So this weekend is Burns Night. That iconic evening when people from around Scotland and beyond drink, dance, feast and toast to the bard’s birthday. Of course if you’re a Glasgow native, you’ve probably been chowing haggis since you were a wee bairn, (did I say that right?) but for the rest of us imposters, ahem, like me (an Irish vegetarian, no less) there’s nothing less appetising than an inflated beige brain-like bubble on our plate. So if like me, you won’t be opting for the traditional address this Burns Night, check out my guide for tasty alternatives to the Scottish serving.
Republic Bier Halle
This basement Bavarian beer lair is well known for its two-for-one pizza deal, so if you’re not just looking for an alternative Burns supper, but a thrifty one too, this place makes a cheap date. Their haggis pizza comes adorned with grainy chunks of the peppery haggis mix, topped with cheese on a tasty stone baked base. If you’re a novice Haggis eater, this is probably the easiest first time taste of Scotland’s national dish.
The Hard Rock Café
The Hard Rock Café Glasgow may not be long open, but it’s already got its Scottish roots secured. Every HRC in the world has a Local Legend Burger – authentically local vittles, mushed into a patty and stuck between two buns. The Buchanan Street branch takes its cue from Edinburgh, with a haggis burger. A tasty 10oz burger topped with haggis, fried neeps, white cheddar and a maple whisky mustard. If you don’t fancy looking your stomach in the eye, this is the way to eat it.
The Bungo
If you’re a vegetarian with a hankering for haggis, then get yourself on a bus to The Bungo. This South Glasgow bar has got one of the best veggie haggis dishes in the city. Their incredible Chickpea & Veggie Haggis burger comes with chips, sweet cured cucumber pickle and chipotle aioli, along with your choice of cheeses, grilled tomato and onion rings. A tasty alternative Burns Night supper – no lambs were harmed in the making of this dish.
Stravaigin
While their Burns brunch for Sunday is fully booked, Stravaigin are offering a special Haggis flight all weekend. They’ll take you around the world with Scottish, Spanish and Mexican variations of the national dish, all washed down with a dram. Stravaigin’s award-winning haggis is cooked differently to the usual sheep’s stomach variety, slow cooked for richness and texture with star-anise and all spice.
It’s almost enough to turn me carnivorous.
For more Burns Night ideas, check out our DesignMyNight guide for inspiration and whatever you’re at this weekend, may your toasts be passionate, your dancing, unhinged and your haggis, eh, soft, moist and peppery - rumour has it, that means it’s a good ‘un.
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