Jemima Kirkwood
19 June 2025
Haggis is one of Scotland’s most iconic and misunderstood traditional dishes. Often the subject of curiosity and folklore, haggis is deeply woven into the cultural and culinary fabric of the country. Whether it’s served at a Burns Night supper or found on a modern Scottish menu, this savoury delicacy holds a special place in Scottish hearts and kitchens.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about haggis. From its humble origins and traditional ingredients to its unique Scottish custom, we’ll share lots about this special dish. You'll also find insights into how haggis is made, how it's typically served, and how it has evolved.
Whether you're a curious traveller, a Scottish food enthusiast, or someone preparing to taste haggis for the first time, this guide will provide the context, knowledge, and appreciation to understand Scotland’s national dish.
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What is haggis?
Historically, haggis was a practical way to use up all parts of the animal and create a hearty, nourishing meal. Despite the commonly heard story that haggis is made of sheep’s guts and all the bits you don’t want to eat, the dish has held its own and continues to be a much-loved Scottish dish.
To put it simply, Haggis is a large sausage-shaped savoury pudding which is traditionally served with “neeps and tatties” (mashed turnip and potatoes), especially popular during Burns Night – the annual celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.
What is haggis made of?
The savoury ingredients found in haggis include sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onions, oatmeal, suet and spices. Although these ingredients are on the unusual side, haggis has a rich and hearty flavour which could be compared to a peppery meatloaf. It’s delicious!
Traditional haggis recipe and ingredients
Nowadays there are a few different forms of haggis, the more modern version is made from lamb liver and ground lamb or beef, simply because these ingredients can be easier to find. You will also come across a vegetarian haggis too, but the traditional recipe looks like this:
Traditional haggis ingredients:
- 1 sheep’s heart
- 1 sheep’s liver
- 1 sheep’s lungs
- 1 sheep’s stomach (used for the casing)
- 1-2 cups of steel-cut oats (toasted)
- ½ to 1 cup suet
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cups of stock or water (enough to moisten)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
Vegetarian haggis recipes
Did you know there was such a thing as vegetarian haggis? We love this, because everyone gets to experience some version of the Scottish dish. This version we feature here is delicious, hearty, and suitable for vegetarians or vegans (with substitutions).
Vegetarian haggis ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (olive oil for vegan)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 parsnip, finely grated
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup lentils, cooked
- 1/2 cup steel-cut oats, toasted
- 1/2 cup ground nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, or mixed)
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon or mace
- 1/2 to 1 cup vegetable stock
How to enjoy haggis
There are many ways in you can enjoy a spot of haggis in Scotland, and wherever you travel you will come across versions of it that are slightly different in terms of taste, preparation, presentation and creativity around the dish. Haggis has been used more and more in modern cooking, turning up in places where you least expect it! Have you ever tasted it sprinkled over macaroni cheese? Or scattered over dirty fries? Or stuffed between a succulent chicken breast? Read on to discover how the Scots are enjoying haggis...
Haggis, neeps and tatties
We feel, to enjoy haggis at its best, it needs to be eaten alongside "neeps and tatties". A neep is another word for a turnip, and these are mashed turnips, often buttery, and a beautiful orange in colour. The dish is simple, yet delicious and we encourage you to take a moment to savour the hearty, earthy taste and the comforting texture.
Full Scottish breakfast
It is very common to find haggis on a fry up in Scotland, and it tastes absolutely delicious alongside eggs, sausage, tattie scones, baked beans and black pudding. The pepperiness of the haggis mixed with a gooey fried egg is something us Scots just can’t resist. Heading the menu in most café’s across Scotland, haggis on a greasy fry up won’t be hard to find.
Haggis bon bons
Haggis bon bons are bite-sized balls of haggis that are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They offer a delicious way to enjoy haggis in a snackable form and are often served with a dipping sauce such as whisky cream, mustard mayo, or a sweet chutney. Their crispy exterior and warm, spiced filling make them a great introduction to haggis for those who might be hesitant to try the traditional version.
Haggis nachos
These are a Scottish twist on the classic Mexican dish, combining crunchy tortilla chips with crumbled haggis and a variety of flavourful toppings. Enjoy chips layered with warm haggis, melted cheese, and extras like jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Some versions include whisky-infused sauces or a drizzle of creamy peppercorn sauce to enhance the Scottish flair. You will find these in gastropubs and modern Scottish eateries, and they are the ultimate comfort food.
Balmoral chicken
Balmoral chicken is a classic Scottish dish that features a chicken breast stuffed with haggis, then wrapped in bacon and baked or grilled. The combination of the tender, juicy chicken with the rich, flavourful haggis inside creates a delicious contrast of textures and tastes. Often served with a whisky sauce or gravy, on a bed of creamy mashed potato this is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It's named after Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family, adding a touch of regal flair to this dish.
Haggis dirty fries
Haggis dirty fries are a decadent Scottish twist on loaded fries, featuring crispy chips topped with crumbled haggis and a variety of rich toppings. These may include melted cheese, peppercorn or whisky sauce, gravy, and sometimes crispy onions or jalapeños for extra flavour. This turns ordinary fries into a bold, indulgent comfort food. Popular in pubs and street food stalls across Scotland, haggis dirty fries are great way to enjoy traditional Scottish flavours.
