Aberdeenshire
What food is Aberdeen famous for? And what souvenirs to buy when visiting the North East of Scotland!
What food is Aberdeen famous for? And what souvenirs to buy when visiting the North East of Scotland!
Smoked Haddock by Murcotipton under license CC BY-SA 3.0
For years, the North East of Scotland has been a hidden gem for visitors. And with its picturesque scenery and delicious food, it's no wonder why! Now that the region is becoming more popular though, people are starting to ask: what should I do while I'm here? What's there to see? What should we eat? Well, we're going to answer all those questions and more in this blog post. So read on to find out about some Aberdeenshire delicacies you can expect to find when visiting the area and items you'll want as souvenirs after your stay.
You can't miss these food experiences when you visit Aberdeenshire
In this blog post, we will be discussing what delicacies you can expect to find in Aberdeenshire.
From traditional Scottish fare to more continental cuisine, there are plenty of tasty options on offer. Here are a few examples we recommend:
Fish and Chips (using locally caught Peterhead fish)
Fish and Chips are a traditional Scottish dish, but the Peterhead fish is unique to Aberdeenshire.
Peterhead has been fishing for centuries, so it's only natural that they have their own recipe for this delicious meal! The batter is made with flour which gives it a really light taste. The chips are thick cut potatoes fried in beef dripping, then served with either salt or malt vinegar depending on your preference. Most fish and chip shops around Aberdeenshire use fish caught from boats sailing from Peterhead harbour so you can guarantee freshness and quality of catch.
The 'chipper' is a favourite takeaway for the locals and we know you'll love these deep-fried delights as much as they do!
Cambus O'May
Cambus O'May is a cheese local to Aberdeenshire that originates from the small town of Ballater. It has strong aromas that will make your mouth water, with flavors to match in every bite you take! The curds are cut, placed into muslin-lined molds then pressed by hand to give it the perfect consistency of creaminess with light flavors that are sharp and rustic but not too strong for your taste buds! Made from raw cow's milk, this is a local cheese you don't want to miss!
Finnan Haddie
Finnan Haddie (smoked haddock) is a traditional Scottish dish originating from the village of Findon in the 18th Century.
This fish is salted and smoked to perfection - it's often served with mashed potatoes or bread on the side, but you'll find that most people just enjoy it by itself! A perfect breakfast served in poached milk or cooked on the grill for dinner.
The Haven Mars Bar (deep fried) by Bostonwiki69 under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Deep Fried Mars Bar
Mars Bars are a popular treat in many countries, and now you can find them deep-fried and ready to serve at the many fish and chip shops around the county.
Deep frying Mars bars is not a new idea; people have been doing it for years with mixed reviews. But if you're looking for something different, or want something sweet after dinner, then this might be your thing!
If you want to try this sweet delight, why not try your first at The Carron Fish Bar in Stonehaven, who is said to be the original inventor of the treat.
Buttery
The number one answer to 'What food is Aberdeen famous for?' has got to be the buttery! Butteries are a traditional North East of Scotland delicacy that's been around since the 18th century. Also known as 'rowies', the buttery is traditionally made from flour, butter, lard, salt, sugar and yeast.
Similar to a croissant, the buttery is usually served with jam or butter and can be eaten plain. You can find them in many bakeries across Aberdeenshire with many claiming to have 'the best'.
We've reviewed many hotels across Aberdeenshire. Have a look at the blog posts by clicking the buttons below:
Aberdeen(shire) Hotels with a Swimming Pool
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Skirlie
Skirlie's made from oatmeal, onion, fat and seasoning, fried together and served usually with mashed potatoes or accompanying a dish with chicken, turkey or mince. It has a delicious taste and can be found on many Christmas dinner plates in this part of Scotland.
Known sometime as a 'poor man's haggis', skirlie can be used in many more dishes than the famous Scottish cuisine but can be quite calorific so be careful not to go too crazy!
Stovies by AmadeusShiftwood under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Stovies
Stovies is a Scottish dish that's mainly made from potatoes, fat and onions with some meat thrown in for good measure. Some people also put vegetables into their stovies but it varies from recipe to recipe! Sometimes served with cold meat, oatcakes or beetroot, don't be surprised to find stovies served at a local Aberdeenshire wedding as it's a popular choice to accompany the beer and wine!
And some souvenirs to take home...
Doric Dictionary
The ancient language of the north, doric is a richly diverse dialect with many different forms. It can be found in both literature and conversation- it's not uncommon to hear people speaking this way if they live or work around North East Scotland!
The doric dialect of Scottish English is said to be one of the most distinctive aspects of Scottish culture and heritage, yet there are few resources for learners outside Scotland. This dictionary aims to address that by providing an easy-to-use guide on learning this interesting local language.
Glen Dronach 21yo Parliament by Nigab Pressbilder under licence CC BY 2.0
Aberdeenshire Whisky
Aberdeenshire is a region of Scotland that produces some of the finest whisky in the world. It has been home to many distilleries which produce an excellent variety of whiskys, with most being single malt Scotch. Some popular brands are Glen Garioch, Glen Dronach and The Royal Lochnagar.
Aberdeenshire whisky can be found all over the globe, but you'll enjoy it best when tasting it locally!
Conclusion
If you're looking for some of the best Aberdeenshire delicacies to try when visiting the North East Scotland, this blog post is exactly what you need. Whether it's locally made Cambus O'May or butteries, they have something for everyone! To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the buttons below:
Cycling Routes in Aberdeen(shire)
Forest Walks in Aberdeen(shire)
Things to do in Aberdeen(shire) (Paid entry)
Unusual things to do in Aberdeen(shire)
I hope this article has been useful in giving an overview of some traditional Aberdeenshire delicacies and items worth buying as souvenirs while visiting. If so please share with your friends by clicking the social media icons below.