4 Views

Haggis could be Scotland’s nationwide dish, however Cullen skink is maybe the nation’s subsequent best-known culinary delight. This hearty haddock and potato-based soup is amongst my favourite Scottish meals, with its signature creamy consistency and mouthwatering smokey flavors.

Since beginning my Edinburgh meals excursions, I’ve tried my fair proportion of takes on this beloved dish, that means I do know a factor or two about the place to seek out one of the best Cullen skink within the metropolis!

Under, you’ll discover my picks for one of the best locations for Cullen skink in Edinburgh, that are positive to depart you craving for a second serving to.

What Makes a Nice Cullen Skink?

The unique Cullen skink recipe comes from its namesake seaside city, Cullen, in northeast Scotland. Though this nourishing soup was first made utilizing beef, Cullen residents within the late 1800s substituted the meat for smoked haddock, teaming it with a mixture of potatoes, onions, milk, and butter.

This mix of substances stays well-liked in most areas, however some variations exist, equivalent to swapping milk for cream or utilizing one other kind of smoked fish. In choose eateries, significantly in larger cities like Edinburgh, you could even discover cooks placing different inventive spins on this age-old recipe.

Nevertheless, the serving fashion stays largely the identical all through the nation, as you’ll virtually at all times discover crusty bread or savory oatcakes on the facet.

Finest Locations for Cullen Skink in Edinburgh

Teuchters Touchdown

Photograph credit score: Teuchters Touchdown

A vastly well-liked spot that’s vying for the title of one of the best Cullen skink in Edinburgh is Teuchters Touchdown. From its cute waterside location within the Leith district to the cozy wood tavern-style interiors, that is the proper place to heat up for lunch on a winter’s day.

After I got here right here, they served me the unique Cullen skink. Offered in a big mug with crispy bread on the facet, the smokey haddock mixed with the candy punch of the onion was a delight.

Moreover the well-known specialty, additionally they provide another good seafood dishes just like the Teuchters seafood combo with scallops, oysters, mackerel pate, and rather more.

Teuchters Touchdown – Edinburgh EH6 6LU – Open daily from 10:00 am to 1:00 am.

Luckenbooths

Photograph credit score: Luckenbooths

Luckenbooths in Edinburgh’s Previous City serves their tackle this basic at lunch and dinner. I used to be struck by the elegant ambiance as I entered, with the smooth interiors and big champagne cupboard setting the tone.

The recipe they ship right here could be the usual one, nevertheless it was tastier than most I’ve ever tried. No matter manner they blended the salty haddock and creamy potatoes, it turned out to be completely divine. 

When you’re visiting with somebody who doesn’t just like the sound of Cullen skink, they’ve received a bunch of different specials on the menu, together with braised lamb shank and ox cheek pie.

Luckenbooths – Edinburgh EH1 1PN – Open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Roseleaf Bar Cafe

Photograph credit score: Roseleaf Bar Cafe

A beloved a part of the Leith gastronomic scene is the Roseleaf Bar Cafe. This cosy nook restaurant exuded a heat, inviting ambiance, and the pleasant workers made consuming right here at meal time much more gratifying.

Whereas the haggis croquettes are nothing wanting superb, you’ll need to save your self to strive their basic Cullen skink recipe. The earthy undertones from the leeks and the wealthy creaminess of the mashed potatoes created a stable base, whereas the briny haddock actually enhanced the flavour profile.

Roseleaf Bar Cafe – Edinburgh EH6 6EW – Open each Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm and each Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.

Whiski Rooms

Photograph credit score: Whiski Rooms

Whiski Rooms might get loads of consideration for its Scotch at their Previous City location, however additionally they whip up a number of the finest Cullen skink in Edinburgh. Providing a superbly designed eating room adorned with whiskey memorabilia overlooking Edinburgh, the dinner menu is a favourite amongst friends.

They put together the Cullen skink right here the old school manner with a velvety, smoky mixture of recent herbs, sliced haddock, mash, and a recent slice of sourdough on the facet. When you’re up for having a two-course meal, I counsel you strive the Scotch steak pie.

Whiski Rooms – Edinburgh EH1 2LP – Open daily from 10:00 am to 1:00 am.

The Piper’s Relaxation

The Piper’s Relaxation within the extremely sought-after Previous City district is one restaurant that lives as much as its popularity for its Cullen skink. It’s an eatery with an off-the-cuff but inviting really feel, that includes a well-appointed bar, excessive chairs, cozy sofas, and reside performances on choose evenings.

What units Piper’s Rests’ tackle Cullen skink is that they serve it in a bread bowl. This manner, the easy and hearty combination of haddock, potatoes, and leeks soaks into the bread, making each chew much more yummy than the following. 

Since most individuals come right here for dinner, you’ll doubtless order a fundamental course afterward. I extremely advocate you strive the sausage and mash with crimson onion gravy.

The Piper’s Relaxation – Edinburgh EH1 1QW – Open daily from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The place to Discover the Most Genuine Cullen Skink

If there’s one necessary factor to grasp about discovering one of the best Cullen skink in Edinburgh, it’s that it may be simply as tasty and flavorsome in a comfy pub as it’s in a high-end restaurant! After I first visited Edinburgh, I used to be stunned by how simple it’s to seek out genuine, elevated variations of this time-honored dish, significantly in areas like Leith and the Previous City.

Every of the spots I’ve talked about on this listing serves a number of the finest Cullen skink in Edinburgh, and higher nonetheless, all of those eateries are as well-liked amongst locals as they’re with guests!

Remaining Ideas: The place to Attempt Cullen Skink in Edinburgh

When you’re planning an upcoming go to to the Scottish capital, particularly through the chilly winter season, sampling a number of the finest Cullen skinks in Edinburgh is an absolute should. Get able to indulge within the final Scottish consolation meals!

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh meals excursions. Consuming Europe. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/

Teuchters Bar. (n.d.). Teuchters bar & bunker. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://teuchtersbar.co.uk/

Luckenbooths Edinburgh. (n.d.). Luckenbooths Edinburgh. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://luckenboothsedinburgh.co.uk/

Roseleaf. (n.d.). Roseleaf bar café. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.roseleaf.co.uk/

Whiski Rooms. (n.d.). Whiski Rooms – Whisky bar, bistro & store. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.whiskirooms.co.uk/

The Piper’s Relaxation. (n.d.). The Piper’s Relaxation – Conventional Scottish pub & restaurant. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.thepipersrest.co.uk/