10 Foods You’ll Probably Butcher Pronouncing on an Edinburgh Food Tour
Don’t worry—everyone’s done it.
When you embark on an Edinburgh food tour, you’re not just walking into a feast for the senses; you’re also wading into a linguistic minefield. Scotland is renowned for its hearty, traditional dishes, but it’s equally infamous for its unique names, some of which will have your tongue doing backflips just trying to get them right.
To save you from that awkward moment of mumbling your order while pointing at the menu (we’ve all been there), here’s a guide to 10 Scottish foods you’re likely to butcher—along with handy pronunciation tips so you can almost sound like a local.
1. Cullen Skink
Pronounced: CULL-in SKINK
What you think it is: Some kind of creepy fish with legs?
What it actually is: A delicious, creamy smoked haddock soup.
Let’s clear this one up straight away: there are no skinks (the lizard) involved. This traditional Scottish soup from the town of Cullen is made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. But try not to let the “skink” part throw you—no amphibians here! Just hearty, comforting goodness.
2. Cranachan
Pronounced: KRAN-a-kun
What you think it is: A medieval battle-cry?
What it actually is: A dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, oats, honey, and whisky.
Cranachan might look like a word you should yell as you charge into battle, but it’s much sweeter than that! This delightful dessert, often enjoyed in summer, is a combination of all things Scottish—especially whisky. Just remember to keep your “ch” soft, like you’re clearing your throat… gently.
3. Haggis
Pronounced: HAG-iss
What you think it is: Everyone knows haggis, right?
What it actually is: Yes, you do know it—Scotland’s beloved national dish made from sheep’s offal, oats, and spices.
Ok, so haggis isn’t a tongue-twister, but if you haven’t yet mispronounced this one, you’ve probably misunderstood what’s in it. Just think of it as spicy, meaty goodness. But whatever you do, don’t call it “hag-guss.”
4. Rumbledethumps
Pronounced: RUM-bul-de-thumps
What you think it is: A children’s game?
What it actually is: A traditional Scottish side dish made from mashed potatoes, cabbage, and onions.
This is Scotland’s answer to bubble and squeak—only with a more Scottish name. It may sound like something that happens when you fall down a hill, but rest assured, it’s just a lovely dish of mashed veggies, perfect alongside your meat pie. Say it with confidence, and you’re already halfway to nailing it.
5. Tattie Scone
Pronounced: TA-tee SKON
What you think it is: A tricky translation of scone?
What it actually is: A flat, potato-based bread served with a full Scottish breakfast.
First off, if you call it a “SKOHN,” you’ll be immediately outed as an imposter (or English). Scots say “SKON.” And since “tattie” is the Scots word for potato, it’s just a humble potato scone—perfectly fried, crispy, and often covered in butter. Best served in a breakfast roll with bacon.
6. Stovies
Pronounced: STO-vees
What you think it is: A nickname for a cooker?
What it actually is: A traditional dish of slow-cooked potatoes, onions, and leftover meat.
Stovies come from the word “stove,” since the dish is slowly simmered. While it sounds simple enough, tourists often give it the Spanish treatment, saying STOH-vees (as in chorizo). Nope—keep it simple and soft, and you’ll do just fine.
7. Forfar Bridie
Pronounced: FOR-fur BRY-dee
What you think it is: A distant cousin of Hagrid?
What it actually is: A Scottish meat pastry filled with minced beef and onions.
Forfar is a town in Angus, and the Bridie is basically Scotland’s version of the Cornish pasty. The trick here is the soft “r” at the end of Forfar and making sure “Bridie” rhymes with “Friday,” not “bride.” You’re welcome.
8. Clapshot
Pronounced: KLAP-shot
What you think it is: A term from tennis?
What it actually is: A side dish of mashed potatoes and turnips (or swedes, for the Brits out there).
Clapshot is often served with haggis, and while the name might sound like a sports injury, it’s actually a mash-up of two Scottish staples—tatties and neeps. There’s nothing tricky here; just say it as it’s spelled and enjoy this underrated comfort food.
9. Arbroath Smokie
Pronounced: ar-BROHTH SMO-kee
What you think it is: Some kind of smoky broth?
What it actually is: A smoked haddock from Arbroath, a town on the east coast of Scotland.
This is where many tourists get tripped up. Arbroath is a town, not a broth. The “broath” bit is soft, like “oath,” and the whole thing refers to one of Scotland’s finest smoked fish delicacies. It’s worth learning to pronounce, especially when you’re ordering seconds.
10. Cock-a-Leekie Soup
Pronounced: KOK-a-LEE-kee
What you think it is: Maybe something you shouldn’t say in public?
What it actually is: A classic Scottish chicken and leek soup.
Fear not, Cock-a-Leekie soup is perfectly innocent (though its name often prompts a giggle or two). It’s a hearty chicken broth with leeks and prunes (yes, prunes), traditionally served in the cold Scottish winters. The name might be funny, but it’s serious business in the taste department.
Bonus Tip: How to Cheat Your Way Through the Tough Ones
If all else fails, and you’re still staring at a menu filled with baffling Scottish food names, remember the ultimate tourist trick: just point, smile, and hope for the best. When in doubt, asking for “that one with the potatoes” will usually lead you in the right direction.
Now It’s Your Turn!
Feeling brave enough to tackle these Scottish food names in person? On our Edinburhttps://chubbyfellow.com/ready-made-tours/edinburgh-old-town.htmlgh food tour, you’ll not only get to taste these traditional dishes but also impress your guide with your (hopefully) spot-on pronunciation. Book now and see if you can order like a local without getting tongue-tied!
