Ulster Fry
Start your day with a taste of Ireland! Traditional cooked breakfasts usually include potato bread, a tasty pan fried bread made with potato flour. You’ll often find soda bread with your breakfast too, an indulgent and doughy bread, the perfect accompaniment to tasty sausages, bacon and eggs. Tuck into a traditional fry at Regency House, Nancy Mulligan's or The Ivy Belfast Brasserie.
Boxty
A boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake made with grated and mashed potato, flour, buttermilk and baking soda. It’s the signature dish of Holohan’s Pantry restaurant, which serves fresh local ingredients and authentic Irish recipes.
Belfast Bap
There’s no culinary experience quite like the city’s native Belfast Bap; a cooked breakfast in a bun with egg, sausage and bacon sandwiched in a fresh bap. Find these ‘belly-busting’ feasts at St George’s Market.
Irish Coffee
Made with hot coffee, whiskey, sugar and a whipped cream topping, Irish coffees are must for coffee lovers visiting Belfast. Order one after dinner in The Merchant or try the signature Irish coffee at The Garrick.
Local Seafood
Belfast’s location on the shores of the Irish Sea means there’s plenty of fresh, local seafood to enjoy. Discover the flavours of Northern Ireland’s coast at restaurants across the city, with seafood sourced from places such as Strangford Lough, Portavogie, Kilkeel and Annalong. Head to Fish City or Mourne Seafood Bar to enjoy the best of the region’s waters, or visit St George’s Market to discover fresh fish and other local produce from across Northern Ireland.
Cookery Classes
Learn how to cook like the locals! The Cookery School at Waterman House is run by Niall McKenna and his team of chefs. The classes are informal and relaxed, but well structured and feature a mix of demonstration and hands-on cooking. Take a masterclass in fish and shellfish or one that specialises in breadmaking. You can check out Belfast Cookery School's, Wee Buns Cookery School and Bakehouse NI for a range of cooking and baking classes, or Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen if you would like to learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread and wheaten bread, just like generations of Irish families have done before.
Tayto Crisps
Discover the story behind one of Northern Ireland’s favourite snacks with Tayto Tours! Take a tour of Tayto Castle to learn how Tayto crisps are made, explore the history of the much-loved brand and, of course, enjoy a few samples along the way. It’s a fun way to discover a little piece of Northern Irish food culture.
Local Distilleries
Raise a glass to Northern Ireland’s distilling heritage! Belfast and the surrounding region are home to a growing number of award-winning distilleries. Discover the story of Belfast whiskey at McConnell’s Distillery in Crumlin Road Gaol, visit Titanic Distillers in the historic Thompson Dock and Pump House, or venture further afield to Hinch Distillery or Echlinville Distillery for guided tours, tastings and a chance to discover how local spirits are made.
Irish Stew
Warm up with a taste of traditional Irish comfort food! Irish stew is a hearty favourite made with tender meat, potatoes and vegetables, and is the perfect dish for a cosy meal. Enjoy a bowl at White's Tavern, Nancy Mulligans or The Morning Star, all served with traditional wheaten bread – perfect for soaking up every last bit.
