Food and drink

Scotland has a rich natural larder and offers a diverse range of food shops for everyone to enjoy.

Ethnic foods

You can buy dried squid in Glasgow’s Chinatown, pick up truffles and extra virgin oil in Edinburgh’s Italian delicatessens, or buy spices and basmati rice in an Asian store in Aberdeen.

Every major town in Scotland has various cultural communities whose local shops cater for their needs.

Entrepreneurs from Asia and Europe started to establish themselves in Scotland in the 1970s and set up  restaurants and supermarkets - Glasgow is known as the curry capital of Great Britain.

Also, large Muslim and Jewish communities mean that there is no trouble finding Halal butchers or Kosher suppliers.

Farmers markets

With strong demand for greater choice in quality food, old-fashioned farmer’s markets are now growing in number throughout Scotland.

Here shoppers can get the freshest produce available – from organic vegetables, free-range meat, cheeses and wine, to seafood plucked from the sea that very morning.

Shoppers can discuss their purchases with food-producers, and enjoy a shopping experience not offered by more-anonymous supermarkets.

An increasing trend for organic food has exploded in the UK. Many farmers now deliver boxes of seasonal vegetables straight to your door.

Organic foods are also available from the numerous health food stores and delicatessens that cater for vegetarians, vegans and people on special diets.

Scotland's quality produce

To really enjoy the best that Scotland has to offer you should make friends with your local butcher, fishmonger and vegetable store.

Some of the produce that Scotland is famous for, includes:

  • Aberdeen Angus beef
  • Highland venison and game
  • Lobster, oysters, scallops and fish
  • Vegetables and fruits

Try picking your own raspberries and soft fruits in Fife, catching your own salmon and trout in Perthshire, buy fresh oysters, lobsters or crabs from a harbour-side café in Oban, or stop off at a farm shop to buy meat and dairy products in Dumfries and Galloway.

Scotland's supermarkets

All towns have at least one big supermarket chain, who all offer very wide ranges of international food and drink as well as organic and fresh produce.

The larger supermarkets provide almost any ingredient you may need - from Thai lemongrass to sweet potatoes from the Caribbean.

Busy people can use their excellent internet shopping and home delivery.