Authentic St Patrick’s Irish Dishes – Cheese Toastie

A cheese toastie is a classic pub snack in Dublin, so don’t overlook it.

Traditionally, classic (and often homemade) cheese toasties—aka grilled cheeses—are made with run-of-the-mill ingredients: sliced pan (white bread), cheddar cheese, and maybe a slice of ham, served with spicy mustard on the side.

But while these hit the spot when you’re peckish, they’re nothing compared to the bougie sandwiches you can find elsewhere in Dublin, filled with salty butter and artisanal cheeses.

Where to Try a Cheese Toastie in Dublin: Try the old classic in Grogan’s Castle Lounge, a quintessential Dublin pub. Otherwise, go for the artisanal version at Loose Canon, which is just around the corner.

Dublin Bay Prawns

Indulge in this seafood specialty, straight from the Irish Sea.

These may sound like the definition of local food in Dublin, given the name.

However, Dublin Bay prawns—technically, langoustines—don’t actually come from the bay at all, but farther out in the Irish Sea.

Served whole they look like miniature lobsters, but you can also order them peeled and cooked tempura-style.

Either way, they make for a great bite to eat in Dublin.

Where to Try Dublin Bay Prawns in Dublin: The best place for seafood is in the fishing village of Howth, a 30-minute train ride from the city center.

Check out King Sitric, where you can eat a slap-up seafood dinner while looking at the sea.

Authentic St Patrick’s Irish Dishes – Coddle

One of the most famous dishes in Dublin is also one of the most divisive.

Coddle is one of those Irish food specialties that people either love or hate.

This stew made with boiled sausage links may not seem too appealing at first glance, but look beyond its appearance and you’ll get to taste a homey, comforting dish that’s the perfect thing to warm you up on a chilly day.

Where to Try Coddle in Dublin: The best place to give it a go is at John Kavanagh – The Gravediggers, after a walk through the nearby Glasnevin Cemetery or the National Botanic Gardens.

Full Irish Breakfast

Arguably the best food in Dublin for a hangover, a full Irish typically includes thick grilled bacon, sausages, fried eggs, mushrooms.

And the key component that makes it Irish (and distinguishes it from it’s over-the-sea full English counterpart)—black and white pudding.

Like coddle, it might be best not to think too much about what it is, (black pudding is made from blood, for those who don’t know), but it’s definitely worth trying.

Where to Try a Full Irish Breakfast in Dublin: Head to Bewley’s Grafton Street, a top-notch café and a local institution, which is home to stained glass windows and historic features within.

They do a great full Irish, and they serve it all day, too.

Authentic St Patrick’s Irish Dishes – Fish & Chips

The British may try to claim fish and chips as their own, but it’s just as much of a part of Irish tradition (particularly on a Friday night).

There are loads of “chippers,” as they’re known throughout the city, and more often than not you get your food to go and eat it outside.

Be warned—if you ask them to put salt and vinegar on for you, your fish and chips will come absolutely drowned in both.

Where to Try Fish and Chips in Dublin: Get the quintessential experience at Leo Burdock’s, which is the oldest chipper in Dublin, just over the road from Christ Church Cathedral.

Spice Bag

From one takeout tradition to another, don’t miss out on a spice bag.

The spice bag is a relatively new dish on the Irish food scene, but in the past few years it’s grown a legion of loyal fans—and launched a thousand spin-off dishes.

Invented in a Chinese takeaway in Dublin, it consists of fries and battered chicken, fried onions, and bell peppers, all shaken together in a bag with salt, chili, and Chinese five spice.

Often, it’s served with a curry sauce as well.

Where to Try a Spice Bag in Dublin: While it’s traditionally a takeout food, you can order a spice bag to eat in at Xian Street Food, right in the city center.

Authentic St Patrick’s Irish Dishes -Soda Bread Served With Soup

Usually known simply as brown bread, this loaf is a classic that’s served almost everywhere in Ireland, whether alongside soup at lunchtime or as part of a full Irish breakfast.

It’s denser than other breads, and darker, with a texture and taste that’s more like cake than bread. However you’re eating it, it must be smeared with a big slab of Irish butter—that’s non-negotiable.

Where to Try Soda Bread in Dublin: One of the best value cafés in Dublin, Soup Dragon serves up a variety of soups with homemade soda bread.

Scones

Whether you’re sitting down for a lavish afternoon tea or just looking for a quick sweet treat, a scone is “just the ticket,” as Dubliners say.

Not quite a cookie and not quite a cake, scones are crumbly, buttery, and best served with lashings of clotted cream and homemade jam, with a pot of tea on the side. Some come with raisins inside, and others plain, but the best are the ones served warm, straight from the oven.

Where to Try Scones in Dublin: Head to the Avoca Café on Suffolk Street for a perfect homemade scone with clotted cream and jam.

Oysters

Most places that carry local oysters claim theirs as the best in the world. But in Ireland, they really might be. If you’ve only just arrived in town and are wondering what to eat in Dublin, oysters should be top of mind. Why? Because Irish oysters are plump, sweet, and perfectly salty—and they’re best enjoyed with a pint of Guinness.

Where to Try Oysters in Dublin: If you’re in the city, head to The Seafood Café, where they also do an oyster happy hour.

Authentic St Patrick’s Irish Dishes – Smoked Salmon

Any Dublin food guide will tell you that Irish smoked salmon is a must-try when you’re in the city.

And the good news is, there are plenty of places where you can eat it, whether it’s served up traditionally, with that aforementioned soda bread and butter, or on a homemade bagel with cream cheese.

Don’t miss out on smoked trout either, if you see it on a menu.

Where to Try Smoked Salmon in Dublin: For a number of Dublin classics, The Pepper Pot in the Powerscourt Townhouse is great, and they serve beautiful smoked salmon.