No foodie journey through Angus would be complete without tasting an authentic Arbroath Smokie.

Made from haddock that is salted, dried and traditionally smoked over a hardwood fire, the Arbroath Smokie is celebrated for its distinctive golden colour, rich aroma and wonderfully smoky flavour. Its protected status means that only fish produced using the traditional method within a five-mile radius of Arbroath can carry the famous name.

The best way to explore its story is by following the Arbroath Smokie Trail. This sensory trail connects five key locations between Arbroath and Auchmithie, taking in Arbroath Signal Tower Museum, Arbroath Harbour, the historic Fit o’ the Toon, Arbroath Cliffs and the fishing village of Auchmithie.

Along the way, you can discover the Smokie’s fishing heritage, learn about the generations of families who have kept the tradition alive and enjoy magnificent views across the Angus coastline. Stop at a local café or restaurant to try a Smokie as part of a freshly prepared dish, or visit one of Arbroath’s fishmongers to pick up a pair to take home.

Celebrate the Arbroath Smokie on 6 September with Smokie Fest, a family-friendly festival dedicated to Arbroath’s most famous delicacy. Explore the historic harbour and smokehouses, watch chef demonstrations, enjoy street food and live music, and meet local food, drink and craft producers. There will also be opportunities to discover more of the town’s fishing heritage through activities, performances and guided experiences. The main programme is free to attend, with some optional experiences requiring advance booking.

It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and unmistakable aroma of Arbroath’s Smokie-making tradition, while celebrating the people and stories behind this world-famous local delicacy.

From welcoming cafés and traditional pubs to restaurants, takeaways and street food, there is somewhere to suit every taste in Angus.

Local ingredients feature proudly on menus across the region. Look out for freshly caught seafood, Angus beef, seasonal vegetables, locally grown berries and homemade baking. You might find traditional favourites served simply, or familiar ingredients given a creative new twist.

For something you can enjoy on the go, try a Forfar Bridie. This iconic local bake is a flaky pastry filled with savoury meat and is just the thing for a picnic, a day of exploring or a warming lunch stop.

If your perfect day includes coffee and cake, you will find cosy cafés in towns and villages across Angus, serving everything from freshly baked scones and traybakes to light lunches and locally roasted coffee. For an evening meal, choose a restaurant where local produce takes centre stage, or settle into a friendly pub and enjoy hearty food in relaxed surroundings.

Explore places to eat across Angus and start planning a delicious stop as part of your visit.

Some of the best food memories begin before the plate reaches the table.

Angus is home to a wonderful community of growers, makers, bakers, brewers and distillers, with many local businesses drawing inspiration from the area’s farmland, coastline and natural ingredients.

Visit farm shops, delicatessens, butchers, fishmongers and local grocers to fill your basket with Angus produce. Depending on the season, you might find freshly picked fruit and vegetables, jams and preserves, homemade cakes, local meat and artisan products.

There is plenty for drinks enthusiasts too. Angus producers create small-batch roasted coffee, speciality tea, craft beers and ales, locally flavoured gins, potato vodka and handcrafted Scotch whisky. These products make lovely gifts, although you may be tempted to keep them for yourself!

For the chance to meet several local producers in one place, plan a visit to one of Angus’s regular markets. Markets in Forfar and Montrose bring together a changing selection of local food, drink, crafts and seasonal products, offering a relaxed way to shop locally and chat with the people behind the products. Follow Producers of Angus Markets on Facebook for the latest dates, venues and trader announcements.

You can also explore Arbroath Market, usually held at Victoria Park and featuring local food and drink producers alongside makers, live entertainment and family activities. Check the Arbroath Market Facebook page for upcoming market dates and the latest information.

Buying directly from a producer is a great way to learn more about where your food comes from. You can hear the stories behind the products, discover the care and craft involved and support the local businesses that help put Angus on Scotland’s foodie map.

Why stop at trying the finished product when you can meet its maker?

Food and drink experiences in Angus offer opportunities to step behind the scenes, discover traditional methods and see local craftsmanship in action.

Visit a tea garden or explore one of the region’s distilleries including Arbikie Distillery Experience near Montrose, Angus Alchemy in Carnoustie, The Bothy Experience in Glamis, Glencadam Distillery in Brechin and Ogilvy Distillery near Glamis.

Depending on the experience, you could learn how spirits are produced, hear about the ingredients that shape their flavours or discover what it takes to grow and create a truly local product.

Farm visits offer another memorable way to connect with Angus food and farming. Meet the animals, pick seasonal fruit, browse a farm shop or relax over lunch while enjoying views of the countryside. These experiences are ideal for families, groups of friends and anyone who wants to understand the journey from field to fork.

September is a wonderful time to explore the Angus food scene. Late-summer produce is still appearing in farm shops and on local menus, while the first flavours of autumn begin to arrive.

It’s the perfect excuse to plan a leisurely lunch, stock up on locally made treats or build a whole day around food and drink. Pair a coastal walk with a freshly prepared Smokie, call into a farm shop during a countryside drive or round off a visit to one of Angus’s historic attractions with coffee and homemade cake.

Food-focused events and festivals can add even more flavour to your visit, bringing together local makers, chefs and communities. Check the latest event listings before your trip to see what is happening during your stay.