7 must-try dishes at Taste of Dublin 2025

RTÉ News​

a day ago

Taste of Dublin returns to Merrion Square this week, bringing together some of Ireland's most innovative, delicious and beloved food producers in one bucolic spot.
Running from 12-15 June, the foodie festival features demos from chefs, oodles of stalls to shop directly from the producers and, of course, a medley of food stalls serving up lip-smackingly good grub.
So if you're heading to the festival this year and don't know where to visit first, we've rounded up our pick of the dishes we simply won't be missing out on.
Shaku Maku - VIP Grill, €12
This Palestinian spot always impresses with its Middle Eastern fare. But their Icon dish for this year's festival has already been singled out as exceptional, winning the Best in Taste award for 2025.
It's an indulgent trio of chicken taouk, lamb kofta, and kibbeh meshwi skewers (lamb and bulgur patties stuffed with pistachios) on chilli bread, with a side of sumac-onion-parsley salad and a spicy pomegranate molasses drizzle. Big on flavour, texture and a mini feast, make this one a priority.
Bar Italia - Cacio e Pepe, €7
With grey skies on the opening day of Taste, there's never been a better reason to grab a bowl of pasta. Bar Italia is an institution by now and renowned for its skilful takes on Italian classics.
We'll be queuing up for a bowl of their classic cacio e pepe, a creamy dish made with lashings of black pepper and served with fresh gnocchetti - small potato gnocchi that are made in-house.
The Salt Project - Burren Beef 'n' Hash Browns, €11
Focusing on 'hyper local' Irish food, with an emphasis on low waste and sustainability, The Salt Project has some of the most innovative menu items at the festival. Each one takes inspiration from a different province, spotlighting the local produce and producers from the region.
Our pick, however, is the Connaught dish: slow-cooked pulled Burren beef on crispy Green Earth organic potato hash browns, finished with a summery Sásta Peach & Haba-nero drizzle.
Nomo Ramen - Chahsu Croquette Dogs + Yuzu Mayo, €7
Dedicated to bringing the highest quality Ramen in Dublin, Nomo Ramen is a slightly more elevated take on ramen but still incredibly comforting food. Their ramen broth is simmered for eight hours every day, and every ingredient is laboured over.
While the ramen would be a good shout on a cloudy day, we're intrigued by the Chahsu Croquette Dogs + Yuzu Mayo, made with Japanese-style braised pork belly and served with a punchy citrus mayo.
Daata - House Black Daal, €7
When it comes to vegetarian options, Daata has you covered. The Pakistani restaurant has been running since 1999, specialising in authentic regional dishes. Their House Black Daal sounds especially luscious: whole urid lentils slow-cooked for 48 hours in ghee, fenugreek, tomato purée, cream, and Daata's special garam masala. It's served with pilau rice and sounds like a hug in a bowl.
Chimac - Fried Pickles with Pickleback Mayo, €7
After all that eating and drinking across the festival, you might be craving something small but mighty. Enter: Chimac's fried pickles. Fried pickles are a classic American fair food, and when paired with their pickleback mayo - a vinegary, vibrant and rich addition - they become a summery snack, perfect for between big bowls of food.
Bovinity - Bangers N' Mash, €7
Bovinity has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2022, winning praise for its unfussy take on a classic steakhouse. Varied cuts, sumptuous sides and exceptional beverages are all guaranteed in their Capel St restaurant.
Unsurprisingly, the team has gone big for Taste this year, serving up their spin on bangers and mash: Dexter beef sausage, Dijon tear-drop peppers and creamy mash, all topped with a 48-hour bone gravy.