TikTok Is Fascinated By The 'Spice Bag' Offering At Chinese Takeout Places In Ireland

What foods do the Irish love the most? If you're not Irish or have never been to Ireland, then you might assume that the most beloved foods there are potatoes and corned beef. However, the Irish have plenty of signature foods, like steak and ale pie and the signature full Irish breakfast. Ireland's most delicious food isn't limited to a few dishes, though, and plenty of Irish people also love a favorite restaurant cuisine that Americans enjoy as well: Chinese takeout.

While Chinese takeout looks slightly different in Ireland than it does across the pond, it still involves plenty of the same dishes people from other countries love to eat when they order Chinese takeout: Fried rice, fried noodles, and spring rolls. But one feature of Irish Chinese takeout is blowing TikTok away, and it's perfect for anyone who likes their food with a little extra heat. Let's dig in.

Haven't heard of a spice bag? Don't worry, you're definitely not alone — some Irish haven't heard of it either. Spice bags haven't been part of Ireland's Chinese takeout for long, they were likely invented around 2010, but they're perfect for anyone who likes food so hot that they have to grab a glass of milk after they eat.

The spice bag, which is currently fascinating TikTok users around the world, is a dish that originated in Dublin, and it has plenty of different food options for any type of craving. Typically, it contains fries, bell peppers, onion, and fried chicken — but that's just the beginning. The food is seasoned with a variety of spices, like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and it's also served with curry sauce on the side. Spice lovers will certainly get their fill of flavor with this Irish dish — one TikToker claimed that the authentic Dublin spice bag they tried "blew their ears and nose off." It's even becoming so popular that it's spreading outside of its country of origin. 

A food cart in Portland, Oregon recently announced on Instagram that they've begun selling spice bags. If you're American and haven't tried a spice bag, it looks like now's your chance to spice up your life, Irish Chinese takeout style.

How much does Chinese food in Ireland actually differ from the Americanized version? In some ways, not much. In other ways, there are some pretty big differences.

Chinese takeout places in Ireland blend Chinese takeout favorites with classic Irish staples and newer offerings, like the spice bag. An Irish TikToker broke down the main staples of Chinese food in Ireland, and it sounds pretty darn tasty. He recommended spicy fries and spicy chicken balls, as well as salt and chili chicken, fried rice, fried noodles, and spring rolls. And of course, no Irish Chinese takeout experience would be complete without the spice bag, so it's important to save room for it too. Sound like a lot of food? 

Yup, the TikToker even jokes that your plate will be so heavy you'll probably need two people to carry it. If you're American and love ordering a little bit of everything on the menu and serving yourself a heaping plateful of Chinese takeout, you can probably relate. The spice bag may be fascinating TikTok right now, but it's far from the only delicious offering you'll find at Chinese takeout places in Ireland.