Spice bag
A spice bag (or spicebag, spicy bag, spice box or spicy box; Irish: mála spíosrach) is a fast food dish, popular in most of Ireland and inspired by Chinese cuisine. The dish is most commonly sold in Chinese takeaways in Ireland. Typically, a spice bag consists of deep-fried salt and chilli chips, salt and chilli chicken (usually shredded, occasionally balls/wings), red and green peppers, sliced chili peppers, fried onions, jalapenos and a variety of spices. A vegetarian or vegan option is often available, in which deep fried tofu takes the place of the shredded chicken. It is sometimes accompanied by a tub of curry sauce.
A plate of spice bag | |
| Alternative names | Spicebag, Spicy Bag, Spice Box, Spicy Box |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Ireland |
| Region or state | Dublin |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Fried chicken, Sichuan pepper, five-spice powder, Thai chili, onions, peppers, chips, salt |
Available in Chinese takeaways and fish and chip shops since the 2010s, the dish has developed something of a cult following, and a Facebook group created as a tribute to the dish has attracted over 17,000 members. It is often cited as a popular hangover cure. It was voted 'Ireland's Favourite Takeaway Dish' in the 2020 Just Eat National Takeaway Awards in the Republic of Ireland, while in 2021 Deliveroo Ireland started a petition to create a "National Spice Bag Day". The dish is not as common in Northern Ireland.