Northern Irish Food Delicacies
A major stereotype about Irish food is that we are obsessed with potatoes. Throughout history, the fateful ‘spud’ has been the main stable crop in many dishes around the country.
However, there is more to Irish and Northern Ireland’s cuisine than just the potato, although many local favourites include the fateful potato. Northern Ireland’s cuisine is filled with tasty bread and meat dishes, offering something for all taste palettes.
The Ulster Fry
If you’re looking for a breakfast that truly represents Northern Ireland, you can’t go wrong with an Ulster Fry. This isn’t your average fry-up—what sets it apart is the inclusion of soda bread and potato bread, which gives it a uniquely Northern Irish twist. Everything is fried to perfection, from the sausages and bacon to the eggs and black pudding. It’s a popular choice after a night out, so don’t be surprised to see it on menus at nearly every café and restaurant, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
Champ
When you’re dining out and get to choose your sides, chances are champ will be one of the options—and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Champ is a simple but delicious side dish made from creamy mashed potatoes mixed with scallions, adding a bit of crunch and extra flavor. It’s a comforting addition to any meal; you’ll find it served in homes and restaurants all over Northern Ireland.
Fifteen
No Northern Irish traybake is more beloved than the Fifteen. This no-bake dessert is as easy to make as it is tasty. The name comes from the 15 digestive biscuits, 15 marshmallows, and 15 glacé cherries that go into the mix. After combining the ingredients with condensed milk, roll it into a log, coat it in coconut, and set it in the fridge. Once it’s ready, slice it up and enjoy it with a cup of tea—a perfect treat for any occasion.
Irish Stew
While you can find traditional Irish stew all over the island, there’s nothing like a bowl of this hearty dish to warm you up on a cold day. It’s a meal that sticks to your ribs, made with either beef or lamb and packed with root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Pair it with some wheaten bread to soak up the rich broth, and if you’re so inclined, a pint of Guinness to wash it down. It’s a true taste of Northern Ireland.
Vegetable Roll
Don’t let the name fool you—Vegetable Roll is far from vegetarian! This local favourite is made from seasoned beef mixed with vegetables like leeks and spring onions, often enhanced with fresh herbs for added depth of flavor. It’s shaped into a sausage-like roll and typically sliced and then fried or grilled, making it easy to serve alongside potatoes and veg. Hull’s Company has been making these rolls since 1954, and it’s a staple in many Northern Irish households.
Boxty
Boxty is a potato pancake, but locals often call it “poundy” or “poundies.” This traditional dish is especially popular in Fermanagh and can be found in restaurants across Belfast. Boxty combines mashed and grated raw potatoes with flour, buttermilk, and seasonings before frying it up like a pancake. While it’s a classic dish, you’ll also find modern takes on boxty, adding different spices or fillings.
Types of Breads
Potato Bread
A quintessential part of an Ulster Fry, breads potato bread can also be toasted or fried on its own. We, locals, love dipping it into HP brown sauce for that extra flavour.
Soda Bread
Soda bread is another kitchen staple. It’s a quick bread made using Baking Soda and without yeast, which gives it a distinctive taste and texture. You’ll find it served with soups and stews or even used as the base for sandwiches. Some places even offer variations with added ingredients like honey or olives.
Veda
Veda bread might not be as well-known outside Northern Ireland, but it’s a popular among the older generation. Made from malted flour, it’s a bit chewy and perfect when toasted and spread with butter.
Belfast Bap
The Belfast Bap is a simple but hearty roll big enough to be a meal on its own. Created during the Great Famine to help feed the hungry, it’s now a beloved bread in Northern Ireland. For the ultimate experience, head to St. George’s Market on the weekend and grab an Ulster Fry packed into a Belfast bap.
Sweet Treats From Northern Ireland
Yellow Man
Yellow Man, or Ould Yellowman, is a bright yellow candy often found at the Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle. It’s similar to honeycomb but with a harder rind, making it more like rock candy. Traditionally sold in large chunks, this sweet treat is a nostalgic favourite, though it’s not for those watching their sugar intake!
Dulse
Dulse is another local treat at the Ould Lammas Fair, but it’s the polar opposite of Yellow Man. This salty, chewy seaweed is harvested along the coast and dried in the sun before being sold. It’s a favourite among seafood lovers and contains vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Barmbrack
Barmbrack, sometimes called bairín breac, is a sweet bread studded with raisins and sultanas, traditionally soaked in tea or whiskey. It’s closely associated with Halloween in Ireland, with each slice potentially containing a hidden item to predict your future. This bread is rich in history and has even been mentioned in literature by James Joyce and referenced in Van Morrison’s music.
Jammy Joeys
Jammy Joeys are a beloved Northern Irish treat that has recently made its way to shelves across Britain. These bright pink Madeira buns, covered in a flavoured glaze and rolled in desiccated coconut, were first made by Howell’s Handmade in 1985. Now produced by Irwin’s Bakery, these little cakes are a nostalgic treat for many locals.
