It was great! Kate was super sweet and shared some wonderful Scottish food with us and lots of history too!! Thank you!!
Edinburgh Food Tour: Scottish Culinary Traditions
Savor Scottish flavors through Stockbridge shops and local classics
The Finer Details
Forget everything you think you know about Scottish food. Dive into the Stockbridge neighborhood with a local food lover to indulge in an explosion of flavors, tasting everything from age-old traditional dishes to playful reinventions of well-known recipes.
Our local foodie will unveil the fascinating history of Scottish cuisine along your route. As you taste your way through town, you’ll learn how humble oats, bountiful seafood, and fresh vegetables have nourished generations of Scots and discover how global trade ignited Edinburgh's palate with exotic spices, sugar, and fruits.
Stop in at George Mewes along the way, a haven for Scottish cheese, where expert cheesemongers will guide you through a private tasting of perfectly-aged, award-winning artisan cheeses. A drizzle of honey on blue cheese is an unexpected revelation that will have your taste buds buzzing.
Stop in at George Mewes along the way, a haven for Scottish cheese, where expert cheesemongers will guide you through a private tasting of perfectly-aged, award-winning artisan cheeses. A drizzle of honey on blue cheese is an unexpected revelation that will have your taste buds buzzing.
Are you a peat lover? Let your guide know, and you might have the opportunity to top off your culinary journey with a wee dram of Scottish whisky.
Ditch the preconceived notions on this tour and open your appetite to playful variations on iconic dishes, like haggis bonbons or scotch eggs, transforming your perception of Scottish cuisine. Get ready for a whirlwind of exciting and unexpected culinary surprises, guaranteed to leave you with a newfound appreciation for Edinburgh's food scene.
Choose this tour if...
- You’re ready to ditch your preconceived notions and discover the delicious reality of Scottish food.
- You’re interested in eating like the locals eat while also understanding how local ingredients and global trade shaped Scottish food culture.
- You like to get to know a city through its food scene with a local.
Sites Visited
- George Mewes Cheese Shop
- Award-winning bakery
- Local Pub or Market, depending on the day
- Other local shops, as customized by your guide
Logistics
- What You’ll Taste
- Award-winning Scottish cheeses
- Haggis bonbons or Scotch eggs
- Scottish shortbread, Queen Victoria’s favorite sweet treat
- Perhaps a traditional Scottish whisky will round out your culinary journey
- These tastings can replace a meal, but for the extreme foodies, a small bite or sweet treat after the tour may be welcome.
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run; hours and availability may vary.
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance to possibly adapt the tour.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- A few things that pair well with this tour:
- An empty belly and an open mind
- A deeper dive into the history of the city with our Introduction to Edinburgh Tour: Exploring Old Town
- Comfortable walking shoes and a jacket for pop-up showers
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Shortbread bakery
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Scottish Cheese shop
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many guests find the tastings filling enough, although some will stop into a nearby cafe afterward for a small bite.
We will do our best to accommodate you if you are on a group tour by ordering appropriate items. Taking a private tour would allow us to tailor even more fully to your needs. Please note that if you have severe allergies, we cannot guarantee that the foods prepared in restaurant kitchens will not be subject to cross-contamination.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
This tour is not walking-intensive, but many of our stops are located along narrow cobblestone streets, which can be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate. Not all restaurants have an accessible entrance.
Please notify us of any accessibility issues so we can adapt tour stops accordingly.
Don’t just take our word for it
Kate was wonderful. How lucky we got to have her as our expert tour guide! She had a warmth and welcoming way about her. Her selections were perfect and accommodated our preferences. We would most certainly recommend her.
Kate was delightful! My family and I had a great afternoon exploring the city and food with her.
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