Dublin’s Famous Spice Bag

If you haven’t visited Dublin, there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the city’s beloved takeaway dish, the spice bag. This fusion of Irish and Chinese flavors has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon in Ireland over the last ten to fifteen years.

A mix of spice-covered chicken, fries, and vegetables, spice bags are vastly different from the classic Irish dishes that are popular on my Dublin food tours, yet they’re just as tasty! In this guide, I’ll break down the story behind this new-age treasure and let you in on where you’ll find the best Dublin spice bags.

The History & Evolution of the Spice Bag

Photo credit: Xian Street Food

Even though spice bags are still a relatively new invention, there’s still some dispute about the backstory. The most commonly accepted version of events is that it originated in The Sunflower Chinese takeaway in south Dublin around 2006. Apparently, the staff members combined the dish’s key ingredients to make an after-hours snack that wasn’t initially featured on the menu.

It’s difficult to pinpoint just how the popularity of spice bags in Ireland surged in the following years, but it wasn’t long until it became a signature dish in Chinese takeaways. These days, it’s more than your typical fast-food offering, even appearing on some sit-down restaurant menus.

In early 2025, the term ‘spice bag’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, and the food delivery app ‘Deliveroo’ has even suggested creating a National Spice Bag Day!

What’s in a Spice Bag? Ingredients & Preparation

Dublin spice bags are made with rather simple ingredients and preparation techniques, though the result is a bold blend of irresistible flavors.

The main components are crispy salt and chili-covered shredded or battered chicken and chunk fries, known locally as ‘chips.’ In most cases, these elements will be mixed with an assortment of onions and peppers, though some establishments also include chilis. Select eateries also offer vegan alternatives, where the chicken is swapped for tofu or mushrooms.

Everything is covered in a delightful range of seasonings, such as salt, Chinese five-spice, garlic, and chili. You’ll usually have your choice of dipping sauce, with curry being the most common.

When ordered from a takeaway, the ingredients will be deep-fried, though it’s possible to make healthier alternatives at home with a shop-bought spice mix using an oven or air fryer.

Where to Get the Best Spice Bags in Dublin

San Sab

Photo credit: San Sab

San Sab was voted the best place to get spice bags in Dublin, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of their Thai-style versions when I first arrived in the city! It’s a popular spot for both sit-down meals and takeaways, and I loved its dark, contemporary decor.

I had high hopes, and the combination of lightly battered chicken pieces and crispy fries certainly didn’t let me down. What I loved most was the seasoning mix they used, which was bursting with sweet, salty, and spicy notes.

San Sab – Dublin D09 C2W0 – Open every Monday and Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Xian Street Food

Xian Street Food is arguably the most famous Dublin spice bag spot, having gone viral in recent years. When I spotted the lengthy line of customers queuing outside this compact fast-food joint, I couldn’t help but want to try their spice bag for myself.

Instead of their classic chicken option, I went for the tofu. Its mild taste meant it soaked up all the bold, savory flavors from the spice mix. It tasted even better when dunked into the signature creamy curry sauce.

Xian Street Food – Dublin D02 DX39 – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

The Sunflower

I had to try the fare in the takeaway that’s said to be the home of the spice bag, so I made my way out of the center to swing by The Sunflower, a bustling fast-food spot.

While I had planned to try their traditional chicken spice bag, I was intrigued by the prawn version, which I hadn’t seen anywhere else. Deep-fried prawns are something I love as they are, but the fiery and aromatic spices took things to another level, as did the nutty satay sauce.

The Sunflower – Dublin D6W DK70 – Open every Monday to Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm and every Thursday to Sunday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Red Rice

Red Rice was somewhere I’d never heard of before I arrived in Dublin, but it came highly recommended by a bunch of locals I met during my stay. It’s a pint-sized takeaway a little out of the center, but trust me, it’s worth making an effort to come here!

I went for the spice tray, a spice bag served in a box. The flavors were sensational, from the crunchy fries and tangy onions to the juicy chicken pieces.

Red Rice – Dublin D6W V029 – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am and every Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 12:30 am.

Summer Inn

Summer Inn has several takeaway branches across Dublin, all of which have been acclaimed for their delightful spice bags.

I spotted the dry, hot chicken option, and it was similar to a standard spice bag, with sweet peppers and tender fries. However, it came with extra spicy chicken coated in a fragrant dry rub.

Summer Inn – Dublin D08 V8W2 – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am and every Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 12:30 am.

How Spice Bags Became an Internet Sensation

Photo credit: Summer Inn

The humble Dublin spice bag is a hallmark of modern Irish cuisine, and its cultural impact and evolution have been the subject of countless online discussions and reviews. On platforms like Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, both Irish and international foodies regularly share their thoughts and recommendations on this legendary dish.

There are never-ending debates about the best places to get spice bags in Dublin, while others look into how they compare to other Irish fast-food favorites. If you’re anything like me, this will leave you with a lengthy list of takeaways to try out!

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Even if you’re typically drawn to more refined foods and flavors, trying a Dublin spice bag at least once during your visit is something you won’t want to miss! For the complete experience, test out a handful of different establishments and team your spice bag with a crisp Irish lager or creamy Guinness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a spice bag in Dublin?

A Dublin spice bag consists of salt and chili shredded chicken, fries, and vegetables tossed in a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings and deep-fried.

Where can I find the best spice bag in Dublin?

There are constant debates about where to find Dublin’s best spice bag, though spots like San Sab and Xian Street Food often come out on top.

What’s the difference between a spice bag and a spice box?

Depending on where you’re dining, a spice bag and spice box contain the same dish, though the latter will be much larger and served in a pizza-style box. However, some spice boxes contain the usual spice bag components along with other snacks like chicken balls and spring rolls.

Are there vegetarian or vegan spice bag options?

Select eateries have vegetarian or vegan options, which generally use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.

Can I get a spice bag delivered in Dublin?

Most Chinese takeaways in Dublin offer delivery if you wish to order in a spice bag.