What Is Haggis? Scotland’s National Dish Explained
Few foods are as wrapped in myth, ceremony, and good humour as haggis. It is Scotland's national dish and a source of endless curiosity for visitors. If you are wondering what exactly it is, what it tastes like, and where you can enjoy it in Inverness, this guide explains it all.
What Is Haggis Made Of?
Traditional haggis is a savoury pudding made from sheep's pluck, which means the heart, liver, and lungs. This is combined with oatmeal, suet, onions, stock, and a generous blend of spices, most notably plenty of black pepper. The mixture is then simmered until cooked.
If that description makes you hesitate, you are not alone, but do not let it put you off. The end result is something far more appealing than the list of raw ingredients suggests. Haggis has a warm, savoury, peppery flavour and a crumbly, comforting texture. It is not unlike a well-seasoned, oaty sausage meat. Many people who try it expecting the worst are pleasantly surprised and quickly become converts.
How We Serve Haggis at Rendezvous
Haggis is wonderfully versatile. While the classic serving is with neeps and tatties (mashed turnip and potato), it appears in many other delicious guises.
Sliced and fried, it is a star item on our Full Scottish Breakfast. The rich, peppery flavour perfectly cuts through the richness of the eggs and bacon. We also serve it on our lunch menu in our haggis, cheddar, and onion chutney toastie. This is a brilliant combination of savoury, sharp, and sweet flavours melting together inside crisp bread.
The Vegetarian Alternative
One of the best developments in modern Scottish cooking is vegetarian haggis. Made with beans, lentils, nuts, vegetables, and oatmeal, it keeps the exact same peppery flavour and crumbly texture of the original while being entirely meat-free.
We proudly serve veggie haggis in our Full Vegetarian Breakfast, and it is also available in a vegetarian haggis, feta, and sriracha toastie. This means everyone at the table can enjoy this Scottish classic, regardless of their dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is haggis made of?
Traditional haggis is made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs combined with oatmeal, suet, onions, stock, and spices. It is heavily seasoned with black pepper.
What does haggis taste like?
Haggis has a warm, savoury, peppery flavour and a crumbly, comforting texture. It tastes very similar to a well-seasoned, oaty sausage meat. Most people find it far more enjoyable than the ingredients suggest.
Is there a vegetarian haggis?
Yes. Vegetarian haggis is made with beans, lentils, nuts, vegetables, and oatmeal. We serve it in our vegetarian breakfast and in our warm toasties.
Where can I eat haggis in Inverness?
At Rendezvous Cafe on Church Street, haggis features prominently in our Full Scottish Breakfast and in our haggis, cheddar, and onion chutney toastie. Vegetarian versions are also available daily.