Haggis - What The? Let's Talk About Scotland's Most Misunderstood Dish
Hey T&T food lovers! We've been getting tons of questions about the Scottish breakfast we've just added to our brunch menu, especially about that mysterious thing called haggis. So grab a coffee (make mine a flat white), get comfy, and let me tell you everything you need to know about this absolutely fascinating Scottish tradition.
So... What Actually Is This Thing?
Okay, let's get real - when I first heard about haggis, I was pretty skeptical too. But here's the thing: haggis is basically the ultimate example of nose-to-tail cooking that our great-grandparents were doing long before it became trendy in fancy restaurants.
Think about it - back in the day, Scottish hunters and farmers couldn't exactly pop down to the local supermarket. They had to be super creative with their cooking, using everything they had. They came up with this genius idea of mixing sheep's heart, liver, and lungs with oatmeal, onions, and this amazing blend of spices. Then they wrapped it all up in a natural casing and - voilà! - haggis was born.
The Real Deal About Taste
Now, I know what you're thinking - "That sounds... interesting." But trust me on this one. Imagine the most flavorful, peppery, savory sausage you've ever had, with a nutty, oaty texture that makes it totally unique. It's rich, warming, and absolutely perfect for those chilly mornings when you need something substantial to keep you going.
Our Scottish Breakfast Special
Speaking of mornings - yes, Scots absolutely eat haggis for breakfast! We've just started serving our "Full Scottish" seven days a week, and it's already becoming a hit. Picture this: alongside your eggs and bacon and sausages, you get a slice of gorgeous haggis, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, home fries and proper baked beans. Add some sevenseeded toast and strong Square Mile coffee, and you've got yourself the breakfast of champions.
Modern Day Haggis Magic
Here's something cool - haggis isn't just for breakfast or fancy Burns Night suppers anymore. We've been experimenting in our kitchen and let me tell you, haggis is surprisingly versatile!
What Goes Best With It?
If you're trying haggis for the first time, here's what works beautifully with it: For breakfast, a runny fried egg and some brown sauce is pure heaven. Later in the day, you might want to try it traditionally with mashed turnips and potatoes (or "neeps and tatties" as the Scots say). And if you're feeling fancy, a tiny splash of whisky on the side takes it to a whole new level - though maybe save that for after breakfast!
Fun Stuff You Didn't Know You Needed to Know
Want to impress your friends with some haggis knowledge? Here's my favorite bit of Scottish folklore: legend has it there's a creature called the Wild Haggis that lives in the Scottish Highlands. Supposedly, it has longer legs on one side so it can run around hills more easily. Totally made up, of course, but I love how Scots keep this joke going with totally straight faces!
Why We Love It
Look, I get it - haggis might sound a bit out there if you didn't grow up with it. But that's what I love about food - it tells a story. Haggis tells us about Scottish ingenuity, about making something magnificent out of simple ingredients, about bringing people together around a table. And isn't that what good food is all about?
Pop into T&T this weekend and give it a try - We'd love to hear what you think! Pop us a share on the socials and join in the conversation. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, try our Cullen Skink or Cranachan Trifle. It's traditional, and boy, is it good! Our Scottish themed specials are running all through February.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
BOB 31 January 2025
Keywords: haggis breakfast, Scottish breakfast, weekend brunch, café breakfast, traditional Scottish food, modern Scottish cuisine, breakfast specialties, Tried & True Cafe Putney, brunch menu, local café, foodie adventures
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