Seafood
Seafood might not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy it, you are in for a treat. Restaurants in Northern Ireland offer a wide selection of seafood, ranging from scallops and mussels to lobster, crab, and prawns.
The waters surrounding the region also provide an abundance of fish species, such as cod, salmon and turbot.
Many restaurants source their seafood from local ports to ensure its freshness, so you know you are getting high-quality, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood.
Lough Neagh Eels
Lough Neagh eels are a regional delicacy, fished from the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. You can enjoy these eels at The Tannery Restaurant in Moira, which serves them smoked or grilled as part of their seasonal menu. For more details, visit The Tannery’s website.
Mourne Mountain Mussels
Harvested near the Mourne Mountains, these mussels are a favourite for their sweet, tender meat. Visit Mourne Seafood Bar in Belfast to taste these mussels, often served steamed with garlic and white wine. Learn more at Mourne Seafood Bar’s website.
Strangford Lough Oysters
Known for their unique flavour, Irish oysters can be savoured at Eipic in Belfast, a Michelin-starred restaurant that frequently features them on its menu. Explore their offerings at Eipic’s website.
Portavogie Prawns
These prawns are a local delicacy caught off the coast of Portavogie. The Lobster Pot in Strangford is renowned for its seafood platters, which often include these prawns. Visit The Lobster Pot’s website for more information.
Kilkeel Herring
From the fishing town of Kilkeel, these herring are a traditional favourite. The Bay Tree in Carlingford is a great place to try herring, especially in their classic herring salad. Check out The Bay Tree’s website for more.
Atlantic Mackerel
Commonly caught along the Northern Irish coast, mackerel is often enjoyed grilled or smoked. The Fish Shack in Bangor offers freshly caught mackerel, prepared simply to highlight its rich flavour. Visit The Fish Shack’s website for details.
Carlingford Lough Oysters
Sourced from Carlingford Lough, these oysters are a highlight at Carlingford Oyster Company, where you can purchase them fresh or enjoy them at their oyster farm. Learn more at Carlingford Oyster Company’s website.
Glenarm Organic Salmon
This premium organic salmon is produced in Glenarm Bay and is available at Belfast’s St. George’s Market, where local vendors sell it. You can also find it featured in dishes at OX Belfast, another Michelin-starred restaurant. Visit OX Belfast’s website for reservations.
Brown Crab
Brown crab, caught off the Northern Irish coast, is a staple in local seafood cuisine. Harry’s Shack in Portstewart serves delicious crab dishes, making the most of this sweet, delicate meat. For more information, visit Harry’s Shack’s website.
Rathlin Island Lobster
These lobsters are known for their succulent meat and can be enjoyed at The Harbour Bistro in Portrush, where they are often served grilled with butter. Explore more at The Harbour Bistro’s website.
Scallops from Red Bay
Hand-harvested scallops from Red Bay are a delicacy available at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort in Ballymena. They are expertly seared and served in their River Room restaurant. Visit Galgorm’s website for details.
Coley
Also known as saithe, coley is a sustainable alternative to cod, found in many local dishes. Fish City in Belfast, known for its sustainable seafood, often features coley in their fish and chips. Check out Fish City’s website for their menu.
Strangford Lough Brill
Brill from Strangford Lough can be found at The Boathouse Restaurant in Bangor, where it is prepared with a delicate touch to enhance its natural flavor. For more, visit The Boathouse’s website.
Cushendall Smoked Salmon
This traditionally smoked salmon is available at Ballycastle Market or you can enjoy it in dishes at The Central Bar in Cushendall. For more information on The Central Bar, visit The Central Bar’s website.
These recommendations showcase the finest seafood Northern Ireland offers and guide you to the best places to experience these culinary delights. Whether dining out or purchasing fresh for home cooking, Northern Ireland’s seafood is celebrated for its quality and flavour.
Popular Drinks to Try in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s drinks scene is as diverse as its rich heritage, offering a range of unique beverages that showcase the region’s innovative spirit. From the community-driven Lacada Brewery in Portrush, known for its craft beers like the East the Beast IPA, to the aromatic Muff Gin from The Muff Liquor Company, there’s a flavour for every taste. Boatyard Gin, distilled in Enniskillen, and Hinch Whiskey from Ballynahinch further highlight the exceptional quality of local spirits, while Wild Atlantic Gin captures the essence of the rugged coastline. Belfast Black Stout, a smooth, rich brew from Whitewater Brewery, and the traditional yet newly revived Poitín, particularly Bán Poitín, complete this impressive lineup.
Whether exploring distilleries, savouring a pint in a local pub, or purchasing a bottle online, these drinks offer an authentic taste of Northern Ireland’s vibrant drinks culture. To dive deeper into what Northern Ireland has to offer regarding beverages, check out our article on the best drinks to try when visiting Northern Ireland.
