The Cullen Skink.

Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish dish, originating from the town of Cullen in the Moray region on the north-east coast of Scotland. This comforting dish is particularly appreciated for its simplicity and rich flavors, embodying the essence of traditional Scottish cooking. A delicious, full-flavoured meal that’s a must-try one evening, after a day exploring the Scottish countryside!

A taste of Cullen Skink

History of a national dish

The history of the Cullen Skink is deeply rooted in Scottish culture and tradition, particularly in the small coastal town of Cullen, located in the Moray region on the north-east coast of Scotland.

This typical Scottish dish takes its name from the town of Cullen, where it was created. The term “skink” is a Scottish word that originally meant a meat-based broth or soup, but in the case of Cullen Skink, it refers to a fish soup.

Cullen Skink was originally a fisherman’s dish. Simple, economical but nutritious, it was prepared by Scottish families living off the fruit of their catch. Over time, it has been adopted by a wider community, becoming a symbol of Scottish home cooking.

As a port town, Cullen had easy access to haddock, a fish abundant in the cold waters of the North Sea. The availability of the latter has played a key role in the emergence of this dish.

It uses an ancestral Scottish technique: the art of smoking fish! As a reminder, the country boasts age-old know-how in this field: beechwood smoking, wood-fired smoking, herb smoking, honey smoking… Their knowledge reveals exceptional flavours: a way of combining simplicity and subtlety!

Although the basic recipe for Cullen Skink has changed little over the years, slight variations have been made, such as adding cream to enrich the soup.

A traditional Scottish dish

Cullen Skink has gained popularity far beyond Cullen and is now considered a national dish in Scotland, often served in restaurants and pubs across the country.

Its popularity has given rise to competitions and festivals, including the annual Cullen Skink Championship, where chefs compete to create the best version of this traditional soup.

A taste of Cullen Skink

Composition and ingredients

Cullen Skink is a thick, creamy soup made mainly with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.

These ingredients are cooked in a broth, often enriched with cream or milk, to create a creamy texture and rich taste.

Although the traditional recipe remains the most popular, there are variations that sometimes include additional ingredients such as bacon or herbs.

This soup is both simple and extremely tasty, combining the rich, smoky flavor of haddock with the creamy sweetness of milk and the texture of potatoes. Delicious, hearty and comforting, it offers a warm and generous taste experience: perfect for recuperating after a wet and rainy day!