Discovering Scotland’s Most Iconic Dishes

I had come to Scotland hoping to learn more about its history, but equally excited to try authentic Scottish food for the first time. Like many visitors, I knew a few famous Scottish dishes by name, but that’s about it. Booking a food tour seemed like the perfect way to experience local cuisine while exploring Merchant City, one of Glasgow’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods. And I heard there would be whiskey.

On a crisp morning in late October, we met our guide, Gillian, near the historic Tolboth Steeple, the iconic 17^th-century clock tower in the heart of Merchant City. My husband, Brian, and I were the only guests on the food tour that day, which made the experience feel wonderfully personal from the very beginning. As we introduced ourselves, Gillian’s passion for Glasgow immediately shone through. She spoke about her city with genuine affection and pride, eager to share with us its stories, hidden corners and culinary treasures.

Standing across from the old tower, we learned how Merchant City earned its name. During the 18th century, wealthy merchants who traded tobacco, sugar and textiles built their fortunes here, transforming the district into one of the most prosperous areas of Scotland. Today, those grand ambitions remain etched into the architecture. Elegant Victorian warehouses, ornate stone façades and beautifully restored buildings line the streets, offering glimpses into the city’s remarkable past.

Our first stop was TheDorkyFrench vegan bakery, a charming establishment owned by self-taught French chef Marlène Mamia. Tucked along High Street, the smell of fresh pastries met us even before stepping inside. Everything looked almost too beautiful to eat. Gillian explained how Glasgow’s food scene has evolved in recent years, embracing creativity and innovation while still honouring local traditions. The pastries we sampled were delicate, flaky and packed with flavour. You wouldn’t know they were vegan unless someone mentioned it. Though initially skeptical, I was won over once I sank my teeth into a chocolate croissant.

As we strolled through Merchant City, Gillian pointed out architectural details and historical landmarks that I would have completely missed on my own. Every street seemed to tell a story. Some buildings reflected the wealth of Glasgow’s merchant era, while others revealed the city’s industrial heritage and ongoing transformation.

Along the way, we encountered examples of Glasgow’s famous street art. The city is renowned for its murals, and seeing them in person added another fascinating layer to our walk. One of my favourites was Fellow Glasgow Residents by local artist Smug, a stunning photorealistic mural featuring a collection of animals that seem to emerge from the wall itself. We also admired Saint Mungo, another remarkable work by Smug, depicting Glasgow’s patron saint in exquisite detail.

My husband, an unapologetic science nerd, loved the famous Wonderwall mural on the west gable of the Graham Hills Building at the University of Strathclyde. The enormous artwork celebrates innovation, science and learning, creating a striking visual landmark in the heart of the city. The contrast between these contemporary works and the surrounding historic architecture perfectly captured Glasgow’s unique character. Its murals have become symbols of the city’s creative spirit.

Our second stop was Bare Bones Chocolate, one of Glasgow’s most respected artisan chocolate makers, known for its bean-to-bar approach. As we stepped inside from the chilly autumn air, we were greeted with a rich cup of hot chocolate topped with a homemade marshmallow. On a cool late October day, it felt absolutely perfect—creamy, velvety and decadent. As we sipped, we learned about Bare Bones’ commitment to using natural ingredients and carefully sourcing their cacao. We sampled several chocolates—each with a distinct flavour profile showcasing the craftsmanship behind every bar.

By now, my husband and I felt as though we were exploring the city with an old friend rather than following a tour guide. Gillian’s stories brought Glasgow to life, connecting its food, architecture and history in ways that made each stop more meaningful.

Our third stop took us to Table Twenty Eight, where we enjoyed one of our favourite dishes of the day—perfectly seared Orkney scallops served with squid ink risotto. The scallops arrived beautifully presented, their caramelized exterior giving way to tender, delicately sweet flesh. The cold, clean waters surrounding Scotland’s Orkney Islands produce some of the world’s best seafood. One bite was all the proof I needed.

As we continued our walk, Gillian shared stories about Glasgow’s evolution from a major industrial centre to a thriving cultural destination. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be another beautiful building, hidden courtyard, or an intriguing historical detail waiting to be discovered.

Our fourth stop brought us to Mharsanta Restaurant & Bar, where I experienced some of Scotland’s most iconic traditional dishes. First came cullen skink, a rich, creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. The smoky flavour was wonderfully comforting and felt perfectly suited to Scotland’s climate—warm, hearty and satisfying.

Next came haggis, neeps and tatties. Haggis is a savoury dish traditionally made with minced meat, oats, and spices, served alongside neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes). It came topped with a silky whiskey cream sauce that added richness to every bite.

I had been keen to try haggis because it’s such an iconic Scottish dish. I really wanted to like it. While I appreciated the tradition behind it, I have to admit that I didn’t love it. Still, that’s part of travel, too—trying new things, even when they don’t become instant favourites. The neeps, tatties and whiskey sauce were excellent, and I was content to have finally tasted a dish that plays such an important role in Scottish culture. A shot of local whiskey concluded our visit. Its distinct peaty, smoky, caramel notes felt like there was a party going on in my mouth as I slowly savoured it. There’s nothing like sipping whiskey in the country that perfected it.

En route to our last stop, we strolled past Glasgow Cathedral, which has roots in the 12^th century. It’s the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 virtually intact. And just behind it sits The Necropolis, a Victorian-era cemetery inspired by the grandeur of Père Lachaise in Paris, now the final resting place of 50,000 souls, including some of Glasgow’s richest tobacco tycoons. Perhaps it’s macabre but I’m endlessly fascinated by old cemeteries and the stories they preserve.

Upon arrival at Drygate Bar Kitchen and Brewing Co., we enjoyed classic fish and chips paired with locally brewed craft beer. The fish was perfectly crisp and flaky, while the chips delivered exactly the kind of comforting satisfaction you hope for. The brewery’s own Gladeye IPA packed a hoppy punch that cleansed the palate.

As our tour wrapped up, I realized how much we’d experienced in just a few hours. We had tasted everything from artisan chocolate and fresh Orkney scallops to cullen skink and Scottish whiskey. We had explored centuries of history, admired remarkable architecture and discovered some remarkable street art.

But most importantly, we had experienced the city through Gillian’s eyes and felt her love for Glasgow. She transformed the tour into something far more enriching than a simple food walk. Merchant City became more than a historic district that had experienced a boom-bust-renaissance. It became a place filled with stories, creativity, resilience and community.

I began the day hoping to sample traditional Scottish food and learn a little about Glasgow’s past. I left with a much deeper appreciation for both. The combination of exceptional food, history and art, plus Gillian’s infectious enthusiasm made it one of the most memorable experiences of our time in Scotland.

For anyone wanting to discover the true heart of Glasgow, one bite and one story at a time, this Merchant City experience is an experience not to be missed.

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