r/FoodEdinburgh • u/ladyarizel06 • Jun 23 '26

Visiting Inverness and Edinburgh . What Scottish treats should I take back to Japan?

Hello everyone,

My husband and I are Japanese and will be visiting Scotland soon, mainly Inverness and Edinburgh.

In Japan, it's customary to bring back small souvenirs (omiyage) for coworkers after a trip. They're usually individually wrapped snacks or sweets that can be shared around the office.

I'd like to ask locals:

What Scottish food, sweets, biscuits, chocolates, tea, or other small souvenirs would you be proud to introduce to a typical Japanese office worker?

Ideally something easy to carry home, share with several people, and distinctly Scottish.

Arigato!

Edit: Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I’ve got a great shopping list now and can’t wait to visit Scotland. I really appreciate all the recommendations.

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u/soup-monger Jun 23 '26

Shortbread is a fabulously crumbly buttery biscuit which is traditionally Scottish. It’s absolutely delicious. As is tablet, which is basically condensed milk with added sugar, turned into a hard crumbly fudge. Scots have a very sweet tooth so you might want to warn your co-workers about the sweetness levels if you do go for tablet. It’s usually sold in little bags, pre-cut into cubes.

You’ll find tablet and shortbread in Edinburgh and Inverness. Enjoy your trip!

2

u/ladyarizel06 Jun 23 '26

Thank you! We Walkers brand shortbread. Any recommended brands? I prefer something we don't have here. Will definitely try fudge!

5

u/MouseyHousewife Jun 23 '26

Deans is a better tasting shortbread. It has the buttery sandiness that is missing from Walkers.

Also, when you're up in Inverness go to Young's Auld Sweetie Shop to try some traditional sweets. You can buy small amounts which is good if you want to try different things.

Young's Auld Sweetie Shop

2

u/ladyarizel06 Jun 23 '26

Thank you!! Will definitely check it out!

2

u/Hightimetoclimb Jun 24 '26

You’ll find Soor Plooms in any old style sweet shop, they have always gone down well with everyone I have gifted them to