Viral Festive Favourite Returns to Stirlingshire Restaurant this Christmas

We have launched our 2025 festive menu, featuring the return of our cult favourite, Deep-Fried Brussels Sprouts, that became a nationwide media sensation when they first launched two years ago.

What began as a tasty twist on the humble sprout has grown into a much-anticipated tradition for us, Scotland’s iconic roadside diner, and this year’s announcement has already generated strong reaction.

Ahead of the menu release, we teased the return of the sprouts with a Facebook post that revealed the sprout to be as popular as ever.

The sprout poll revealed that 71% of respondents plan to order them, with a further 20% naming them their ‘festive favourite.’ The comments reflected the sprout’s famously Marmite status, ranging from “Definitely coming in for some!” and “Really, really want to try these!” to one follower suggesting the dish might be “worth the 9-hour drive.”

Our Owner Sarah Heward said, “We introduced the sprouts in December 2023 as a bit of fun and had no idea how much of a sensation they would become. I was interviewed on national radio, and almost every Scottish newspaper wrote about them - the sprouts took on a bit of a life of their own, moving from ‘soggy side’ to ‘golden, crispy hero’ status.  The following year, there was another media whirlwind when we shared our recipe.

Our recent sprouts poll reached more than ten thousand people, and the reactions were instant. Most people can’t wait to order them, others are intrigued, and a few are baffled and slightly horrified, which, to be honest, is exactly what we love. Christmas food should be joyful, surprising, a little bit playful, and of course, get everyone talking and excited!”

She added, “This year’s menu is our most festive yet. We’ve created a collection of warming treats that feel like a tummy hug on a cold December day.”

In addition to these dishes, this year’s Christmas menu includes several new seasonal specials, available until 5th January.  

Customers over the festive season can enjoy a Pigs in Blankets Roll, served daily between 7.30am and 5pm, while the Christmas Comfort Food selection, available from 11am, features a Bacon, Brie and Cranberry Toastie served with handcrafted chips, and the indulgent Christmas Loaded Chips, a festive feast of cheesy chips topped with pigs in blankets, crispy onions, Brussels sprouts and gravy.

Sides include Fried Brie Parcels with cranberry sauce, the restaurant’s famous Deep-Fried Brussels Sprouts with a honey and mustard dip, and traditional Pigs in Blankets with gravy. Festive hot drinks are also on the menu, including a Gingerbread Latte and Vanilla Hot Chocolate, alongside a build-your-own option with syrups such as Festive Cake, Mulled Wine, Gingerbread and Peppermint.

Completing the festive line-up is The Real Food Cafe’s now-famous Cinnamon Muffin Roll, which was crowned Scotland’s Bakery Product of the Year at the 2025 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

For anyone keen to recreate the headline act at home, The Real Food Cafe has also shared a version of its Crispy Deep-Fried Brussels Sprouts recipe on its website.

https://therealfoodcafe.com/blogs/news/the-real-food-cafes-crispy-deep-fried-brussels-sprouts-recipe