Learn about plant-based dishes at Edinburgh restaurants and top tourist attractions in this beautiful Scottish town.
If you ask a Scot where to start your food or sightseeing tour, you’ll probably be recommended to Edinburgh. The Scots take their food seriously and so do I! Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit Scotland for a partially sponsored nutrition conference and I made the most of my time there visiting some of the best plant-based food and sights in this beautiful Scottish town. Want to know more about where to stay in Edinburgh, the weather in Edinburgh (how bad is it?) and top must-see experiences? I’ve prepared this travel guide for you that focuses on plant-based eating and beautiful places to visit.
Planning a trip to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is now the most visited city in Scotland and the second most visited city in the UK. Once you set foot in Edinburgh, it’s easy to see why; few cities can boast such beautiful architecture, abundant greenery and a rich and storied history. Known locally as “Auld Reekie”, which means “Old Smoke” in Scots. Although conditions are similar for many settlements that have lived through the medieval and industrial eras, you would never guess that this lovely city was once crowded, polluted and dangerous! Modern Edinburgh is a far cry from those less pleasant times. Today, it’s Scotland’s capital city, a cosmopolitan hub of scenic beauty, and a great stop for lovers of plant-based food. Here are some basics for traveling in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh accommodation guide There are many lovely places.I stayed in a beautiful and centrally located hotel Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
- What’s the weather like in Edinburgh? As you can see in my photos, I was bundled up during my visit in January. However, the sky was miraculously clear, it wasn’t too cold, and I had enough clothes to keep me from moving around. Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for wind and rain during the colder months. Overall, the weather in Edinburgh is mild, neither too cold nor too hot.
Edinburgh’s legendary history
Since ancient times, people have lived in the area that became Edinburgh. The remains of an Iron Age hillfort can be found atop Arthur’s Seat, now Holyrood Park, a must-see for any nature lover!Edinburgh’s medieval history begins in the 11th centuryth century, centered around Castle Rock, where Edinburgh Castle now stands. Over the next few centuries, as population grew and commerce took off, it became clear that Edinburgh was in desperate need of renewal. The New Town Renaissance in the late 1700s, led by architect James Craig, laid the foundation for the modern Edinburgh we know today.
Edinburgh – a walker’s paradise!
Yes, it’s true – in Edinburgh you can walk to almost every major attraction you want to visit! Be sure to devote plenty of time to your Edinburgh walking tour. Whether you’re looking for nature or an architectural tour of the city, walking is the best option in Edinburgh. It’s so refreshing not to have to worry about a car as you explore the city’s many streets and winding alleys. Keep in mind the elevation changes! Although these slopes can be a bit difficult, they offer excellent opportunities to see Edinburgh’s most famous sights.
Many of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks date back to both eras. Whether one admires the medieval architecture of the Old Town or the Georgian and neoclassical landmarks of the New Town, architecture is often considered Edinburgh’s main attraction.
Personally, I recommend starting your trip to Edinburgh on the Royal Mile – a bustling thoroughfare between Castle Rock and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visit popular bars and trendy shops on your way to Edinburgh’s most important historic sites.
Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark, overlooking the entire city and sketching a picturesque outline. It sits on top of Castle Rock, the remnants of an extinct volcano. This iconic architectural complex rivals the Greek Acropolis, earning Edinburgh the nickname “Athens of the North”. Weather permitting, you can enjoy great views of the city and its surroundings from the top of Castle Rock.
After exploring the Old Town, head to Dean Village. The cobbled paths take you past charming traditional houses and provide a nice change of pace. After admiring Edinburgh’s architectural landmarks, it’s time to check out the greener parts of the city. Edinburgh is rich in natural spaces, even within the city limits: there are 112 parks in the city!
On the other side of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the summer residence of the British monarch. Be sure to visit nearby Holyrood Park to see why Edinburgh is considered a paradise for greenery lovers, especially when the weather is nice. Enjoy the high altitude terrain on one of Holyrood Park’s many hiking trails. Holyrood Park has many natural attractions, including the dramatic cliffs of Salisbury Crags, the man-made lake of St Margaret’s and the Rib of Samson on Arthur’s Seat – a fascinating series of jagged basalt columns .
Common plant foods in Scotland
Ask anyone if they know any Scottish food and one dish will come to mind. Haggis is a traditional dish made from sheep or calf offal mixed with suet, oats and seasonings, boiled in the animal’s stomach, and is a source of pride for the Scots. But did you know there’s no shortage of vegan and vegetarian haggis options in Edinburgh? I ate lots of delicious haggis filled with beans, grains, vegetables and seasonings.
