Living in Ireland's food capital, Cork, there are so many cuisines to choose from! I turned to my new friends in Ireland to ask what they recommended. Some of their suggestions were Black Pudding (a kind of blood sausage mixed with barley, which is part of a traditional Irish Breakfast); stews that showcase in-season vegetables like kale, pumpkin, leeks and cabbage (I was told cabbage is a staple); and finally the classic late night fast food meal: the spice bag. This was strongly recommended to me to showcase for you, as it represents a unique food born from blending Irish culture with Chinese cuisine. Contemporary Ireland is a diverse and welcoming country to immigrants.
I sampled a spice bag with sides of curry and satay dipping sauces. You might be thinking "What is a spice bag?" A spice bag is not a bag at all! Actually, this food can come in either a bag or a box. A spice bag is a uniquely Irish dish that is a fusion of chips (that's what they call fries in Ireland!) chili chicken, peppers, and Chinese spices. It was invented at a Chinese restaurant in Ireland and is a blend of cultures!
As a bonus, I bought and prepared dulse, which is a hand-harvested Irish seaweed. This is also sometimes called dillisk.