Local Favorites in Edinburgh

Haggis: The King o' the Puddin' Race

The much-misunderstood traditional dish of Scotland, haggis may be an acquired taste, but a well-made one is delicious with mashed potatoes and swede. Macsween of Edinburgh (www.macsween.co.uk) is a long-established family business specializing in Robert Burn's "King o' the Puddin' Race." Macsween haggis includes lamb, beef, oatmeal, onions, and a special blend of seasonings and spices cooked together and stuffed into a natural casing. They also make a popular vegetarian version. Both are sold in vacuum-packed plastic bags and require only reheating in a microwave or simmering pot of water. You can find this company's product at a range of food stores and supermarkets throughout Edinburgh.

Tea for Two?

New in town is The Edinburgh Larder, 15 Blackfriars St. (tel. 0131/556-6922), for specially sourced teas (and coffees), as well as rich cakes such as dark chocolate and beetroot. For a formal venue, try the Palm Court at the The Balmoral, 1 Princes St. (tel. 0131/556-2414).