Haggis macaroni
A fabulous twist on our classic mac ’n’ cheese where chunks of haggis are sprinkled over the top of its bubbling cheesy surface. The creamy, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with the peppery, savoury flavour of haggis, creating a comforting and indulgent fusion meal. Some versions top it with breadcrumbs or extra cheese before baking for a crispy finish. You’ll come across this in Scottish pubs and eateries, offering a fun and satisfying way to enjoy haggis in a familiar, comforting way.
Haggis pairing suggestions
Haggis is such a unique taste, so you want to find drinks that complement its peppery, rich flavour. Here are some of our suggestions to get the most out of your meal:
Scotch whisky
If you go for a smooth, peaty single malt you will enhance the earthy spices of the haggis. A lighter whisky will work really nicely with the traditional haggis, but for meals like Balmoral chicken or haggis bon bons a smokier dram does the trick.
Beer
A Scottish ale, stout, or porter works beautifully with haggis. These malty, slightly sweet beers contrast the spice and add richness without overwhelming the dish. Pair these with the haggis macaroni or dirty fries and you will be talking about it for days.
Red wine
Look for bold, fruity reds like Shiraz, Malbec, or Cabernet Sauvignon when dining in a restaurant with haggis on the menu. Their depth and flavours balance the richness of haggis beautifully.
Best places to buy haggis
You will be able to hunt down haggis in any supermarket, butcher, dairy, farm shop and independent larder in Scotland, especially the further north you go. Here is some helpful information on local butchers and online providers of our dear haggis.
Local butchers
Many local butchers across Scotland sell fresh, traditional haggis, often made using family recipes, especially in towns and rural areas where traditional foods are still widely appreciated. These can be a great option if you're looking for artisanal or specialty varieties. Around Burns Night (25 January), demand spikes, so nearly every butcher will stock it in various forms, including vegetarian or gluten-free versions.
Online specialists
If you're looking to buy authentic Scottish haggis online, there are several reputable online butchers and specialty retailers that offer a great range of options. Here are some top online specialists where you can purchase quality haggis.
Our recommendations:
- Macsween Traditional Haggis: A renowned name in Scottish cuisine, Macsween offers a traditional haggis made with a blend of lamb, oatmeal, and spices or you can also buy this at Waitrose
- Grant's Premium Haggis 392g: A budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste and can be purchased easily online or you can also find it in Tesco
- McCaskie Butchers: Award-winning butchers providing a variety of haggis options, including their large 1.3kg Haggis Stick and 12 Haggis Bon Bons
- MacDonald & Son Butchers: Provides traditional Scottish haggis made using a family recipe, available in 450g portions and delivered directly to your door
- The Scottish Store & Deli: Offers a selection of haggis from Campbells, made fresh by their master butchers
Supermarkets
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You can find Haggis is many supermarkets in Scotland including, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda and Waitrose, commonly found in the refrigerated meat isle nearby sausages and black pudding. You will also be able to find vegetarian Haggis and gluten free versions too.
Why is haggis Scotland’s national dish?
Haggis embodies Scotland’s culinary heritage and resourcefulness, dating back centuries ago when people would create it to use, and make the most of, every part of a sheep. With a waste-not-want-not mindset Scots would mix the meat with available offal, spices, grains and herbs and the haggis became a symbol of frugality and practicality.
Later in 1787, a Scottish poet called Robert Burns celebrated his love for the Haggis in his works “Address to a Haggis” which is now widely known and celebrated annually on Burns Night. This is something you want to experience if you want to see a haggis placed on a tray, piped into the room by bagpipes, and stabbed with a knife by the host!
The wild haggis animal – myth or reality?
We as Scots love the misconceptions that people have about what the Haggis actually is, but our favourite has to be that it is an animal. Tales of the elusive wild haggis have amused visitors for generations and whilst entirely fictional, this playful myth is a cherished part of Scottish culture, and humour – after all we are great at story telling. Or is it just a story?
What does a wild haggis look like?
The creature is a small, wild beast with one leg shorter than the other so it can easily leap, jump and run around mountains without tipping over. We have known visitors asking how to catch one...
How to catch a wild haggis
If we were going to chase a haggis and catch one, we would use a big net, like the kind you would use to land some salmon. But be aware that the Haggis can jump very high and move incredibly fast.
The truth behind the tale
Sadly, the truth is that the haggis is not a small wild beast, but it is a large savoury delight, and we hope you have loved learning all about it in our guide to haggis.
Explore Scotland, the home of haggis
No trip to Scotland is complete without trying its most iconic dish – haggis. Deeply rooted in Scottish history and tradition, it’s a hearty meal which is best shared with friends. Whether enjoyed the classic way with neeps and tatties, sampled in modern forms, or celebrated during a Burns Night supper, haggis is a true taste of Scotland’s culinary heritage. From bustling Edinburgh pubs to family-run Highland butchers, you’ll find countless ways to experience this national treasure across the country.
Why not come and explore the land of the haggis yourself and stay in our brilliant self-catering cottages that are dotted all over Scotland offering lovely places to stay and explore from. View our collection today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.