10 Must Try Irish Food
Ireland is known for many things: its majestic landscapes, its rich history, and its welcoming people.
When it comes to international food though, Irish cuisine isn’t always the most well-known.
Thankfully, things seem to finally be changing. People are now taking notice of the hearty eats that traditional Irish cuisine has to offer.
In fact, Irish cuisine is much like the Irish people: warm, comforting, and full of surprises.
And here’s what we found out first-hand after our trip to Ireland — the country is full of amazing dishes and drinks that will make you want to book your next flight there already.
If you’re planning a trip yourself, scroll down below for our list of the top 10 must-eats for your next trip to the Emerald Isle.
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The Irish are known for their taste for beer and whiskey, but there is much more to their culinary repertoire than just Guinness or Jameson.
Irish cuisine has evolved over time and has been influenced by centuries of trade with other countries and cultures, from the Romans to the Vikings and more.
To this day, many influences still continue to help shape its modern form. In fact, while some dishes are made up of local ingredients (like potatoes and bacon), others have been influenced by other cultures across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Luckily, many of their traditional dishes have survived to this day, and they’re still some of the most classic and delicious foods you can sample on your trip.
No matter where they come from or how they look on a plate (or basket), each dish has become part of this diverse culinary experience we call “Irish.”
If you’ve ever wanted to try traditional Irish dishes but don’t know where to start–then this guide will give you the top Irish food to add to your bucket list.
From traditional favorites like soda bread to Irish stew, here are our top 10 picks for the best Irish dishes you must try in Ireland:
Soda bread
Soda bread is one of the most common Irish dishes, and it’s also one of the tastiest.
It’s a type of quick bread that uses baking soda instead of yeast as its leavening agent. It’s got an amazing crust and a soft interior—the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors.
What’s more is that every Irish family and restaurant usually puts their own spin on it. You can also eat it with a sweet or savory meal depending on your mood. Some people like their soda bread with a heaping of butter or jam; others prefer having it with a hearty stew; then there are also others that have a bit of Guinness beer mixed in for a better flavor kick!
Whatever you decide to put in or put on your soda bread, it’s sure to be delicious!
Irish Beef Stew with potato dumplings
Considered the country’s national dish, Irish beef stew traditionally includes meat, potatoes and vegetables. You’ll find it in restaurants all over the country. It sounds so simple, yet so delicious.
While it’s a very popular dish, it’s also a matter of much debate.
To some, the only acceptable ingredients are lamb or mutton chops, potatoes, onions and water. But nowadays, some people even add carrots, pearl barley, turnips or leeks! The Irish usually have it with soda bread or potato dumplings.
Ultimately, the only problem is deciding what kind of stew you want: beef or lamb? Either way, you can’t go wrong with this classic hearty dish that’s sure to fill you up.
Boxty, also known as Irish potato pancakes
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Boxty
Boxty is a traditional Irish dish that is staple food since the 1700’s. Its name is most likely derived from the Irish arán bocht tí, which means “poor-house bread,” but it could possibly be coined from the term for bakehouse, bácús.
It is also traditionally eaten on some Irish holidays such as St. Brigid’s Day. It’s a simple meal, made from finely-grated potatoes, mixed with mashed potatoes and flour. The potato pancakes are are usually cooked in fat on a skillet and fried to a golden brown until they’re crispy on the outside.
Boxty can be served with simply with butter or sugar. However, we recommend pairing them with a full Irish meal of eggs, bacon or sausage if you want something hearty enough to sustain you through your road trips around Ireland.
Boiled bacon and cabbage
Next up is an Irish classic that you’ll find in many households across the country, especially as a side dish.
Boiled bacon and cabbage is exactly what it sounds like: cabbage cooked with bacon. The cabbage is usually boiled and then fried in butter or fat, but some also use olive oil for a healthier version.
Shellfish
The Irish have a love affair with seafood. It’s no surprise, given the country’s location—its proximity to the sea allows for fresh catches, which are often served in traditional pubs and restaurants around Ireland.
In fact, major cities like Dublin are experiencing a renaissance of amazing seafood restaurants thanks to the new breed of Irish chefs. Click here to check out some of Ireland’s best chefs who are shaking things up in the Irish culinary scene.
Smoked salmon on brown bread
You’ll usually find smoked salmon at breakfast time in Ireland. It was one of our ultimate faves — one of the best Irish dishes in our book!
It can be served with scrambled eggs or just on its own, but the most common way to enjoy it is on brown bread with butter and crispy bacon. This is one of those dishes that you won’t forget!
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Colcannon and champ
What is colcannon? And what is champ you ask? Well, if you like mashed potatoes, then you’ll definitely enjoy these dishes.
Colcannon is a mashed potato dish popular in southern Ireland that includes cabbage or kale as well as scallions or leeks. Champ is a similar dish popular in the North. It is made with potatoes, milk, butter and scallions (aka spring onions) in place of cabbage.
These dishes are often served with ham, corned beef, egg or sausage. Colcannon or champ can serve as a side or as part of an Irish breakfast. The combination of potato and cabbage is both creamy and crunchy, making it easy to see why colcannon and champ are some of Ireland’s most popular dishes.
Black Pudding
Black pudding is not pudding, but a sausage made of pork blood, onions, oatmeal, and flavored with spices. The Irish have been eating black pudding for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder it’s become such an iconic part of their culture!
Some tourists may be turned off by its unusual ingredients, but the Irish swear that you’ll be rewarded with the deliciousness of this unique dish.
It’s also a very versatile dish — black pudding can be fried, grilled, baked or boiled. It can also be eaten either hot or cold. It’s delicious on its own or served alongside potatoes and fried eggs for breakfast! It’s also used as an ingredient in other recipes like soups, scones, and even cakes!
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Barmbrack
If you’re a fan of fruitcake, Barmbrack is the traditional Irish version that you must try. It’s been modified over time, but the cake has remained a fixture on Irish tables for centuries.
Barmbrack is traditionally made with sultanas and raisins soaked in hot tea or whiskey, which gives it its distinct flavor and texture. The bread itself has a moist texture that’s similar to banana bread or pound cake and can be enjoyed as is or spread with butter.
The Irish term for this is bairín breac, which means ‘speckled bread’. Traditionally, the bread is linked with Halloween, where an item (typically a ring) is placed within the bread, and the person who receives the slice it is considered lucky!
Irish coffee
To us, Irish coffee is seriously the perfect dessert drink.
It’s a combination of hot coffee and Irish whiskey, topped with whipped cream. The coffee is poured first, followed by the whiskey—you can use any kind you like, but Jameson or Bushmills are popular choices. Next comes whipped cream and sugar (or a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling fancy!).
So there you have it, our top 10 Irish dishes.
Staying true to the Irish spirit of hospitality and warmth, these dishes will make you feel right at home.
If you are planning a trip to Ireland and want to try some of the best food on offer then we hope this has been helpful.
We hope that this guide inspires you to go out and explore the must-eats in Ireland for yourself. We know that once you do, you’ll fall in love with these must-try Irish dishes just as much as we did during our trip!
And no matter what Irish dish you choose, it will be delicious!
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