While the city has always been internationally known for its liquid exports, Dublin’s food scene has also come along in leaps and bounds in recent years. The delicious and reasonably priced food on offer is just one of the many perks of life in the city.

For newcomers, here’s an introductory guide to food and drink in Dublin.

The Dublin food scene

With four Michelin-star restaurants, Dublin has its fair share of fine dining experiences. However, you don’t need to go to top-class eateries to get a delicious meal.

The capital’s pub grub is second to none and, despite the city’s reputation for rain, you’ll find markets and food trucks selling delicious delicacies throughout the county. The idyllic Iveagh Gardens even hosts an outdoor food and drink festival every summer.

In the last few years, Ireland’s coffee culture has grown in leaps and bounds too. A quality caffeine-boost is always within reach.

It’s worth noting that Dubliners are big on tea as well. In fact, after Turkey, Irish people are the biggest tea drinkers in the world. Every visit to an Irish household includes an offer of black tea with a drop of milk or sugar.

The diversity of food available in Dublin has grown massively in recent years too.

Two decades ago, ‘dumpling’ was simply a term of endearment among Dubliners. (Expect to be called ‘love’, ‘pet’, ‘dote’ and ‘chicken’ too!) Now, there’s a huge selection of Chinese food stores and restaurants to choose from. On Parnell Street, just off the city’s main thoroughfare, you’ll find a cluster of Asian eateries and shops.

Just around the corner, on Moore Street, you’ll also find Brazilian coxinha, halal meat, Polish kielbasa, Vietnamese takeout, Indian samosas and African jollof rice. There’s some traditional Dublin street traders selling fish and fruit along this strip too.

Drinking in Dublin

You won’t be surprised to hear that Dubliners are fond of drinking more than coffee. The city has been the home of Guinness since it was founded way back in 1759. The original site of the St. James’ Gate Brewery is still based in the heart of the city and, today, the Guinness Storehouse is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

If you prefer whiskey, Dublin also has plenty to offer. The distilleries of Jameson, Teeling and Pearse Lyons all provide guided tours to the public. They’re also home to top-class bars that serve up tasty whiskey cocktails.

If you don’t have a favourite whiskey brand just yet, you can also learn how to be a connoisseur at the Irish Whiskey Museum. It’s based in the city centre, just across from the main entrance to Trinity College.

To find out more about the city’s pubs and clubs, take a look at our dedicated guide to nightlife in Dublin.