Blog (Food & Drink) - Discover Northern Ireland

Veganuary, the January challenge for people seeking to move to a plant-based diet has exploded in popularity with around half a million people worldwide signing up this year.

Across Northern Ireland people have been embracing the vegan lifestyle with some even choosing to explore veganism beyond January. 

Our friends at Mash Direct, an award-winning, family-run farm in Comber, have been farming the fields around Strangford Lough since the 1800's.  Here they share their carrot and parsnip recipe for muffins with a twist, using their mash pack as one of the main ingredients! 

The guys at Wee Buns Cookery School have shared a traditional Northern Ireland recipe with us for you to try out at home.  What’s better than wheaten fresh out of the oven dripping with butter and jam – let us know your favourite way to have it.

This is an easy no-bake traybake and is really quick and simple to make.  The Fifteens are so called because this traditional Northern Ireland recipe calls for fifteen of each ingredient.

We’ve listed just a few of our favourite pubs in Northern Ireland that are known for their delicious food, enough to rival any restaurant! Nothing beats the warm welcome and craic you’ll experience in these pubs, whether you choose city, town or countryside.

If we are to believe the experts, it’s the most important meal of the day. Here in Northern Ireland we try to be a little more diplomatic when it comes to our food - we believe that every meal is important but there’s no doubt, there’s nothing like a good brekkie to get you off to a flyer. Of course as the home of the Ulster Fry we have a bit of a love for our bacon, sausages and fried eggs sunny side up but we also know a thing or two about lighter morning indulgences. So let’s get stuck in. 

We’ve hand-picked some of the most unique and delicious delicacies that Northern Ireland has to offer. From sweet and savoury snacks to hearty main meals, there’s certainly something special to enjoy around every corner in Northern Ireland.

If you’re all about those plant-based feasts, we’ll help you find the best vegan friendly restaurants in Belfast. Here are some of our favourite places where you won’t be stuck ordering veggie sides as your main.

If you’re searching for delicious food and stunning scenery, these cycle trails are the perfect way to make your way around Northern Ireland. Ready for a culinary adventure? 

You could spend the rest of your life on a culinary tour around Northern Ireland and you still wouldn’t get to see all the food and drink that’s produced and sold here. From farmers markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, country kitchens to family tables, Northern Ireland’s food revolution is going from strength to strength – seemingly as fresh and seasonal as the produce that inspires it. These are just some of the highlights.

In recent years, Northern Ireland’s capital city has become a culinary capital to rival anywhere on the island of Ireland. An array of new restaurants, bars and cool cafés have opened and Belfast is bursting with home produced food, great local tastes and international flavours. Twenty-four hours is not enough but for those who want to give it a try, here’s how you can eat and drink your way through Belfast in a day. 

What is it about those dainty sandwiches, warm scones, fluffy cakes and pastry deliciousness that we just can’t get enough of? Afternoon Tea has made a comeback and Northern Ireland has embraced it in a big way, From the very formal to the slightly retro, the quirky to the cool, there are as many ways to enjoy afternoon tea here in Northern Ireland as there are people enjoying it.