10 traditional foods you must try in Northern Ireland

A beloved part of Northern Irish cuisine is the Belfast bap. This large crusty but soft bread roll is traditionally filled with sausages, bacon and egg. Originally created to feed the city’s workers, it remains a Northern Ireland staple and part of the region’s food culture.

If you’re in Belfast, visit St George’s Market - it’s one of the best places to enjoy a proper Belfast bap loaded with all the fillings!

The Ulster fry is one of the most iconic Northern Irish dishes. This famous cooked breakfast includes bacon, sausages, eggs, soda bread, potato bread and tomatoes - all fried until golden. Hearty, comforting and best enjoyed with a cup of tea, it’s the perfect way to start your day in Northern Ireland.

Guests staying at Clandeboye Lodge can enjoy a freshly cooked Ulster fry for breakfast, prepared with the best local ingredients.

Warm, wholesome and deeply comforting, Irish stew is one of the oldest and most recognisable Northern Irish dishes. Traditionally made with lamb, potatoes, onions and carrots, this slow-cooked classic is rich in flavour and history. It continues to be a favourite across pubs, restaurants and family kitchens throughout Northern Ireland.

Thanks to its beautiful coastline, Northern Ireland offers incredibly fresh seafood. From mussels and oysters to prawns and hake, local seafood appears on menus across the region.

A popular seafood dish is Ulster seafood chowder, a creamy soup made with fish, potatoes and vegetables. Other local favourites include smoked salmon, scallops and Irish oysters. You can enjoy delicious local and seasonal seafood dishes at the Coq & Bull brasserie.

Fifteens are a popular Northern Irish traybake made with digestive biscuits, marshmallows, glacé cherries and condensed milk all rolled in desiccated coconut. Sweet, nostalgic and found in cafés, markets and home kitchens, this local treat is a much-loved part of Northern Ireland’s baking tradition. Perfect to enjoy with a wee cup of tea!

Soda bread and potato bread are traditional breads that have been enjoyed in Northern Ireland for generations. These types of bread are also key ingredients in the beloved Ulster fry!

Soda bread is traditionally made using only four ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Potato bread incorporates mashed potatoes into the dough, resulting in a soft texture and a distinctive taste.

Champ is a classic Northern Irish comfort food made from creamy mashed potatoes mixed with scallions (spring onions) and butter. Simple, hearty and full of flavour, it’s the perfect companion to stews, sausages or roasted meats - and a true taste of home-cooked Northern Irish cuisine.

This traditional hot drink is made with fresh coffee, the iconic Irish cream liqueur (Baileys), a shot of Irish whiskey and a dollop of whipped cream. A great way to warm up after a day of exploring Northern Ireland. With our Date With Nature experience, you can enjoy an Irish Coffee with delicious homemade shortbread in the late afternoon.

Another traditional food you must try in Northern Ireland is Yellowman. This sweet delicacy is a type of toffee or honeycomb-like confection. It’s made by boiling sugar, vinegar and baking soda until it turns golden brown and becomes brittle.

Wheaten bread is a traditional Irish brown bread often enjoyed as a breakfast food or as an accompaniment to soups, stews, and other hearty dishes. You'll find nothing better than freshly baked wheaten bread with a bowl of warming soup.

Visit the Coq & Bull brasserie for a taste of Northern Ireland

To enjoy modern dishes inspired by traditional Northern Ireland food, made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, visit the Coq & Bull brasserie. Proudly accredited by Taste of Ulster, the brasserie is celebrated for its commitment to high-quality local produce.

Using the finest ingredients, the brasserie is also renowned for its fresh, local and seasonal dishes. Expect favourites such as perfectly cooked steaks from Coyagh Farm, seasonal seafood and comforting homemade desserts like Armagh apple crumble.