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What to eat in Scotland? Top 11 Scottish Seafood Dishes

Last update: Fri Feb 14 2025
Top 11 Scottish Seafood Dishes
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01

Fish Soup

CULLEN, Scotland
4.4
Cullen Skink
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Even though it has been traditionally prepared all along the coast, Cullen skink is a dish originating from the fishing village of Cullen in Northeastern Scotland. This thick and creamy fish soup is typically based on smoked haddock cooked with milk, leeks, onions, and potatoes which provide the filling bulk.


Some recipes specify the use of Arbroath smokies, although just about any smoked white fish will do. Cullen skink will go hand in hand with a glass of dry white wine, but to indulge in a true Scottish feast, try pairing it with Scotch whisky.

MOST ICONIC Cullen Skink

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02
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Finnan haddie is a Scottish delicacy of cold smoked, flavored haddock. The fish is often roasted or grilled over high heat, but it can also be poached in milk and served for breakfast. It is believed that the dish was originally called Findon haddocks, after Findon, Scotland, the place where it was first invented in the 18th century.

MOST ICONIC Finnan Haddie

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03

Saltwater Fish Dish

SCOTLAND and  3 more regions
4.1
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Fish and chips is a traditional dish consisting of freshly fried fish fillets and sliced fried potatoes. The fish is dipped in a batter of eggs, flour, and milk, and it’s then fried in oil, lard, or beef drippings. The most common types of fish used are cod, haddock, skate, and pollock, but cod is the most popular choice, with 60% of all fish and chips meals using it as the preferred fish.


Cod has a texture that is very supple, tender, and mild, and it makes for a great contrast to the crispy-fried batter shell. In addition, its tender meat nicely absorbs the condiments and seasonings such as malt vinegar and salt. You can find fish and chips made with cod throughout the country, but it’s especially popular in southern seaside towns such as Hastings and Brighton.

04

Saltwater Fish Dish

SCOTLAND and  3 more regions
3.9
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Most Brits would agree that there is nothing more British than fish and chips. This comforting, widely loved national dish consists of a freshly fried, hot, white fish fillet and large, sliced and fried potatoes. Cod, haddock, and flounder are the most common types of fish that is fried for the dish, and the customers can choose which type of fish they want, with cod being the most popular choice.


The fillets get dipped in a batter made from eggs, milk, and flour, and are then fried in oil, lard, or beef drippings along with the potatoes. The origins of this dish go back to the 17th century, when potatoes were fried as a substitute for fish in the winter months, while fried fish was introduced into the country by Jewish refugees. 

MOST ICONIC Fish and chips

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05

Saltwater Fish Dish

SCOTLAND and  3 more regions
3.9
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Fish and chips is a traditional dish consisting of freshly fried fish fillets and sliced fried potatoes. The fish is dipped in a batter of eggs, flour, and milk, and it’s then fried in oil, lard, or beef drippings. The most common types of fish used are cod, haddock, skate, and pollock, but cod is the most popular choice, with 60% of all fish and chips meals using it as the preferred fish.


Plaice, on the other hand, has a more pronounced flavor than cod, while its texture is relatively light. The fish takes other flavors exceptionally well, and it’s also great for battering, which is the reason why it’s often offered on fish and chips menus. 
06

Saltwater Fish Dish

SCOTLAND and  3 more regions
3.9
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Fish and chips is a traditional dish consisting of freshly fried fish fillets and sliced fried potatoes. The fish is dipped in a batter of eggs, flour, and milk, and it’s then fried in oil, lard, or beef drippings. The most common types of fish used are cod, haddock, skate, and pollock, but cod is the most popular choice, with 60% of all fish and chips meals using it as the preferred fish.


Skate, on the other hand, is usually found in fish and chips shops along the west coast of Scotland. The fish has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that perfectly pairs with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. However, the downside of using skate for fish and chips is that the tender meat first has to be removed from a myriad of bones that can be found in each wing of the fish.

07

Saltwater Fish Dish

SCOTLAND and  3 more regions
3.5
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Fish and chips is a traditional dish consisting of freshly fried fish fillets and sliced fried potatoes. The fish is dipped in a batter of eggs, flour, and milk, and it’s then fried in oil, lard, or beef drippings. The most common types of fish used are cod, haddock, skate, and pollock, but cod is the most popular choice, with 60% of all fish and chips meals using it as the preferred fish.


Pollock, on the other hand, is often used as an inexpensive, eco-friendly alternative to cod. The flesh is also soft and succulent, just as cod, but the texture is a bit more flaky, while the flavors are slightly sweet. Due to the fact that pollock is a robust fish, it’s easily battered and fried before it’s enjoyed with a heap of chips on the side.

08
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Tweed kettle, also known as salmon hash, refers to a poached salmon that is typically served doused in a flavorful fish broth and accompanied with either potatoes or mushrooms, while the fish itself is simmered with fresh herbs and spring onions, or syboes, as the Scots call them.


In the 19th century, this Scottish classic was one of the most popular dishes that was frequently served in the ale houses of old Edinburgh. Its name is derived from the River Tweed—one of Scotland's greatest salmon rivers—and the traditional method of preparation; poaching the whole salmon in a fish kettle.

09
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Tatties and herring is a traditional dish originating from Scotland. It's made with a combination of salt herring, potatoes, and salt. The fish is washed and sokaed in cold water overnight. The potaotes are boiled in salted water until just cooked.


The fish is simmered in another pot until the flesh is just soft, and it's then placed on heated plates. As soon as they're soft, the potatoes are removed from the water, drained, and returned to the heat for a few minutes before they're served whole, with their skin on, and accompanied by butter. 
10
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Cabbie claw is a traditional fish dish originating from Scotland. The dish consists of cod that's served in white sauce. It is usually made with a combination of cod, horseradish, parsley, mashed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and paprika, while the sauce consists of flour, milk, butter, fish stock, salt, and pepper.


The cod fillets are simmered in a pan with parsley, salt, and horseradish. The mashed potatoes are piped around a large dish, and the fish is placed in the center. The sauce is cooked in a saucepan, then mixed with the chopped hard-boiled eggs and poured over the cod. 
11

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 11 Scottish Seafood Dishes” list until February 14, 2025, 1,392 ratings were recorded, of which 1,217 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Scottish Seafood Dishes