Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city known for its rich history, captivating culture, and warm hospitality. When it comes to culinary delights, Dublin boasts a diverse range of traditional foods that reflect the country's gastronomic heritage.
From hearty stews to freshly baked bread, Dublin has a plethora of traditional dishes that trace back to its culinary roots. As a backpacker or traveller in Dublin, you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to indulge in some of these delicious dishes. Join us as we embark on a gastronomic journey to discover the ten most traditional foods in Dublin and the best places to savour them.
Irish Stew & Guinness Beef Stew:
A classic Irish dish, Irish stew is a comforting blend of tender lamb or beef, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The Boxty House, located in Temple Bar, is renowned for serving this hearty dish, cooked to perfection. Prepared with locally sourced ingredients, their Irish stew is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Dublin.
The other version, Guinness Beef Stew is made with tender beef that is slow-cooked in a rich sauce made with Guinness beer, carrots, and onions. For one of the best Guinness beef stews in Dublin, head to The Church, a restaurant and bar that is housed in a former 18th-century church.
Where to find? At The Boxty House or at The Church
Dublin Coddle
A Dublin specialty, coddle is a warming stew made with layers of bacon, sausages, potatoes, and onions. For an authentic coddle experience, head to The Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub. Situated on Lower Bridge Street, this historic establishment has been serving delicious coddle for centuries, making it an ideal spot to savour this traditional comfort food.
Where to find? At The Brazen Head
Dublin Coddle Pie
Gallagher's Boxty House, located in the heart of Temple Bar, is renowned for their unique take on traditional dishes. Their Dublin coddle pie is a delightful twist on the traditional coddle, combining layers of bacon, sausages, and vegetables with a flaky pastry crust. It's a true taste of Dublin's culinary innovation.
Where to find? At Gallagher's Boxty House
Fish and Chips:
Fish and chips may have originated in England, but Ireland has embraced this classic dish with open arms. Leo Burdock, a beloved institution since 1913, is the perfect place to enjoy crispy, golden fish and chips. Their secret recipe and commitment to using fresh ingredients have made them a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Where to find? In Leo Burdock
Dublin Bay Prawns:
Dublin Bay prawns, also known as Dublin Bay shrimps or scampi, and also known as Langoustines, these sweet and succulent shellfish are a delicacy in Dublin. The Winding Stair, a renowned seafood restaurant overlooking the River Liffey, is the perfect place to sample these succulent crustaceans. Whether enjoyed as part of a seafood platter or in a traditional scampi dish, the Dublin Bay prawns here are a true delight.
Where to find? At The Winding Stair or at the Klaw
Corned Beef and Cabbage:
While this dish is traditionally associated with America's St. Patrick's Day celebrations, it actually has its roots in Irish cuisine. You can find a delicious version of corned beef and cabbage at Boxty House, which also serves other traditional Irish dishes.
Where to find? At The Boxty House
Traditional Irish Stew Pie:
Nestled in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, The Merry Ploughboy Pub offers a charming setting to experience traditional Irish cuisine. Their traditional Irish stew pie is a delightful twist on the classic stew, with tender meat and vegetables encased in a buttery pastry crust. Pair it with a pint of Guinness for the ultimate Irish dining experience.
Where to find? At The Merry Ploughboy Pub
Barmbrack:
Barmbrack, a traditional Irish fruitcake, is a popular treat enjoyed during Halloween. This moist, spiced cake is packed with dried fruits and often contains hidden charms and trinkets, adding an element of fun to the dining experience.
Where to find? At The Butlers Pantry or at The Pepper Pot
Boxty Pancakes:
Gallagher's Boxty House, with its commitment to preserving traditional Irish cuisine, offers another must-try dish: boxty. Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake, and at Gallagher's, you can enjoy it in various forms, including as a wrap, stuffed with savoury fillings of your choice, such as chicken, smoked salmon or crispy bacon. The restaurant's expertise in boxty preparation guarantees an authentic taste of this traditional Irish staple.
Where to find? At Gallagher's Boxty House
Soda Bread:
No exploration of Dublin's traditional foods would be complete without mentioning soda bread. The Bretzel Bakery, a renowned establishment founded in 1870, is the perfect place to sample this Irish staple. Their soda bread, baked fresh daily, is a wholesome treat with a hearty texture that pairs perfectly with Irish butter or a dollop of jam.
Where to find? At The Bretzel Bakery or at The Happy Pear
Bangers and Mash:
This comfort food is a staple of Irish pub grub, and consists of sausages that are served with creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy. Head to The Old Storehouse, a traditional Irish pub that is located in Dublin's Temple Bar district, for a delicious plate of bangers and mash.
Where to find? At The Old Storehouse
Irish Coffee:
No trip to Dublin would be complete without trying an Irish coffee, a delicious blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sweetened cream. You can find a delicious version of this drink at The Temple Bar, a historic pub that has been serving traditional Irish drinks for over 160 years.
Where to find? At The Temple Bar
Irish Breakfast:
When in Ireland… Indulge in a hearty Irish breakfast. O'Neill's Bar & Restaurant, situated on Suffolk Street, offers a quintessential Irish breakfast experience. Savor the flavours of bacon, sausages, black & white puddings, fried eggs, and grilled tomatoes, all served with a side of toast and a cup of strong tea.
Black Pudding:
On time, while it may not be for everyone, the black pudding is a traditional Irish dish made with pig's blood, oats, and spices. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try it in a full Irish breakfast at Gallagher's Boxty House, a traditional Irish restaurant in Dublin's Temple Bar district.
Where to find? At O'Neill's Bar & Restaurant, at Murray’s Bar or at The Boxty House
Dublin's culinary scene offers a treasure trove of traditional foods that reflect the country's rich gastronomic heritage. From heartwarming stews and savoury pies to delightful baked treats, the city's diverse offerings cater to all palates. Whether you're seeking comfort food, seafood delights, or a taste of Irish innovation, Dublin's traditional dishes will leave you wanting more. So, embark on a culinary adventure and discover the authentic flavours of Dublin at these ten iconic establishments. Sláinte!
And if you're looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Dublin, Canbe Hostels offers two excellent options in the heart of the city centre. Happy eating!
