My top 10 dishes of 2025: From Belfast to Dublin and from A5 Wagyu beef to a ‘posh cheesy chip’

My Top 10 Dishes of 2025: A Culinary Journey from Belfast to Dublin

As we explore the food landscape of 2025, Belfast and Dublin have truly emerged as culinary hotspots, brimming with innovative and mouthwatering dishes. This year has witnessed a delightful blend of traditional flavors and contemporary techniques, with chefs boldly experimenting and redefining dining experiences. Here’s a glimpse into my top 10 dishes that have shaped this year’s gastronomic adventure across these two vibrant cities.

1. A5 Wagyu Beef from Belfast

In Belfast, the A5 Wagyu beef at a celebrated steakhouse has raised the bar for meat enthusiasts. Hailing from Japan, this beef is renowned for its exquisite marbling and tenderness. Often paired with rich truffle butter and seasonal vegetables, it offers a truly indulgent dining experience.

2. Dublin’s Seafood Chowder

A beloved classic gets a fresh twist in Dublin with the seafood chowder from a bustling eatery. Featuring locally sourced fish and shellfish, this creamy broth, infused with fragrant herbs, pays homage to the city’s coastal roots and has quickly become a favorite among both locals and visitors.

3. Vegan Irish Stew

Embracing the plant-based movement, a vegan Irish stew has captured the hearts of diners in both cities. Crafted with hearty root vegetables, lentils, and a flavorful vegetable broth, this dish beautifully embodies the spirit of traditional Irish stew while appealing to health-conscious food lovers.

4. Posh Cheesy Chips

A fun and upscale take on a classic comfort food, the ‘posh cheesy chip’ from a trendy Dublin bar features hand-cut fries generously topped with a mix of gourmet cheeses, truffle oil, and crispy shallots. This dish has quickly become a late-night favorite, blending indulgence with a touch of elegance.

5. Belfast’s Craft Beer Battered Fish and Chips

Elevating the iconic fish and chips, this Belfast dish uses locally brewed craft beer for the batter, resulting in a delightful crunch. Served with homemade tartar sauce and a side of mushy peas, it reflects the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene and commitment to local sourcing.

6. Dublin’s Artisan Pizza

In the realm of pizza, an artisan pizzeria in Dublin is making waves with its sourdough crust and inventive toppings, such as smoked salmon and dill cream. This dish has redefined pizza in the city, drawing in food lovers eager to explore unique flavor profiles.

7. Charred Octopus

At a high-end restaurant in Belfast, the charred octopus dish showcases the chef’s grilling expertise. Accompanied by a zesty lemon and caper dressing, it highlights the freshness of the seafood while delivering a delightful smoky flavor.

8. Irish Whiskey Glazed Pork Belly

This dish features tender pork belly glazed with a rich Irish whiskey sauce, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal greens. It captures the essence of Irish comfort food with a gourmet flair, making it a standout option in both cities.

9. Dublin’s Chocolate Fondant

For dessert, the chocolate fondant from a cozy Dublin café has become a signature delight. With its gooey center and deep chocolate richness, it pairs perfectly with homemade vanilla ice cream, providing a sweet conclusion to any meal.

10. Belfast’s Craft Cocktail Pairings

While not a dish in the conventional sense, the craft cocktail pairings at various Belfast restaurants have become an essential part of the dining experience. Often crafted with local spirits and seasonal ingredients, these cocktails enhance the innovative dishes on the menu, enriching the overall culinary adventure.

Final Thoughts

The food scenes in Belfast and Dublin are continually evolving, with chefs embracing creativity and local ingredients. The dishes highlighted here not only showcase the talent of local culinary artists but also reflect broader trends in the food industry, such as sustainability and the rise of plant-based options. As we journey further into 2025, it will be fascinating to see how these trends unfold and what new culinary delights will emerge from these dynamic cities.