Finding International & Ethnic Food in Ireland

Ireland's growing international food scene

Ireland's population has become much more diverse over the past 20 years, and the food retail market has followed. Major cities now have a wide range of international supermarkets and specialty shops, and even mainstream supermarkets have significantly expanded their international sections.

Asian supermarkets (Dublin)

Dublin has several well-stocked Asian supermarkets:

• Asian Food Market (Drury Street, Dublin 2) — large, well-stocked with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian products
• Parnell Street (Dublin 1) — known as Dublin's "Chinatown", with multiple Chinese and pan-Asian shops, restaurants, and ingredients
• Oriental Emporium (South Great George's Street) — popular for Japanese and Korean products

Indian and South Asian

Indian grocery shops can be found across Dublin, particularly on Moore Street and in the city centre. Many stock Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi ingredients. In Cork, the Mahon area has several well-stocked shops.

Polish and Eastern European

Poland is now one of the largest immigrant communities in Ireland. Polski Sklep shops (Polish convenience stores) are found in almost every town. They stock Polish staples, meat products, breads, dairy, and beverages from across Central and Eastern Europe. Many also sell Romanian, Lithuanian, and Hungarian products.

Halal butchers and shops

Halal butchers are available in most major cities. In Dublin, areas around the city centre have several options. Many Middle Eastern and African grocery shops are also Halal-certified. Mainstream supermarkets (particularly Tesco) now stock some Halal-certified products in their international aisles.

African food shops

Several shops in Dublin city centre and in areas with larger African communities (including Tallaght and Blanchardstown) stock West African, East African, and Caribbean ingredients — plantains, cassava, smoked fish, and various dried goods and spices.