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Haggis empanadas: Did the food at Tucan in Rosemount transport us to South America?

Tucan, located on Rosemount Place, opened in August 2022. Find out what our food reviewers rated their haggis empanadas, fried plantains and more!

Andy and I before trying out the Tucan grub, Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson
Andy and I before trying out the Tucan grub, Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

“This is a place I’ve been wanting to visit for ages,” said fellow P&J journalist Andy Morton as the pair of us were finally in amongst the vibrant interior of Aberdeen’s Tucan last week.

I couldn’t have related more.

You’ll find Tucan on Rosemount Place. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson`

The Rosemount Place South American-style restaurant has been on my radar since it opened in August 2022, but several planned visits had always fallen through.

Empanadas, anyone? Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

So, I decided it was finally time to immerse myself in the venue.

Full of colour, texture and pattern, the interior had some serious flair. And to say the décor — which included plants and fairy lights — exceeded expectations would be an understatement.

Inside the restaurant. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Despite seeing granite buildings outside once Andy and I had been seated, and joined by P&J photographer Kath Flannery soon after, it started to feel as though we were no longer in Aberdeen.

Read on to see what dishes we tasted, and our ratings for each. 

Empanadas

I didn’t know what to expect in terms of the menu, but it was lengthy. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes.

The three uniform empanadas. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

We requested some recommendations from co-owner Adam Marnoch, who was our server for the evening. The empanadas (£14) were mentioned on a number of occasions.

Customers receive three large empanadas in this dish, and you can choose from a selection of eight fillings — ranging from minced beef and pulled chicken to mozzarella.

Inside the crispy haggis empanadas at Tucan in Rosemount. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

We opted for the slow cooked pulled pork, black beans and rice, and crispy haggis.

The uniform corn-based tortillas were a delight. Buttery, flakey and tender, they were the perfect consistency.

Andy and I tucking into the pulled pork option. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Each savoury filling was packed full of flavour. The pulled pork was rich and tender, the black beans and rice were soft and earthy, while the crispy haggis had a nice peppery punch.

The latter featured a lovely mild cheese inside too, which complimented the haggis perfectly.

The crispy haggis empanada also featured cheese. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Neither of us could praise the team enough for the empanadas, they were incredible, as were the trio of salsas that they were served with.

Trio of salsas. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Ratings:

  • Andy: 5/5
  • Karla: 5/5

Pabellón

Next up, the pabellón (£20), something I hadn’t come across on a menu before.

Made with rice, pulled beef, black beans, fried sweet plantain and a fried free-range egg, the traditional Venezuelan dish was eye-catching and inviting.

The pabellón was eye-catching and inviting. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

There were three main features to this plate — the rice, pulled beef, and bowl of black beans.

Pulled beef and black bean. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Unsure on what to try first, I copied Andy as he scooped up several spoonfuls of all three ingredients and placed them onto his plate.

The pulled beef was out of this world. It almost melted in the mouth.

Andy excited to try the second dish of the afternoon at Tucan in Rosemount. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

The rice — topped with a fried egg — was great for soaking up the runny black bean sauce, which was sharp and slightly salty.

I wasn’t sold on the plantain, but I was told it’s an acquired taste.

A fried free-range egg had been placed on top of the rice. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Ratings:

  • Andy: 4/5
  • Karla: 4/5

Mixed berries mousse

Adamant that we were only going to order one dessert at Tucan, this turned into two when our order was being taken. My plan had failed… I’ll pretend I was upset another day.

Passion fruit mousse. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

The first of the two was a passion fruit mousse (£4.50).

Creamy, sweet, tangy, light, zingy… the positives I could list about this dessert would go on and on.

I would order the dessert again and again. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson
Andy also praised the mousse. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

The texture was spot on too, and we adored how beautifully presented the dessert was.

Ratings:

  • Andy: 4/5
  • Karla: 5/5

Buñuelos

The second dessert was unique.

Originally described to us as “fried cheese balls and syrup,” the pair of us were apprehensive.

The buñuelos. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

“It shouldn’t work but it does, trust me,” said Sam Dagostim, another owner at Tucan in Rosemount.

I was convinced.

Again, the presentation was superb. As for the taste, we instantly agreed with Sam.

The balls were swimming in a bowl of syrup. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Once you pierce through the crispy shell, the balls’ cheesy interior is silky and slightly nutty.

I didn’t think the syrup was overpowering either, but I don’t think I could eat an entire portion. Andy and Kath got stuck right in.

The pair of us loved every dish. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

A portion of buñuelos (including five balls) usually costs £6. The portion we received, I was told, is to “let people try them out.”

Ratings:

  • Andy: 5/5
  • Karla: 4/5

Everything was cooked to order at Tucan in Rosemount. The portion sizes were plentiful as well, and we got service with a smile.

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