There are many truly amazing things about Scotland. Of course, there is the rich and often bloody history, the beautiful natural landscapes, and obviously the whiskey. One that often escapes mention is that you can get all you meat dishes in pastry form.
- Sausage rolls
- Cornish pasties
- Steak pies
- Scotch pies
- Chicken/Steak bake
Some would say that this diet is not in your long term interest and those people would probably be right. However, it is essential to eat like a local as much as possible. In Scotland, that means takeaway shops. Pies and pasties have fuelled the Scottish working man for generations…who am I complain.
As you’d expect, there are some takeaway places that are just disgusting. Though the good ones call you back with their close proximity to home (or the pub) and the alluring and dominating scent of grease. Gregg’s are a chain of bakeries, by far the biggest in the Edinburgh area. If you haven’t eaten in a while or don’t expect to, their steak and chicken bakes are a nice snack to get you through the next hour or two. The best thing about them is that they are warm and you can easily eat them while walking. They’re not gross, but are definitely fast food. The Piemaker is on north bridge, and tastes much better than Gregg’s. It is just around the corner from the Jazz Bar, and is open late. Very convenient for a late night sausage roll. Rose Street is another good one if I’m in the new town. For most other things, I tend to stop at the Tailend or Eatalia’s on Leith Walk. I’m sure there are better places to eat, but you can’t beat the convenience. A scotch pie is better enjoyed at home, where there are metal forks and warm chairs to sit in. I really can’t be bothered to walk 30 minutes to 1 hour for takeaway – it’s usually a cold walk and it really defeats the purpose. But in summary, meat and pastry is mmm….mmm…good
Wright After Reading 