6 Tips for Deciphering an Irish Menu

Black Pudding

During your time in Ireland you are bound to see black pudding on the menu, and no it isn’t a rumor, it is made from blood. Pig or cattle blood precisely is used to make this type of sausage, and it is a popular component of an Irish breakfast. Some people consider white pudding to be less scary, while others politely ask the waiter to not include any type of pudding in their Irish breakfast. This is a typical request, so don’t be afraid to hold the black pudding. Alternatively, live like a local, and give it at least one taste.

Irish Breakfast

Many restaurants and hotels will proudly advertise a full Irish breakfast. This ‘fry’ will keep you full for a good portion of the day, and some people refer to it as a good cure for one too many pints of Guinness. A typical Irish breakfast includes eggs, sausages, rashers (Irish bacon), black pudding, sautéed mushrooms, beans, and Irish brown soda bread. Different vegetables are sometimes substituted, and it is always served with a cup of milky breakfast tea. You wouldn’t want to start every day with this feast, but you must give it a try on one morning in Ireland.

Dublin Coddle

Dublin Coddle has enjoyed a bit of literary fame thanks to James Joyce and Sean O’Casey. The traditional dish is prepared with sausages, rashers (Irish bacon), potatoes, onions, and sometimes barley. The dish is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, although sometimes parsley is used. The hearty dish steams slowly, and is served often in the winter months when the days are short and cold. While it is said that Guinness may have been added to the recipe at some point in history, this ingredient is rare in modern day versions.

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee was first recorded as being served for a group of American travelers searching for something warming on an especially cold day in the 1940’s. The cocktail is made from combining whiskey, coffee, sugar, and a topping of thick cream. The cocktail is then drank through the cream. The popularity of the drink spread throughout the world, and although many people would know what the drink consists of, they also seem to forget the same holds true in Ireland. Irish coffee is not coffee roasted in Ireland, but coffee containing a jolt of Irish whiskey.

Boxty

Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake. Throughout your visit to Ireland, you’ll be amazed at all the creative ways potatoes will be used. From breakfast straight through to dinner, you could eat potatoes three meals a day if you wished. While boxty isn’t as popular in Dublin as it is in areas of the west such as Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal, you may still see it on some menus. By combining finely grated raw potato with mashed potato, flour, baking soda and buttermilk, a distinct texture is created. This is then fried on a griddle for a few minutes on each side.

Fisherman's Pie

A fisherman’s pie is a staple on any pub menu. Consisting of smoked and unsmoked fish, such as haddock, cod and salmon, the pie also contains carrots, celery and potatoes. Some fault a Fisherman’s pie because of its creamy base, but this hearty component makes it especially filling on a cold day. Topped with a pie crust or layer of puff pastry, they are often prepared in single servings and served piping hot. Some contain a good dose of parsley for added flavor and color to a bland looking dish.