Burns Night is almost upon us, and while all Scots know it is a celebration of the life and work of Robert Burns, the 18th century poet isn’t the only star of the show.
At the centre of a true Burns Night dinner is a haggis, a dish which got its own ode from Burns himself and even enters the room to a bagpipe serenade on the night of January 25.
So what is the dish that gets Scots just so patriotic? Offal skeptics, look away: haggis is made with sheep’s pluck – liver, hearts and lungs – that is minced together with oatmeal, onions, suet and spices. It's then traditionally cooked and served in a sheep’s stomach, although synthetic versions are now more commonplace.
Unconvinced? Or salivating? Whether you’re a haggis devotee or need some warming up to idea, there are restaurants in London that serve it all year round and in myriad ways.
From traditional serves to deep fried and cheese-filled offerings, these are the different ways you can tuck into haggis in London.
Haggis with neeps and tatties at Boisdale
For haggis purists, Boisdale is the place to go. These nightlife hotspots party like it’s Hogmanay all year round, with live music and a Scottish-inspired menu. At the centre of this is a roasted Dumfriesshire Blackface haggis, which is served whole in the lining alongside neeps and tatties – mashed potatoes and bashed turnips – in the traditional style. Boisdale suggests enjoying the dish with a wee noggin (a small jug) of Robert Burns Arran single malt whisky, like a proper Scot.
W1, SW1, EC2, E14, boisdale.co.uk
Haggis mac and cheese at Mac & Wild
From venison burgers to more drams of Scotch than even a gillie can handle, Mac & Wild makes it its business to cram all the flavours of the Scottish Highlands into its corners of London. Haggis turns up all over the place: in nuggets, in Scotch eggs and even in a side dish of mac and cheese. Swimming in a baked cheese roux and topped with breacrumbs for extra crunch, the silky and salty haggis somehow manages to make the side dish even more indulgent.
W1, EC2, macandwild.com
Haggis croquettes at Sea Containers Restaurant
Mars bars aren't the only delicacies that get a dunking in a Scottish deep fat fryer. At Sea Containers Restaurant on the South Bank, the riverside views of the capital's skyline can be accompanied by a taste of something a little less London, a little more Edinburgh. On the snacking menu, you'll find deep fried haggis croquettes, which come served with a honey mustard dressing.
20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD, seacontainerslondon.com
Haggis toastie at Deeney’s
If you thought there was nothing like a cheese toastie to satisfy your hangover, enter the haggis toastie. Yes, the visionaries at Deeney’s Cafe in Leyton have upgraded their toastie offering to include the Macbeth – a cheddar cheese toastie stuffed with minced haggis, caramelised onion, mustard and rocket. The Hamish Macbeth adds a slice of bacon for good measure, while the Lady Macbeth offers a vegetarian alternative. You’ll also find them being served up every Saturday at Broadway Market.
360 High Road Leyton, E10 6QE, or Saturdays at Broadway Market, E8, deeneys.com
Haggis arancini at Irvin Bar and Grill
Irvin Bar and Grill in Crouch End serves up "Scotalian" food, which uses Scottish ingredients in Italian cooking methods, serving dishes like these haggis arancini. The Sicily-hailing deep-fried balls are made with arborio rice mixed with haggis mince and stuffed with a ball of mozzarella cheese, which oozes and melts when it is cooked. They are then served with a side of neeps – or turnip – puree.
Topsfield Parade, 43 Tottenham Lane, N8 8PT, irvinbargrill.com
