One thing I never expected about Scotland was their attentiveness to inclusiveness when it comes to their food menus. Vegetarian options? YES! Vegan options? Mostly! Gluten-free? YES! Asking if anyone at the table had food allergies? YES! It was refreshing to see, and my favorite thing I indulged in at literally every point possible was the vegetarian full Scottish breakfast.
The items that encompassed a full vegetarian Scottish breakfast varied a bit by place but was fairly consistently similar. Here's what is generally included in a full Scottish breakfast, take or leave a few things here and there.
Vegetarian Full Scottish Breakfast
- Baked beans
- Toast
- Tattie (potato) scones
- Vegetarian haggis
- Vegetarian sausage links
- Fried mushrooms and tomatoes
- Fried or over easy eggs
- Other items included fried halloumi, avocado, and sometimes a vegetarian black pudding.
It's a LOT of components, which is why getting it at a restaurant as opposed to making it at home is always ideal. I can't imagine trying to juggle all of those cooking pieces at once to have them ready simultaneously or staying warm long enough for everything to be done.
Vegan Haggis
If you want to try though, I recommend making this version of vegan haggis. I tried it when I made neeps and tatties and enjoyed it enough to freeze the leftover haggis for another day. Or you could buy this canned vegetarian haggis that was in a lot of gift shops.
Traditional haggis is a meat pudding that consists of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, together with oatmeal, suet, and spices, all cooked inside the stomach of the animal itself. Vegan haggis sounds much better than traditional right? Plus the vegan version boasts a huge helping of protein and fiber.
Beans on Toast
I never knew the joys of beans on toast until I set foot in the United Kingdom. I am a full convert now and have even bought the cans of Heinz Beanz imported from across the pond!
Who knew that warm baked beans on toast would be so good? It's a great balance of carbs and proteins, and its easy in the mornings!
Where to Get a Vegetarian Full Scottish Breakfast
I went to very few places among the thousands that serve it, but we did go to:
- The Ivy on the Square in Edinburgh
- Nira Caledonia (boutique hotel restaurant) in Edinburgh
- Cafe Vivo in Edinburgh
- Blackfriars Inn in Inverness
