Street food Northern Ireland is a melting pot of flavors, blending hearty traditional fare with modern twists on old favorites. From coastal snacks to comforting market bites, this list highlights the best street food you can find across the region, counting down from 10 to on the best Street Food in Northern Ireland.
Many are similar to those in England, Scotland, or Ireland, but with their own unique take on things.
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10. Armagh Apple Tart
Starting with something sweet, the Armagh apple tart is a nod to Northern Ireland’s apple-growing heritage, particularly in County Armagh. This dessert is a simple yet delicious pastry stuffed with locally grown apples. You’ll find it sold at farmers’ markets and food fairs across the region, offering a sweet way to round off a hearty meal.
Photo: The Full Shilling
9. Lough Neagh Eels
A bit more adventurous, the Lough Neagh eels are famous in Northern Ireland. Caught fresh from the largest lake in the British Isles, these eels are often smoked or fried and served at seafood stalls. For those seeking a true taste of Northern Irish waters, this regional delicacy is a must-try.
8. Belfast Bap
A hefty bread roll filled with all sorts of meats — most commonly bacon or sausage — the Belfast bap is a street food staple that’s synonymous with Belfast’s culinary culture. It’s commonly found in markets and street vendors, offering a quick, filling bite.
Photo: Vegenergise
7. Comber Potato Dishes
Comber potatoes are known for their distinct flavor and creamy texture, often featured in loaded potato dishes topped with cheese, bacon, or sour cream. These are served hot at food trucks and pop-up stalls, particularly in regions like County Down, where the potatoes are grown.
6. Dulse
A unique snack, dulse is dried seaweed harvested along Northern Ireland’s rocky shores. Known for its savory, salty taste, it’s sold in small packets at coastal markets and fairs. While it might not appeal to everyone, dulse is a nutritious and traditional snack that locals have eaten for generations.
Photo: Pacific Harvest
5. Tayto Crisp Sandwich
Yes, you read that right — Tayto crisp sandwiches are beloved in Northern Ireland. Made by stuffing famous Tayto crisps (a national favorite) between two slices of buttered bread, this humble snack is often found at festivals and street food stalls. It’s quirky but delicious and speaks to the locals’ love of crisps.
4. Pastie Bap
Not to be confused with the Cornish pasty, the pastie bap in Northern Ireland consists of a spiced pork patty, deep-fried and served in a soft roll. It’s a hot, greasy, and utterly satisfying snack, popular at chip shops and markets.
3. Ulster Fry Wrap
The Ulster fry is Northern Ireland’s version of the full fry-up breakfast, and in street food form, it’s often served as a wrap. Filled with sausages, eggs, bacon, soda bread, and black pudding, this on-the-go breakfast wrap is perfect for early morning market-goers.
2. Yellowman
A sweet treat that is popular at fairs and markets, yellowman is a honeycomb-like candy that’s crunchy and sugary. Northern Irish festivals, particularly in rural areas, still sell this nostalgic snack, giving a sugary rush to locals and tourists alike.
1. Fish and Chips
Topping the list, fish and chips remains the ultimate street food dish in Northern Ireland. Coastal towns offer some of the freshest, crispiest battered fish served with hot, salted chips. While it’s a classic British dish, the Northern Irish version, especially near the coast, offers a flavor you won’t forget. Oh and of course you can get a saveloy.
To read about how to eat fish and chips correctly click here.
So there you have it, the best of the Street Food Northern Ireland scene! Yes there are similarities with the rest of the UK, but also with enough differences to feed your adventurous side.