There has been a vast amount of emigration from Scotland over the years, with an estimated two million people leaving the country between 1821 and 1945. It’s hard to believe that anyone would want to depart these glorious lands but, the statistics don’t lie.
This diaspora has allowed Scottish people to extend their culture and traditions far and wide around the globe. This is still happening as well – just look at Edinburgers’ Fish is the Dish challenge, which has spread around the internet. It means that the legendary Scottish cuisine isn’t just confined to the northern parts of Britain anymore and can be enjoyed by people as far away as Australia.
Now, while it’s hard to beat the real thing back at home, it is interesting to try out some different takes on our famous gastronomy. And if you’re thinking of planning a holiday somewhere, it’s good to know that you’ll find some home comfort food while you’re there.
London
If you want Scottish food outside of the country, London is one place where you’ll find a slightly more upmarket take on it. In the England capital, the cuisine is often intertwined with modern British gastronomy. This can result in innovative versions of classic dishes. For example, Boisdale prides itself on upscale Scottish dishes, such as venison carpaccio. There’s also 12:51, which has Scottish tasting items paired with wines.
One of the most interesting things to try in the capital is the haggis toastie at Deeney’s. The Scottish eatery serves up comfort food in a friendly environment, and this hot sandwich concept is one of its most famous offerings. There are even vegetarian and vegan twists on the iconic food item, meaning anyone can enjoy it.
New York
New York is another melting pot of cuisines from cultures all over the world, as the city has welcomed millions of migrants throughout its history. There are around 40,000 New Yorkers who claim to be of Scottish descent, but only about 2000 of these hail from the country. It’s obvious that many generations have passed since the original Scottish travellers set up shop in the city, and the cuisine that they brought with them has evolved a lot in that time as well.
Nowadays, Scottish gastronomy in New York is heavily Americanised, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it has led to new ways to enjoy classic dishes such as Scotch pies and bridies with different fillings. The brunch scene in the city has led to some Scottish breakfast items being reinvented as well, and you’re likely to encounter dishes like haggis hash and black pudding bagels. There are loads of spots in the city to grab some familiar grub with a twist, with Deacon Brodie’s Tavern and the Flying Cock up there with the best.
Toronto
Toronto is another vibrant city that’s well worth a visit regardless of whether you’re on the hunt for Scottish cuisine or not. Like New York, you’ll encounter loads of twists on the classics in the Canadian metropolis. If there’s one thing you’ll instantly notice about Toronto, it’s the welcoming atmosphere and the eclectic mix of foods from a range of cultures.
Saint John’s Tavern is one of the best places to get food that you’d expect to find back home. There are simple items like bread and butter, but they use sourdough and whipped vinegar butter to give it a modern upgrade. There’s also a ploughman’s lunch, which comes with a mixture of Scottish and Canadian items.
If you love fish and chips, Toronto.com recommends stopping at St. Andrews in Scarborough. The restaurant has been in the business for 35 years, so it must be doing something right. Scottish people who visit the region love trying out the dishes to see how they compare to the authentic options back home.
Sydney
In the 1800s, a vast number of Scottish people moved to Australia and at one point made up 12 per cent of the population in the country. The influence of the cuisine dates back more than one hundred years, and some dishes acted as the foundation of what now constitutes Australian gastronomy.
You can find loads of Scottish classics in Sydney, which is one of the most multicultural spots in the country. Dishes like smoked salmon or lamb often come prepared with Australian herbs and spices, resulting in a lighter contrast to the heavier preparations back home. Some of the best places to dine include the Edinburg Castle and Sir William Wallace Hotel.
Which City’s Scottish Cuisine Should You Try?
If you’re considering getting adventurous and sampling the Scottish fare in a different location, a trip like this is going to take a bit of planning. London would be the most accessible city to visit, but the others would be better for a holiday. Arranging a trip to cities in other parts of the world can be expensive, but there are ways to research and find the best deals. For instance, if you’re torn between New York and Toronto, you can go to Opodo to compare the flight prices and see what hotel packages are included as well. By keying in your dates in the search bars, it shows all the options available.
Other factors could influence your decision about which place to visit as well. The internet has a vast number of resources to get solid information about aspects of a city before you go there. You can check out reviews of some of the restaurants you could potentially visit, or even read blogs to find out what else these locations have to offer. Of course, you don’t necessarily need to pick just one city. You could visit one this year, and another next year. That way, you’ll be able to discern for yourself which one has the best Scottish cuisine.
It’s fair to say that here at Edinburgers we never get tired of Scottish dishes. However, it’s also interesting to see how they have been adapted around the world. We advise you to pick a spot and go out to do some of your own research. Get ready for a wild adventure for the taste buds!
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