

Conclude your culinary journey with a fine dining experience at one of the high-end restaurants near the bottom of the Mile. These establishments often offer tasting menus that take you on a gastronomic tour of Scotland, featuring ingredients like Aberdeen Angus beef, wild salmon, and foraged herbs from the Highlands.

Nightcap: Craft Cocktails with Local Spirits

End your evening at a cozy pub or cocktail bar. Indulge in a dram of whisky— Speyside and Highland single malts are popular choices. Or try a specialty cocktail made whisky or the increasingly popular Scottish gin. 

cocktail

This culinary walking tour of the Royal Mile offers a comprehensive taste of Scotland's rich food and drink culture. From traditional favorites to modern interpretations, every bite and sip tells a story of Scotland's culinary heritage. As you walk along the Mile, past historic landmarks, grand townhouses, and ancient churches, enjoy the symbols of Scottish pride and gain a deeper appreciation for the integral role food plays in Scottish culture and history. 

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