Saturday's Food Picks

Edinburgh has been called Scotland's Larder, and in the past few weeks I'm beginning to see why. Here are some tasty treats I sampled today.

1. Returning to the Farmer's Market with Fel this afternoon, I got my hands on a Buffalo Burger. For 3 pounds you get a sizzling patty fresh off the grill. You also have a choice of sauces and relishes, to spice up the burger. It was good - much better than my ostrich burger the last time! Fel had a stoats porridge with belgium chocolate and hazelnut, which was also very nice and comforting.

The market was a lot busier this afternoon compared to last week, when I went in the morning - more people out of bed I imagine! A nice buzz in the air as we strolled through the various stalls. Along the way, we sampled some 'Tablets,' or home-made sweets which were quite delicious - I'm thinking of going back next week to buy some as presents for friends in Singapore.

2. Amazing Rhubarb Tart at the Fruitmarket Gallery Cafe! I have tried rhubarb pie before, but was never particularly a fan of it. This little gem however, has got me converted.


The tart comes with a small bowl of creme fraiche with ginger stems (pictured above). It's an optional accompaniment that costs just a pound more - however it sounded so unusual, that I just had to try it. And I'm quite glad I did...the crystallized blocks of ginger and creme fraiche actually go well together. Even better, it pairs very well with the rhubarb tart! Yumminess. Washed it down with a nice hot pot of Cranberry and Orange tea.

Have also heard that the Fruitmarket Gallery cafe serves the best brownies in Edinburgh. Shall definitely check it out if I suddenly get struck by a chocolate craving.

Another Secret: Edinburgh Farmer's Market

In London, street markets selling anything from antiques to clothing to agricultural produce are almost de rigeur. The Portobello and Camden markets are famous tourist pit-stops in their own right, and see thronging crowds on weekends.

So that got me thinking: surely Edinburgh must have some markets of its own?

A quick search on google earlier this week threw up the Edinburgh Farmer's Market which occurs (impressively), every Saturday from 9am - 2pm. Local farmers converge at Castle Terrace, under the imposing shadow of the Edinburgh castle selling nothing but the freshest and finest specimens of Scottish produce.

Forcing myself out of bed at 9am (early for me), I took a brisk walk to the Castle Terrace. Upon arrival, I spied a row of cheerful umbrella-ed stalls, each bearing the name of the farmer/producer and the wares on sale.

This is an excellent place to pick up fresh groceries whilst ensuring your money goes right back to local producers. Some products you can get at the market include organic beers, free-range eggs, fruits and veges, artisan breads and chocolates, honey, a selection of meats, and even fresh seafood from the Isle of Arran. The stallholders are lovely, and there's a great camaraderie between them and the regulars who come armed with large grocery bags and little shopping trolleys.

The market is not very large, but you can just take your time to browse and soak in the atmosphere. A tip: come on an empty stomach. There's tons of food available at the market, and most of it is freshly cooked or prepared in front of you.

I picked up an Ostrich meat burger, simply because it sounded so exotic! Not too bad but a bit dry and not as juicy as I thought. I would recommend you try out the Aberdeen Angus Burger if it's available, simply because it looked and smelt so good. If however, you're still inclined toward the unconventional, try the Buffalo meat burger. It's whipped up personally by a rather photogenic young farmer from West Fife - who says farmers have to look old and weather-beaten? Hehe.

Also finally managed to try Stoats Porridge! The mobile Stoats Porridge Bar sets up shop at the Farmer's Market, and by the looks of it, is a smash hit with visitors. They do porridge with a variety of toppings, ranging from just plain brown sugar, to a selection of choice fruits and maple syrup. The most popular recipe is the 'Cranachan' which is porridge accompanied by honey, single cream, toasted sweet oats and topped with fresh Scottish raspberries.

The Cranachan, 3 pounds

This is pure comfort food - warm, humble and totally homely. Something your granny would've served you in bed on those cold dreary days.

So whether you're a foodie, or into supporting local farmers, or just curious, I recommend you definitely check out the farmer's market on a Saturday. Go early before all the good stuff is gone, grab a tasty burger, a soup or a rhubarb pie, and munch slowly as you do your rounds. It's worth waking up a little early for!