How to try Haggis
How I did it: Burns night (January 25)
The Abbey Pub
South Clerk St.
Edinburgh Scotland
2008
My mates and I were studying abroad at the Uni of Edinburgh and, being dorks, we sought a true celebration of Robert Burns' life and poetry. With his "Address to a Haggis" in mind, we started off with a meal of that "great chieftain o' the puddin-race," along with 'neeps (mashed turnips), and tatties (mashed potatoes) at the Abbey Pub.
If you want to do as we did (highly recommended), go to Sandy Bell's pub after eating, for a wee bit o' traditional music...and more whisky, naturally. If it's Burns' Night, you'll likely hear some of his poetry performed in song format. If not, try requesting some ("My Luve is Like a Red, Red, Rose" being my personal favorite).
"...Ye Pow'rs wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o' fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinkin ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer,
Gie her a haggis!"
-Robert Burns, Address to the Haggis
Lessons & tips: Don't forget the 'neeps and tatties. A dram or three of whisky helps the haggis go down!
Resources: The Abbey Pub in Edinburgh has haggis that is not only edible (which is more than a tourist can hope for to begin with), it was actually quite yummy.
That's a genuine photo of the meal they gave me. It was enough for three people to have a decent amount.
