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Haggis is likely to be Scotland’s nationwide dish, however Cullen skink is probably the nation’s subsequent recognized 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 walks, I’ve tried my fair proportion of takes on this beloved dish, which means I do know a factor or two about the place to seek out Cullen skink within the metropolis!

Under, you’ll discover my picks for the highest locations for Cullen skink in Edinburgh, that are certain 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 widespread in most areas, however some variations exist, corresponding to swapping milk for cream or utilizing one other kind of smoked fish. In choose eateries, significantly in larger cities like Edinburgh, it’s possible you’ll even discover cooks placing different artistic spins on this age-old recipe.

Nonetheless, the serving fashion stays largely the identical all through the nation, as you’ll virtually all the time discover crusty bread or savory oatcakes on the aspect.

Locations for Cullen Skink in Edinburgh

Chosen Seafood Kitchens

We’ve got curated an inventory of specialised seafood eating places that elevate this rustic soup into a complicated starter utilizing premium regional dairy. These institutions usually supply their haddock instantly from the historic Newhaven fish market, guaranteeing a clear and native provide chain. We prioritize spots that preserve the right stability between the saltiness of the fish and the sweetness of the onions. Guide a meals tour with us to study extra.

Teuchters Touchdown

Photograph credit score: Teuchters Touchdown

A massively widespread spot that’s vying for the title of the highest Cullen skink in Edinburgh is Teuchters Touchdown. From its lovable waterside location within the Leith district to the cozy wood tavern-style interiors, that is the right place to heat up for lunch on a winter’s day.

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

Apart from the well-known specialty, in addition they supply another good seafood dishes just like the Teuchters seafood combo with scallops, oysters, mackerel pate, and far more.

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

Luckenbooths

Photograph credit score: Luckenbooths

Luckenbooths in Edinburgh’s Outdated City serves their tackle this traditional at lunch and dinner.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

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

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

Luckenbooths – Edinburgh EH1 1PN – Open day-after-day 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 comfortable nook restaurant exuded a heat, inviting ambiance, and the pleasant employees made consuming right here at supper time much more satisfying.

Whereas the haggis croquettes are nothing wanting wonderful, you’ll wish to save your self to strive their traditional 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 could get a variety of consideration for its Scotch at their Outdated City location, however in addition they whip up a few of the tastiest Cullen skink in Edinburgh. Providing a superbly designed eating room embellished with whiskey memorabilia overlooking Edinburgh, the dinner menu is a favourite amongst visitors.

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

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

The Piper’s Relaxation

The Piper’s Relaxation within the extremely sought-after Outdated City district is one restaurant that lives as much as its status for its Cullen skink. It’s an eatery with an informal 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 clean 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 most important course afterward. I extremely suggest you strive the sausage and mash with crimson onion gravy.

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

Cullen Skink Historical past in Edinburgh

We hint the origins of cullen skink again to the coastal city of Cullen in Moray, the place it was initially a frugal option to make the most of native smoked fish. The phrase “skink” initially referred to a shin of beef used for soup, however when meat was scarce, the resourceful locals substituted it with the considerable haddock. We discover it inspiring that what started as a necessity for fishing households has turn out to be probably the most revered dishes within the Scottish culinary canon. This historical past displays the resilience and ingenuity that defines our nationwide meals tradition.

Edinburgh’s Cullen Skink Etiquette

We recommend making an attempt your cullen skink as a hearty lunch by itself, as the mix of cream, fish, and potatoes is remarkably filling. In a conventional Edinburgh gastropub, it’s common to see locals having fun with a bowl alongside a pint of native ale to stability the richness. We discover that whereas some trendy cooks add a drizzle of herb oil, essentially the most genuine option to get pleasure from it’s with a easy dusting of black pepper. Don’t be afraid to make use of your bread to absorb the final of the creamy broth, as it is a signal of true appreciation.

The place to Discover the Most Genuine Cullen Skink

If there’s one necessary factor to grasp about discovering 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 shocked by how simple it’s to seek out genuine, elevated variations of this time-honored dish, significantly in areas like Leith and the Outdated City.

Every of the spots I’ve talked about on this record serves a few of the most scrumptious Cullen skink in Edinburgh, and higher nonetheless, all of those eateries are as widespread amongst locals as they’re with guests!

Remaining Ideas: The place to Attempt Cullen Skink in Edinburgh

In case you’re planning an upcoming go to to the Scottish capital, particularly through the chilly winter season, sampling a few of the biggest 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/