Santi’s Salsas are bringing the Heat to Galway

Snack Week is back at Bierhaus, and this year thanks to Santi’s Salsas it’s hotter, spicier, and packed with even more flavour. Keep reading for more information..

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Until September 18th, Chefs Santiago Amozurrutia and Alex Bourke are taking over the kitchen for a four-night celebration of Mexican fare, and it also happens to be the official launch of Santi’s Salsas, the creation of chef Santiago Amozurrutia.

When asked how his new salsa venture began, Santiago’s answer was simple: it just happened naturally. “It was organic, really,” he explained. Friends of Bierhaus, Fréamh Farm were growing green tomatillos, and they asked if Santiago wanted any. Normally tomatillos are only sourced tinned, which isn’t the same, so he jumped at the opportunity. After using the fresh tomatillos in a special that got a fantastic customer response, Santiago thought.. ‘Why not make a salsa with it?' and that’s exactly what he set out to do. That first batch sparked an idea to use the available fresh, local produce and turn it into seasonal salsas. This approach will mean that Santiago will enjoy the opportunity to mix up his salsas and try new flavours with the change of the seasons.

For Snack Week, Santiago is showcasing a line-up of four different salsas, each with its own personality. Expect a bright, seasonal salsa verde while the tomatillos last, a spicy habanero blend for the heat-seekers, a mild smoky and sweet morita, and a salsa macha, a rich, nutty, chili oil-style sauce made with coffee and cranberries that Santiago describes as “delicious, really, really good.” He designed the line up with different spice levels in mind: something approachable for those milder flavours, and something bold enough for those who love a kick. The goal is for people to try them all, and throughout Snack Week, there are salsas on the table to share, with others will be paired with specific dishes.

Following Santi’s Salsas launch at Bierhaus, Santiago is planning to take his salsas citywide. “I’ll definitely stock here [Bierhaus] for sure, but I’d love to bring them into other places as well, up to Sheridans, around the Westend..” he says. There’s plans also for Fréamh Farm to sell Santi’s Salsas from their market stall. Santiago is even working on creative collaborations, like a funky habanero hot sauce designed in partnership with Elena, a local artist, that will come with its own T-shirt. It’s a playful, community-driven approach that reflects Santiago’s love for collaboration and experimentation.

The second annual Snack Week runs Monday to Thursday and is all about embracing snack culture; ordering multiple small plates, sharing, and diving into new flavours. With Santiago and Alex at the helm, all you need to do is turn up hungry, bring your friends, and get ready to dip into the start of something truly special. It’s walk-ins only.

Don’t miss the launch of Santi’s Salsas at Bierhaus this September and then stay up-to-date with all upcoming announcements by giving him a follow on Instagram @santissalsas.

All photos by Ado Lyons.