They're salty, spicy and a little bit crispy... Spice Bags are an Irish phenomenon - and for good reason! They are full of flavour, filling and just overall delicious, but where can you find the best Spice Bags in Galway? Here are just some of our favourite places to get your hands on this famous Galway delicacy...
Random (yet fun) Fact: The Irish for Spice Bag is mála spíosrach and, since this Asian-inspired dish is incredibly popular in Ireland, maybe we should all start using the Gaeilge?
Xian Street Food
We have no choice but to kick things off with Galway’s most famous spice bag. Located on Quay Street and with more locations in Tuam and Claregalway, Xian Street Food has been feeding Galway’s spice bag cravings for nearly a decade. In fact, Deliveroo has named this spice bag as the most ordered Chinese dish in the entire country. Made using an incredible blend of 38 Chinese spices, it’s bursting with flavour. If you haven’t tried it yet, consider this your sign.
Multiple Locations // more here
above: photo courtesy of Xian Street Food
Rè Nao
Overlooking the Spanish Arch in the heart of the city, Rè Nao boasts a stunning space with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, creative drinks and mouth-watering food. Their spice box is perfect year-round, whether that's for sitting out along The Long Walk on a hot summer's day or a post-pints feed to combat the chill of winter. Pro tip: pair it with one of their bubble teas for the perfect balance to the heat.
Spanish Arch // more here
An Púcán
When An Púcán added the beloved spice bag to their evening menu, it quickly became a fan favourite. And it’s easy to see why. Their version comes loaded with spicy chicken, chips, stir-fried vegetables, and a generous helping of curry sauce. It looks incredible and tastes even better. Hands down one of the tastiest spice bags we’ve had.
11 Forster Street // more here
above: photo courtesy of An Púcán
MC McGraths
Clifden’s iconic live music venue isn’t just about great tunes and pints, their food more than holds its own. Their Maggies Spice Bag Basket features shredded chicken, fries, peppers, onions, chillies, and curry sauce. They also serve Spice Bag Wings, delivering all the classic spice bag flavours on crispy chicken wings. A must-try if you’re out west.
Bridge Street, Clifden // more here
An Tobar Nua
This next spice bag is a firm favourite among students, and for very good reason. Available for sit-in or takeaway, An Tobar Nua’s spice bag (or bowl) includes chicken strips, grilled peppers and onions, spices, and chips. You can level it up even further with optional toppings like sauce, jalapeños, and cheese. It’s absolute comfort food to the max!
25/27 Lower Dominick Street // more here
above: photo courtesy of An Tobar Nua
Lana Asian Street Food
In both their city centre and Salthill locations, Lana serves up super fresh and tasty Asian cuisine - and their spice bag is no exception! With the perfect ratio of veg and chicken to fries, and a heap of flavour, it will not disappoint your spice bag dreams. They also offer a veggie option that switches out the chicken for crispy, deep-fried tofu which is just so satisfying. The cherry on top is adding their unreal satay sauce into the mix, it’s absolutely class.
Salthill & Mary St // more here
GIGAS Dinergrill
Known for made-to-order meals using locally sourced produce, GIGAS delivers big on flavour. Their spice bag features crispy chicken strips, hand-cut fries, red onion, peppers, and their own house spice mix. Vegetarians can opt for falafel instead of chicken. Whether you’re grabbing takeaway or sitting in and pairing it with a pint next door at Porterhouse, it’s the perfect addition to a day in Oranmore.
Howley Court, Dublin Rd, Innplot, Oranmore // more here
above: photo courtesy of GIGAS Dinergrill
Honourable Mentions
Smashbird
If you thought spice bag chips were good, just wait until you try the Spice Bag Tater Tots at Smashbird. This dish is made of their signature crispy tater tots coated in signature salt, chillies and pepper seasoning with fried onions and peppers, chillies and hot honey butter sauce. If you want to elevate this dish further you can add chicken for supreme spice bag treat.
3 Cross Street Lower // more here
Harry's Bar
Teaming up with Spicebag Nelly as the newest heavy-hitters on the Harry’s Bar menu, it's been a certified crowd favourite over at their brother business Benny's so they felt it was time to bring it home. Comprising of two smash patties, American cheese, bacon mac and cheese, marinara sauce, and garlic mayo, this burger slaps hard! It's a delicious take on a classic Galway takeaway, and we absolutely adore it. Order it for yourself after a heaping of Harry's irresistible cocktails for the ultimate night out experience.
77 Bohermore // more here
above: photo courtesy of Harry's Bar
Feature photo courtesy of An Púcán
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