An American woman who moved to Scotland all the way from New York City has outlined a number of Scottish foods which she said “genuinely confused” her when she first arrived
Scotland really does have some of the best food in the whole world (stock image)(Image: PA)
Scotland has so much to offer, from our spectacular landscapes and our timeless sense of style, to our storied history baked into every rock, brick, and stone. And then, of course, there’s the food and drink.
We all know Scottish grub is among the best in the world, but it’s understandable if visitors might be a bit taken aback by some of our favourites. One American woman who moved here all the way from New York City has outlined a number of classic Scottish treats which she said “genuinely confused” her when she first arrived.
Model Kourtnee Monroe regularly shares updates about her new life with her 22,000-plus followers on Instagram. She listed a series of foods which left her baffled when she first came across them.
Number one is a classic, and one which often catches foreigners off-guard: haggis. Kourtnee wrote: “They told what was in it AFTER I tried it. I’m not the same person any more. But it tastes so good.”
She added that haggis can’t be legally imported to the USA, so anyone wanting to try an authentic version has no choice but to make the journey themselves. This is because traditional haggis is made with sheep’s lungs, and it is illegal in the USA to eat any kind of animal lung as they can contain more microorganisms and toxins than other parts of the body.
Second on Kourtnee’s list is a favourite among people who like a drink that does the job quickly, and gives you plenty of energy while it’s at it. She said: “Buckfast also can’t be imported to the USA… which basically knocks Scotland out of the World Cup before it’s even started.” Buckfast – or ‘Bucky’ as it’s affectionately known by aficionados – can’t be brought into the USA due to its high caffeine content.
Number three on Kourtnee’s list is something a little less hard on your liver. Holding up a packet of well-fired morning rolls, showcasing the eye-catching charred top, she said: “I genuinely thought these had expired when I first saw them. Turns out this is ON PURPOSE and people PREFER them.”
Number four, and you knew it was coming, it’s Irn Bru. Kourtnee said: “Scotland’s national drink is an orange soda that tastes indescribable? Just try it, especially for a hangover cure.”
Fifth on the list is something a bit more fancy – Balmoral chicken. Kourtnee wrote: “Chicken stuffed with haggis wrapped in bacon!?!? THIS COUNTRY DOES NOT MISS!!!!!!”
Number six is not necessarily specific to Scotland, but wasn’t something Kourtnee had ever come across before coming here. Showing a picture of a Morrisons tuna and sweetcorn sandwich, she wrote: “The sweetcorn in the tuna was not something New York City prepared me for.”
In at number seven, it’s the ever-popular Tunnock’s tea cakes. Kourtnee described the treats as “a chocolate UFO filled with marshmallow”. She said: “Confused at first. Now I can’t stop.”
Last, but 100 per cent not least, it’s the full Scottish breakfast. Posting a picture of her plate, featuring scrambled eggs, sausages, a grilled tomato and mushroom, bacon, toast, and square sausage, she described the legendary meal as “not for the weak”. She wrote: “New York has a big breakfast. Scotland said ‘hold my Irn Bru’!”.
Concluding her post, she said: “No shade! I’ve been converted on some of these.”
People in the comments added their own suggestions for Scottish treats Kourtnee should try. One said: “Scottish tablet is heavenly.” Another wrote: “Best hangover cure is a well fired roll with lorne (square) sausage, fried onions and cheese with lashings of ketchup. Washed down by Irn Bru.”
