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Haggis is likely to 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, which means I do know a factor or two about the place to seek out the perfect Cullen skink within the metropolis!
Under, you’ll discover my picks for the perfect locations for Cullen skink in Edinburgh, that are certain to go away 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 mixture of substances stays standard in most areas, however some variations exist, resembling swapping milk for cream or utilizing one other sort of smoked fish. In choose eateries, notably in larger cities like Edinburgh, it’s possible you’ll even discover cooks placing different inventive spins on this age-old recipe.
Nonetheless, the serving fashion stays largely the identical all through the nation, as you’ll nearly all the time discover crusty bread or savory oatcakes on the facet.
Greatest Locations for Cullen Skink in Edinburgh
Teuchters Touchdown
Photograph credit score: Teuchters Touchdown
A massively standard spot that’s vying for the title of the perfect Cullen skink in Edinburgh is Teuchters Touchdown. From its lovely 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.
Once I got here right here, they served me the unique Cullen skink. Introduced in a big mug with crispy bread on the facet, 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 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 glossy interiors and large champagne cupboard setting the tone.
The recipe they ship right here is likely to be the usual one, but it surely 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.
If you happen to’re visiting with somebody who doesn’t just like the sound of Cullen skink, they’ve bought 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 cosy nook restaurant exuded a heat, inviting environment, and the pleasant employees made consuming right here at time for dinner much more fulfilling.
Whereas the haggis croquettes are nothing wanting superb, you’ll wish to save your self to attempt 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 a whole lot of consideration for its Scotch at their Previous City location, however in addition they whip up among the greatest Cullen skink in Edinburgh. Providing a superbly designed eating room embellished with whiskey memorabilia overlooking Edinburgh, the dinner menu is a favourite amongst friends.
They put together the Cullen skink right here the old style means with a velvety, smoky mixture of contemporary herbs, sliced haddock, mash, and a contemporary slice of sourdough on the facet. If you happen to’re up for having a two-course meal, I recommend you attempt 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 Previous City district is one restaurant that lives as much as its repute 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, comfortable 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 fashion, the easy and hearty combination of haddock, potatoes, and leeks soaks into the bread, making each chunk much more yummy than the subsequent.
Since most individuals come right here for dinner, you’ll possible order a predominant course afterward. I extremely advocate you attempt 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.
The place to Discover the Most Genuine Cullen Skink
If there’s one necessary factor to know about discovering the perfect Cullen skink in Edinburgh, it’s that it may be simply as tasty and flavorsome in a comfortable pub as it’s in a high-end restaurant! Once 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, notably in areas like Leith and the Previous City.
Every of the spots I’ve talked about on this checklist serves among the greatest Cullen skink in Edinburgh, and higher nonetheless, all of those eateries are as standard amongst locals as they’re with guests!
Last Ideas: The place to Attempt Cullen Skink in Edinburgh
If you happen to’re planning an upcoming go to to the Scottish capital, particularly throughout the chilly winter season, sampling among the greatest 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/
