10 WEIRD Belfast foods that EVERYONE should try at least once

Like any part of the world, the capital of the north has its own unique foods that everyone should try at least once.

When you think of Belfast, you might think of history, conflict, great pubs, and super friendly people. Belfast isn’t really known for its food.

However, over the years, the city has become a hub of weird and wonderful food creations that everyone should try at least once.

From Belfast staples to more recent food frenzies, let’s take a look at ten weird Belfast foods that everyone should try at least once.

10. The Belfast Bap – a delicious, simple bread

Ah, the Belfast Bap. The Belfast Bap is an absolute staple of the city. Created by Bernard Hughes to feed the poor during the Great Famine, the thing that makes it a little odd and extremely unique is that it is totally idiosyncratic to the city of Belfast!

9. Fifteens – an NI classic

Fifteens are a classic treat that originates in Northern Ireland. They are a delicious no-bake traybake. This simple but exquisite dessert consists of digestive biscuits, marshmallows, condensed milk, coconut, and cherries.

Think of a Fifteen the same way you would think of the pastéis de nata in Portugal. It’s a national dish you need to try when you visit. Head to a local Belfast bakery, and they’ll sort you out with some tasty traybake treats.

8. Dale Farm ice lollies – take your pick

Choc Pop, Joker, Pear Picking Porky, Polly Pineapple; these tasty ice lollies with funny names were a staple for anyone who grew up in Belfast and really anyone who grew up in the north.

Head to any petrol station or corner shop in Belfast and try at least one of the Dale Farm ice lollies. They’re particularly tasty in the summer.

7. The Ulster Fry – unique to the province

If you’re visiting Belfast, you can’t leave without trying the Ulster Fry. The Ulster Fry consists of all the classics; bacon, sausage, fried eggs, potato bread, soda bread, grilled tomatoes, and black pudding. Varieties also include fried mushrooms and white pudding.

Head to any of Belfast’s favourite cafes, like Maggie Mays or Bright’s, in the city centre, and you will not be disappointed.

6. Breakfast bap – the hangover cure of the gods

Combining entries number ten and number seven, the Breakfast Bap is a gut-busting, hangover-curing monster of a dish that needs to be tried when you visit Belfast.

For one of the best takes on weird Irish food, head to Belfast Bap Co. at St. George’s Market.

5. Sukie – a refreshing Belfast drink

Another great from Dale Farm is Sukie Orange. This fruit juice is a firm favourite among people all over the city.

It’s light, sweet, tasty, and refreshing. Locals will remember when it was delivered right to your door by the milkman. Do people still get that? If so, lucky you!

4. Jammy Joey – sweet and delicious

The Jammy Joey is a sweet Madeira bun that first appeared in Northern Ireland in 1985. This weird and wonderful treat is covered in a bright pink coating and coconut flakes and will be found in any shop in Belfast.

If you’re having a cup of tea in someone’s house in Belfast, you might just get served a Jammy Joey. This is one of the weird Belfast foods that everyone should try at least once.

3. Champ – originates in Ulster

Champ is a dish associated with Ireland as a whole, but it actually originates in the Ulster region. Combining mashed potatoes and scallions, or green onions, it’s a scrumptious side to any dish that needs to be tried from the source.

2. Maine soft drinks – a throwback to growing up in Belfast

Another absolute throwback to your childhood growing up in Belfast is Maine drinks. If you go back far enough, you’ll have memories of the ‘Maine Man’, the person who would come to your door every week to deliver your Maine favourites.

These include American Cream Soda, Pineappleade, and Brown Lemonade in returnable glass bottles.

1. Nutty Krust – the king of bread

Nutty Krust is not your typical loaf of bread. It is one of the most iconic brands in the north, and according to the baker, what makes it totally unique is the 18-hour fermentation and slow baking process on the sole of the oven.

This is what gives it its distinctive taste. Trust us; this isn’t your average loaf. Stop into any shop and pick one up to see what we’re talking about. This bread is best served toasted and slathered with proper butter.