Yahoo News Scotland's 'worst foods' named as beloved takeaway classic tops list
Scotland's "worst" foods have been named, with the number one spot going to a beloved takeaway classic.
Here in Scotland, we are known for our unique delicacies — from shortbread to Cullen skink. While many are an acquired taste, some are undoubtedly more popular than others.
On Monday, online travel guide TasteAtlas shared a list of the 25 "worst-rated Scottish foods". Topping the list, with a rating of just 2.7 out of five, is deep-fried pizza.
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A fixture of fish and chip shops across the country, deep-fried pizzas have long been a night-out staple amongst Scots. Also known as 'pizza crunch', the indulgent dish consists of a pizza that has been deep-fried in hot oil instead of being baked in an oven.
Described by TasteAtlas as "extremely caloric and unhealthy", pizza crunches sit alongside kebabs and fish suppers as one of the most popular snacks to pick up on the way home from the pub or club. Many Scots will even remember enjoying a deep-fried pizza for lunch back at school.
Following behind as the second-worst Scottish delicacy according to the experts, with a rating of 3.1 out of five, is Dundee cake. A traditional fruit cake, it is somewhat similar to a Christmas cake but with a lighter and more crumbly texture.
The main ingredients of a Dundee cake are currants, sultanas, and almonds, with the latter giving it its unique patterned appearance. According to legend, the cake dates back to the 16th century and was originally made for Mary, Queen of Scots.
Meanwhile, Lorne sausage places third on TasteAtlas' list of the worst Scottish foods. Also known as square sausage, it received a mediocre score of 3.3.
A staple of the traditional Scottish breakfast, square sausage is made with minced meat, rusk, and spices. Despite being called a sausage, no casing is used to hold the meat in shape.
Another beloved Scottish delicacy to be named among the "worst" by the experts is deep-fried Mars bar, which comes in at number five. With a rating of 3.4 out of five, deep-fried Mars bars are undoubtedly a love-it-or-hate-it affair.
Believed to date back to the early 1990s, it is thought that the unique treat was invented by The Haven Chip Bar — now The Carron — in the Aberdeenshire town of Stonehaven. It is prepared by coating a chilled Mars bar in flour batter and then immersing it in oil until the batter is fully cooked.
Other classic Scottish dishes to be named among the "worst" by TasteAtlas include cranachan and stovies. The former is a creamy dessert traditionally made to celebrate the summer raspberry harvest, while the latter is a potato dish often made to use up leftovers after a Sunday roast.
The food experts even included haggis, Scotland's national dish, on its list of the country's worst foods. The savoury pudding is traditionally served with neeps and tatties, which also appears on TasteAtlas' roundup.
The full list of the worst-rated Scottish Foods can be found on the TasteAtlas website.
The 25 worst-rated Scottish foods
Scottish Deep-Fried Pizza
Dundee Cake
Lorne Sausage
Melting Moments
Deep-Fried Mars Bar
Bannock
Forfar Bridie
Scottish Oatcakes
Bap
Plaice fish and chips
Clootie
Scotch pie
Scottish Porridge
Neeps and Tatties
Mince and Tatties
Butteries
Haggis
Tablet
Cranachan
Stornoway Black Pudding
Stovies
Clapshot
Scotch Broth
Cock-a-Leekie
Ecclefechan Butter Tart
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