Ireland: Must-Try Food & Drink
When I first heard the word ‘lockdown’, it was when China & some European countries began to impose these restrictions. I, like many others, suspected that it wouldn’t be long until the UK followed suit, so decided to head ‘home home’ for the duration. That’s how I found myself back in Belfast, Ireland, living under the same roof as my mother and grown-up siblings for the first time in years.
There are lots of things I miss about Ireland when I’m not home – the people (you’ll rarely go a day without encountering a friendly stranger), the greenery (it is seriously so green), the craic and of course – the food. They say you never know what you have until it’s gone – granted, this tends to be used in the context of heartbreak, however I find it a fitting phrase to use when describing my relationship with Irish food.
When I first left Ireland to go to university, I realised how many products on my weekly shopping list just weren’t sold in England. I had grown up consuming most of these foods without even realising they were uniquely Irish. Since then, I have lived in various countries – including Canada and Australia – and my mum has been diligent in her role of posting me my favourites when the cravings just become too much. Below I have shared some must-try Irish foods and of course, included some of my personal favourites too.
Irish Soda Bread/Soda Farls
This is a game-changer. Every single person who I have introduced to soda bread has instantly loved it. It seems that every family in Ireland has its own hand-me-down recipe for soda bread, often written on a piece of flour-crusted note paper & there are a fair few variations on how it can be cooked. See my favourite recipe here. Irish folklore claims soda bread helps ward off evil – an excuse I’ve used a few times when purchasing a fresh loaf. However, what every Irish family can agree on is that it must be served slathered in butter. (Bonus points for using a local butter option such as Dromona or Abernethy.)
Irish Stew
No surprises that this classic has made the list. Possibly the first thing you think of when someone says ‘Irish meal’ is potatoes or Irish stew. Commonly considered the National Dish of Ireland, it is unsurprising that, again, most families will have their own recipe for stew. Traditionally made with lamb, onions, carrots and potatoes, it is a warming, wholesome and simple one-pot family dish & the mere mention of it brings up cosy memories of my childhood. Here is a recipe for Irish Stew with a twist.
Tayto Crisps
Yes, I am seeing the carb-heavy pattern that is becoming apparent here, but there was no way Tayto crisps weren’t making this list. Around since 1954, Tayto is a household name in Ireland. Inventors of the first flavoured crisp production process, and makers of the best crisps in the world (as decided by me), this is the food I think Irish people living away from home complain about missing the most. Interestingly, I have even discovered these crisps in the ‘World Foods’ aisle in Sydney. Check them out for yourself here.
Irish Coffee
With so much whiskey produced in Ireland, it’s not surprising that the Irish started mixing it with coffee. Bushmills Whiskey is particularly popular for making the cocktail. The distillery has been around since 1608 and is the oldest licensed distillery currently in existence. Booze with a side of history, just how we like it. See their take on the famous cocktail here.
Smoked Salmon
Ireland is globally renowned for its smoked salmon – and rightly so. Being a small island certainly has its perks when it comes to fresh seafood. It’s not uncommon to have smoked salmon at any time of the day; it can be found everywhere from breakfast buffets, to Afternoon Teas, or in a homemade dinner – make it extra Irish with a side of champ.
Potato Bread
Also known as boxty, a potato pancake or loaf boxty. When I first discovered potato bread, my life changed for the better. Ok, that is quite dramatic, but honestly it is the most delicious addition to a weekend fry-up. The Irish are known for their love of potatoes, so it is probably quite unsurprising that we decided to make yet another recipe where it is featured as the main ingredient – but, just to confirm that yes, we did. Think of it as the new-and-improved hash brown & try it for yourself here.
Pear Picking Porkies
A well-known name in Northern Ireland is Dale Farm. It is the leading dairy company in the province and produces some of the best ice cream and ice lollies – including my personal favourite, the pear picking porky, a delicious pear-flavoured ice lolly. I have honestly never tried an ice lolly that I have enjoyed more, though Dale Farm is responsible for some serious contenders, like the Polly Pineapple (pineapple juice lolly) or the Joker (vanilla ice cream with orange juice ice coating). The Twisters and Fruit Pastille lolly offerings in England just don’t live up to the Dale Farm standards.
Guinness
Last but certainly not least, Guinness. This dark Irish stout originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness in Dublin in 1759 however now has a huge fanbase worldwide. It is now one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide, brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120. It has been widely debated as to whether Guinness actually tastes different in Ireland – the overwhelming opinion is that, yes, it simply tastes better in Ireland. It is genuinely most Irishmen’s drink of choice – including my dad, who really isn’t a pints man. There really is nothing like a cold pint of Guinness in a stuffy Irish pub.
There are of course many more Irish delicacies on top of the (mostly carb-focused) examples listed above. I think it’s fair to say that Irish food is full of comforting dishes, and there’s not much that a hearty bowl of stew, a few slices of soda bread and a good pint can’t fix, in my opinion. For me though, I love more than just the taste, I love the cosy memories associated with the foods from ‘home home’ & the years of history that accompany each and every dish.