Every 30 November, Scots around the world celebrate St Andrew’s Day, honouring their patron saint, Saint Andrew with music. It’s a public holiday that’s celebrated with a céilí, a hoolie and importantly – a big feast.
Traditional meals often include comforting classics like creamy soup, hearty stews, and the iconic haggis – plus warming desserts and whisky or ale by the fire.
Scotland has an exciting contemporary food scene that blends traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Just like we’ve done for other national celebrations, mushrooms offer a versatile, flavourful, and sustainable way to honour Scotland’s heritage, while also bringing something fresh to the table.
Why mushrooms work for St Andrew’s Day
- Umami, earthy and comforting – mushrooms bring rich, savoury depth that complements the hearty, wintery dishes traditionally served at St Andrew’s Day.
- Flexible for any diet – whether you make a vegetarian/vegan “haggis” or swap smoked-fish for mushrooms, you can create a satisfying, inclusive menu.
- Sustainable & low-impact – mushrooms remain an environmentally friendly choice (something we’ve highlighted before), aligning perfectly with the growing interest in sustainable celebrations.
Mushroom-inspired ideas for your Scottish feast
Here are a few suggestions to weave mushrooms into your St Andrew’s Day spread:
Hearty Mushroom Stew over Mash
A warming, rustic dish that can stand in for more traditional meat-heavy stews. With mushrooms, root veggies, herbs, in a rich gravy, served over creamy tatties – the perfect comfort food as the nights draw in.
https://www.scotsmagazine.com/articles/scots-larder-stew-recipe/
Vegetarian Haggis
These small, haggis stuffed mushrooms are a tribute to tradition, with a modern, lighter twist.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/vegetarian_haggis_12104
Mushroom Soup
a warming starter or side, a hearty soup is a staple in Scottish cooking. Serving this one with crusty bread and real butter.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mushroom_soup_03841
Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms with Scottish Flavours
large mushroom caps filled with a savoury mix (e.g. sautéed onion/garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs, maybe a touch of cheese), baked until golden. Simple — yet celebratory.
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/cheesy-autumn-mushrooms
St Andrew’s Day is as much about community, tradition and warmth as it is about food. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cosy night in, mushrooms offer a chance to honour Scottish heritage. And they’re versatile enough to slide seamlessly into a traditional feast or to transform it entirely into something fresh, vegetarian-friendly, and deeply soul-warming.
Why not raise a ‘wee dram’ (or a mushroom stew ladle) in celebration?
