Dishes explained

Bacon and cabbage: a traditional Irish dinner explained

Bacon and cabbage is boiled bacon, cabbage and potato with a parsley sauce. Here is how the plate works and what to look for.

Boxty and colcannon: what they are and how to order

Boxty is a potato pancake and colcannon is mashed potato with cabbage. Here is how they differ, what makes a good version and how to order.

Dublin coddle: what to expect from a bowl

Coddle is a pale, slow-cooked bowl of sausage, bacon, potato and onion. Here is what to expect and how to tell a good one.

Fish and chips from an Irish chipper: how to order

A chipper sells battered fish, chips and a few extras. Here is how to order, what to look for in the batter and chips and what to ask about allergens.

How to eat oysters: a first-timer's guide

Oysters are served raw on ice or cooked. Here is how to order, how to eat one without fuss and what to ask about freshness and allergies.

Irish coffee: what a proper one looks like

An Irish coffee is hot coffee, sugar, Irish whiskey and cream that floats on top. Here is how to spot a well-made one before you take a sip.

Irish farmhouse cheese: how to order a board

A good cheese board has variety, comes at the right temperature and is explained by the staff. Here is how to order one and what to ask.

Irish seafood chowder: what makes a good bowl

A good seafood chowder is creamy but not stodgy, with real pieces of fish and shellfish. Here is how to judge one and what to ask.

Irish soda bread: how to tell a good loaf

Soda bread is made without yeast, so it comes together fast and keeps for a short time. Here is how to spot a good loaf and how to enjoy it.

Irish stew: what it is and what to look for

Irish stew is lamb, potato and onion cooked slowly together. Here is what a good bowl looks like and what to ask before you order one.

The full Irish breakfast, explained

A full Irish has rashers, sausages, eggs, pudding and more. Here is what each part is, what to look for and how to order one to suit you.

The spice bag: what it is and how to order one

A spice bag is crispy chicken, chips, peppers and spice in a paper bag. Here is what is in it, how hot it gets and how to order.