Akindele Oluseyi Matthews (pictured below) came to UWS from Nigeria, to study Broadcast Journalism – he's sharing his favourite Scottish foods, that fellow international students really should try...
There are lots of things to consider before studying abroad. I’d thought long and hard before coming to Scotland, about loads of potential problems. Would I understand the accent? Would it be easy to make friends in a new country? What would the differences be from a cultural point of view?
As it turned out, I settled in well, and the potential “issues” were anything but. There was one thing, though, that I hadn’t considered...the food!
In Nigeria, I was used to eating things like amala (a Nigerian black pudding...nothing like the Scottish one!), egusi soup and jollof rice.
In Scotland...it’s not always easy to get these things, although (and here’s a tip, if you’re coming from Africa) - there are quite a few good African food shops, if you look around.
But even if you don’t, there’s a lot to love about Scottish cuisine, and I wanted to share some of my favourite dishes that I think every international student should try.
1. Black pudding
I’d had Nigerian black pudding...which is vegetarian friendly. I was really surprised when I found out that Scottish black pudding is not; and Scottish people would be equally surprised that I felt this way! The taste is quite different from what it’s made of – you wouldn’t think for one second that it is made from pork or beef blood!
2. Pies and pastries
I love the pies and pastries that you get in Scotland, and my personal favourites are Scotch pies and steak pies. You can buy them at most bakeries, and also at football grounds, where they’re the snack of choice for many!
3. A full Scottish breakfast
Scottish full breakfast is a complete meal in the morning made of eggs, back bacon, link sausage, baked beans, buttered toast, and tea or coffee. However, it can also include distinctive additions like black pudding, Lorne sausage and a tattie scone (potato scone).
4. Irn-Bru
Your first taste of Irn-Bru will make you want to have it all the time. Or it did for me, anyway! It’s a really unique taste – fizzy, tasty – almost like bubblegum. It’s known as Scotland’s “other national drink” (alongside whisky) for a reason. You have to try this one.
5. Fish & Chips
You can’t beat a fish supper at a traditional Scottish “chippie” - you’ll find lots of great places to enjoy this one near UWS, including near the Paisley campus where you’ll find a chippie owned by the family of the singer Paolo Nutini!
6. Cheese
Scottish cheese is fantastic – and in particular Scottish cheddar. Mull Cheddar is a favourite of mine, and I highly recommend you try it.
7. Haggis
Most people love haggis...unfortunately I’m not one of them! Having said that, it’s one of the most famous dishes Scotland has to offer, so if you’re coming here, you owe it to yourself to try it.
8. Tunnocks Teacakes
It’s not really a cake, and it’s not like anything I’ve tried before. I tried this for the first time when one of my lecturers gave it to me, and I went straight out to buy a box of my own afterwards. It’s a soft shortbread like biscuit, topped with soft marshmallow and covered in chocolate. It’s fantastic.
9. Deep-fried Mars bar
I’ve not actually tried this one yet, but it’s on my list of things to try. It is what it sounds like, a Mars bar that has been deep-fried. Unsurprisingly it’s packed with calories – but I’m told it’s worth every bite.
10. Scottish strawberries
I realised that this is probably the most unhealthy list of foods that has ever been written, so I thought I should include at least one healthy thing. Fresh Scottish strawberries are absolutely delicious – for the tastiest ones, visit a farmer’s market or farm shop. Scottish raspberries, blueberries and blackcurrants are also delicious.
The food in Scotland is tasty and, in many cases, unique. I hope you find something on this list to try – and if you eat a deep fried Mars bar before I do, let me know what it’s like!
Last updated: 01/02/2024