What is the Fish street food scene? Well in our mind at least it is a bustling affair with similarities and indeed many differences from the other side of the pond.
This was something I got to test out whilst visiting TedFest last year. So, without further ado here are our 20 best Irish street food dishes, not to be confused with those of England, or indeed Scotland
20. Potato Farls
Starting the list with a humble dish, potato farls are griddled potato cakes often served with butter or as part of a traditional Irish breakfast. Found in street food markets, these are perfect for a quick snack.
19. Dublin Coddle
Dublin coddle is a classic comfort food that’s made its way into the street food scene, featuring sausage, bacon, potatoes, and onions slow-cooked in broth. Served hot in a cup, it’s ideal for cold days.
18. Sausage Rolls
While commonly associated with bakeries, sausage rolls have become a popular Irish street food. Flaky pastry encases pork sausage, and they’re often served with ketchup or mustard. Also available at the humble chippy here they can even be deep fried.
17. Clonakilty Black Pudding
Famed for its distinctive taste, Clonakilty black pudding is a key ingredient in many street food dishes, especially breakfast sandwiches or rolls. We will later cover black pudding with its own article.
16. Blaa Rolls
Blaa is a fluffy bread roll native to Waterford. Often filled with local ham, cheese, or even sausages, it’s become a popular grab-and-go item at street markets across the country.
15. Seafood Chowder
Served in convenient takeaway cups, Irish seafood chowder packed with fresh fish, potatoes, and cream is a comforting street food option.
14. Boxty Wraps
A modern twist on traditional Irish boxty (a type of potato pancake), these wraps are often filled with bacon, sausage, and eggs for a filling and portable meal.
13. Cheesy Bacon Fries
A hearty dish that combines crispy fries with melted cheese and smoky bacon bits, this simple but indulgent snack is perfect for late-night munching.
12. Corned Beef Sandwiches
A nod to the country’s culinary history, corned beef sandwiches are served on thick slices of rye bread with pickles and mustard, perfect for those seeking a more filling street food option.
11. Guinness Stew
Though often served in restaurants, some street vendors offer Guinness stew in takeaway containers. The rich flavors of beef, potatoes, and Guinness are heartwarming in cold weather. A bit tenuous to put on Irish street food, but hey its a heck of a dish.
10. Fish Pie Croquettes
Inspired by traditional Irish fish pie, these deep-fried croquettes filled with mashed fish and potato make for a great finger food option.
9. Smoked Salmon Bagels
Irish smoked salmon is a delicacy, often served in street food markets on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, capers, and a squeeze of lemon. Also popular in Scotland.
8. Meat and Chips
A street food staple from kebab shops, meat and chips is a go-to late-night option in many cities across Ireland. Juicy, flavorful meat (lamb or chicken) is served on a bed of chips, often with garlic sauce. Thankfully much the same as you get in England, rather than Turkey.
7. Battered Sausages
Frequently found in chipper vans, battered sausages are deep-fried and served with a side of chips. It’s a no-frills, satisfying snack for those craving something greasy and hearty.
6. Colcannon Fritters
A twist on traditional colcannon (mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage), these colcannon fritters are breaded and fried, offering a crispy outside with a soft and flavorful center.
5. Irish Breakfast Roll
A popular morning street food, the Irish breakfast roll is packed with sausage, bacon, egg, and black pudding, all tucked into a soft baguette. Irish breakfasts themselves are also epic, but again still below the English variety.
4. Irish Chicken Fillet Roll
A deli favorite in Ireland, the chicken fillet roll is a baguette filled with breaded chicken, lettuce, cheese, and mayonnaise, served across street markets and convenience stores.
3. Crispy Bacon and Cabbage Tacos
A fusion of traditional Irish flavors and modern street food trends, these bacon and cabbage tacos take a street food approach to the classic Irish meal, served with a tangy sauce.
2. Kerry Pie
Similar to the traditional pasty, the Kerry pie is a hand-held pastry filled with savory ingredients like meat and vegetables, perfect for an on-the-go meal.
1. Fish and Chips
The king of Irish street food, fish and chips remains the top choice. Crispy battered fish served with thick-cut chips and often a side of mushy peas, or other varieties such as Saveloy. Along with the UK Ireland has some of the best fish and chip shops.
To read about how to eat fish and chips correctly click here.
And there you have it the best Irish Street Food dishes, with a healthy melting pot of old faves, as well as new fusion foods.