Even after four years of sticking to a pescetarian lifestyle I still get weird looks when I tell people that I don’t eat meat. Considering that I am from a country where “Beef, it’s what’s for dinner” is a common tagline, I have also had a hard time adapting to my so-called diet. I don’t shop at Trader Joes and or Whole Foods because the reality is that I’m a college student and I don’t have the money for that. I don’t even enjoy going to a sports bar anymore because the menu consists of a burger and fries. However, my love for fish and chips has really benefited my experience as a restricted foodie in Scotland.
My first meal here was just that, fish and chips, except it had a twist! I have noticed that the majority of the meals I have had so far always have a side salad included. Not just your typical side Caesar or house salad that you see in America but it is a real side. I find it interesting because comes without any dressing (except for the occasional squirt of vinegar on top). The greens are so fresh that they are a flavor of their own.
This first plate also came with a side of mashed peas, which at first glance, made me wonder if it hadn’t already been eaten. Surprisingly, it was my favorite part of the meal. It was a sweet dish and it had a creamy texture. The sweetness of it meshed nicely with the saltiness of the rest of the meal.
The number of cuisine choices in Scotland is quite impressive. Right up the street from our Hostel, in Edinburgh, was an Indian restaurant called Mother India and the name fits it well. When we first arrived in Edinburgh Linda mentioned that this Indian restaurant had “the best Indian food in the world”, maybe it was an exaggeration, but it was the absolute best Indian food I have ever had. (If you are unfamiliar with the Indian Cuisine, the majority of its dishes are vegetarian except for the occasional chicken dish.)
Our FIRST meal there I enjoyed the spinach and Indian Cheese tapas plate called Saag Paneer that I typically love but this was the best! Emily and Erin also ordered vegetarian dishes; therefore we all sampled each other’s. Their dishes consisted of chickpeas and heavy spices. It may not sound like a five star meal but it was fantastic.
On our SECOND evening at Mother India the five of us shared several servings of garlic Naan which is a carb lover’s dream. Naan can be compared to the typical rolls and butter that you get a Pasta House back in the states only it’s much better. The thick pieces of pita bread came with two types of toppings. The first was a mango Chutney (a jam that I have only seen in the UK) and the second topping was similar to sweetened and caramelized onions. Both meals were all around delicious!
The majority of my meals during this time in Scotland have been quick and easy meals except for the occasional sit down. We have eaten out quite a bit but each time I have had a wide variety of choices on the menu, ranging from a portobello burger and chips to a falafel wrap. Not one meal has been disappointing and I have had a great time trying different dishes that allow me to stick to my pescetarian lifestyle.
Tara
My first meal here was just that, fish and chips, except it had a twist! I have noticed that the majority of the meals I have had so far always have a side salad included. Not just your typical side Caesar or house salad that you see in America but it is a real side. I find it interesting because comes without any dressing (except for the occasional squirt of vinegar on top). The greens are so fresh that they are a flavor of their own.
This first plate also came with a side of mashed peas, which at first glance, made me wonder if it hadn’t already been eaten. Surprisingly, it was my favorite part of the meal. It was a sweet dish and it had a creamy texture. The sweetness of it meshed nicely with the saltiness of the rest of the meal.
The number of cuisine choices in Scotland is quite impressive. Right up the street from our Hostel, in Edinburgh, was an Indian restaurant called Mother India and the name fits it well. When we first arrived in Edinburgh Linda mentioned that this Indian restaurant had “the best Indian food in the world”, maybe it was an exaggeration, but it was the absolute best Indian food I have ever had. (If you are unfamiliar with the Indian Cuisine, the majority of its dishes are vegetarian except for the occasional chicken dish.)
Our FIRST meal there I enjoyed the spinach and Indian Cheese tapas plate called Saag Paneer that I typically love but this was the best! Emily and Erin also ordered vegetarian dishes; therefore we all sampled each other’s. Their dishes consisted of chickpeas and heavy spices. It may not sound like a five star meal but it was fantastic.
On our SECOND evening at Mother India the five of us shared several servings of garlic Naan which is a carb lover’s dream. Naan can be compared to the typical rolls and butter that you get a Pasta House back in the states only it’s much better. The thick pieces of pita bread came with two types of toppings. The first was a mango Chutney (a jam that I have only seen in the UK) and the second topping was similar to sweetened and caramelized onions. Both meals were all around delicious!
The majority of my meals during this time in Scotland have been quick and easy meals except for the occasional sit down. We have eaten out quite a bit but each time I have had a wide variety of choices on the menu, ranging from a portobello burger and chips to a falafel wrap. Not one meal has been disappointing and I have had a great time trying different dishes that allow me to stick to my pescetarian lifestyle.
Tara