The Scottish product is world class. But for decades, Scotland did not realize what was in its pantry, and sent too much of it abroad. Today, though all that is changing and producers and restaurants across Scotland are serving homegrown delicacies in full view of the sea or the land they come from.
In the Shetland Archipelago, this gastronomic renaissance is accelerating, and any visit to the UK’s northernmost islands should indulge in these delicacies.
Blue shell mussels
Direction
Brae, Shetland ZE2 9QJ, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 1806 522700
Web
Visit the website
Juicy, stuffed mussels cooked in a large black pot and steamed can be Shetland’s best dish. The best mussels in the UK come from the mussel beds here and Blueshell Mussels, the largest supplier, is accredited by the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), ensuring sustainability.
Try it at: Frankie’s Fish and Chips, on the shores of Busta Voe. Your mussels are supplied by Blueshell Mussels and you will eat them with a view of the very same that they were pulled out of the water. Try them marinere style, or with honey and Shetland chili.
You can also impress your friends with your esoteric linguistic knowledge. A voe , in case you’re wondering, is a word for a narrow inlet or bay that, in English, is used almost exclusively in Orkney and Shetland. Its origins date back to the Vikings who originally settled these islands and are related to Norwegian and Old Norse.
Smoked fish
Scotland is famous for its smoked fish and in Shetland you’ll find some of the best in the country, including plump pink smoked salmon and spicy smoked mackerel and tender smoked haddock like the fish featured here. The fish is caught and smoked locally, so expect fresh fillets that crumble on your fingers.
Oatmeal Cakes
Direction
Springfield, Shetland ZE2 9PF, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 1595 809308
Web
Visit the website
There are few things more Scottish than an oatmeal cake, and we think there is no better side for your smoked haddock. Shetland oats are handcrafted from oats for a rough, crumbly texture.
Try it at: Waas Bakery makes the best oatcakes in Shetland, of course, with a long-standing local recipe. They are available at most local stores on the islands, or you buy them from the bakery on Walls.
Seaweed lamb
Direction
Shetland ZE2 9RS, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 1806 503345
Web
Visit the website
Shetland has lamb like nowhere else. Here the sheep are free to feed not only on the grass and heather of the hills but also on the algae along the shores. This adds an almost brackish note of sweetness, and the lamb’s extensive grazing habits make its meat tender and smooth, without a hint of stringiness.
Try it at: Braewick Café near Eshaness serves its own homegrown lamb, with stunning views of the coastline from its large glass windows.
Scallops
Direction
Brae, Shetland ZE2 9QJ, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 1806 522700
Web
Visit the website
The cold waters are plump seafood and the Shetland voices are really great! As a result, the scallops that are pulled from them are juicy and sweet. Don’t even think about ordering them in batter, instead serve them fried to let their flavor shine through.
Try it at: Frankie’s again. This sympathetic chippie wasn’t named best in the UK at the 2015 National Fish & Chip Awards for nothing. They will even tell you which local fishing boat your scallops came from.
60 ° Norte Lager
Direction
Ladies Dr, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0NA, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 1595 694552
Web
Visit the website
This Shetland beer packs a punch, with well-chosen bitter hops brewed in the crisp, fresh island water. It won’t overpower your dinner though, the smooth golden style complements everything from goat cheese to smoked salmon.
Try it at: Lerwick Brewery, just outside the islands’ capital, Lerwick. The small craft brewery that makes 60 ° North (as well as a couple of darker beers) offers tours and tastings by appointment (contact +44 (0) 1595 694552).
Shetland Reel Gin
Direction
Saxa Word, Unst, Shetland ZE2 9TN, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 1957 711217
Web
Visit the website
Although Shetland Reel gin is a traditional gin, it has a distinctive Shetland flavor. This comes from apple mint, a local botanical that has a mild minty flavor with a hint of apple sweetness. Drink it neat over ice for full impact.
Try it at: Saxa Vord resort on the UK’s northernmost island Unst. This dismantled RAF base now houses the Distillery, Valhalla Brewery, and a variety of accommodations. The Sergeants Lounge Bar serves Shetland Reel here.
See what other travelers think of Saxa Vord and book accommodation on Tripadvisor.
Lobster
Direction
Main St , Scalloway , Shetland ZE1 0TR , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 1595 880444
Web
Visit the website
No Scottish gastronomic list would be complete without lobster, and those harvested from the waters around Shetland are world class. The cold water here makes them exceptionally sweet and juicy, so order a whole one and don’t be afraid to put juice on your chin.
Try it at: The Scalloway Hotel is the archipelago’s leading hotel and also features a gourmet restaurant. Take the table by the window, overlooking the waters, and order your lobster by weight.
See what other travelers think of the Scalloway Hotel on Tripadvisor.