If you are lucky enough to visit Scotland in January, be sure to celebrate Burns Night on the 25thth. The day commemorates the beloved Scottish poet Robert Burns. A traditional Burns dinner includes haggis, neeps (rutabaga, or “Swedish”) and tatties (mashed potatoes). But it doesn’t have to be Burns Night to enjoy a traditional Burns dinner! Why not try a plant-based version?
Here are some common plant-based diets in Scotland:
- Haggis. You can find restaurant and store-bought vegan haggis at many restaurants.
- Nips. Rutabaga or “swede,” these root vegetables are often prepared in a variety of vegan preparations.
- corn cake. Usually served with neeps – Scottish style mashed potatoes! Find vegan dishes.
- Cullen skink. What started out as a haddock-based chowder is now looking for a plant-based version.
- Scottish Pie. You’ll find a plant-based version of this classic savory pie.
- Scottish porridge. This oat-based breakfast porridge is a healthy way to start your day and is a classic start to your day.
- Scotch Cream Cookies. Traditionally made with butter, look for those with vegan alternatives – eating it with tea is the way to go.
- Tea. Try a Scottish blend of black tea. (That’s a brand, by the way.)
- whiskey. No trip is complete without tasting legendary local whiskey.
Edinburgh Plant-Based Restaurants
Even within the standards of excellence set by Western Europe, Edinburgh leads the way when it comes to plant-based foods. To help curb carbon emissions, Edinburgh City Council has formally endorsed the Plant-Based Pact Action Plan to expand and promote access to plant-based diets. This makes Edinburgh the first Scottish city and European capital to do so, setting a great example. Did you know that Edinburgh is second only to London in terms of restaurant-to-population ratio in the UK? Competition is fierce, but that just means the options are plentiful, especially in the vegan and vegetarian scene!
While I was in Edinburgh, I had the opportunity to try some amazing plant-based foods. Almost every restaurant has plant-based options and often gives me a full vegetarian menu! Before planning a trip, do some research and check with restaurants.
witchcraft is a beautiful restaurant just off the Royal Mile that offers a variety of plant-based dishes, like this delicious pumpkin pie with pesto.
although Cannonball Restaurant and Bar Known for their Scottish seafood, I loved the delicious plant-based options on the menu, including sage gnocchi and poached pears in smoothie.
In most restaurants, be sure to have the English breakfast – beans, vegetable sausages, potatoes and vegetables served on an English muffin.this is my breakfast Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
I enjoyed a beautiful vegan menu that included this delicious vegetable appetizer, At Royal yacht Britannia.
I celebrated the entire plant-based menu Cora by Tom Kitchin, focus on nature. On the menu are grilled cauliflower steak, chickpea fritters, fennel, curry and coconut pasta, and a spiced tofu stir-fry.
in beautiful Rhubarb Restaurant, I loved the entire vegetarian menu, which included confit onions, squash and bulgur, BBQ cabbage and mushrooms, and apple crumble and blackberry smoothie.
exist spence, I love a whole host of delicious plant-based dishes, including roasted root vegetables and sage gnocchi.
Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh
Here is the complete list of vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh. I haven’t made the changes to try them all, but dig in and let me know what you think!
Henderson’s
The vegan haggis is the highlight on this menu.
place of friendship
If you’re looking for vegan pub grub and like metal and punk music, the recently reopened Auld Hoose is a great choice. Highlight the large selection of vegan and vegetarian options; vegan breakfast and their famous Hoose nachos. Students receive a 10% discount, and dogs are allowed! Large portions (not exactly health food)
seed of soul
Popular 100% vegetarian restaurant. Try the full vegan Scottish breakfast available all day!
black rabbit
A local vegetarian deli is committed to sustainability and uses compostable plastic packaging. Try their haggis cheese sandwich or other vegan fillings.
Nova Pizza
A vegan pizzeria run by the Roman family. It’s not just pizza, they also offer a ton of authentic Roman dishes that are all vegan.
Sister Leila
A vegan Italian restaurant, also Roman-style, with rave reviews.
Sabz street food
Delicious award-winning Punjabi street food with clearly marked vegetarian and vegan options.
soul vegetarian
Malaysian vegetarian restaurant, warm and simple.
Paradise Palms Lucky Pig Soul Food
An inclusive and stylish live music venue with a cocktail bar and award-winning vegetarian and vegan American-style kitchen.
Legumes for Plant-Based Home Cooking
Entirely plant-based, they pride themselves on healthy (low oil and sugar) and locally grown ingredients.
consider
Vegan donuts, chocolate and ice cream – plant-based but definitely more indulgent.
Simon Howie Vegetarian Haggis (Vegetarian)
Store-bought vegan haggis is very popular.
Food recommendations:
Sources of inspiration for Scottish recipes:
Check out other plant-based travel guides here:
resource:
Written by Sharon Palmer and John Caldas