 Spice bag | |
| Alternative names | Spicebag,[1] Spicy Bag, Spice Box, Spicy Box |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Ireland |
| Region or state | Dublin[2] |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Fried chicken, Sichuan pepper, five-spice powder, Thai chili, onions, peppers, chips, salt |
A spice bag (or spicebag, spicy bag, spice box or spicy box; Irish: mála spíosrach)[3] is a fast food dish, popular in most of Ireland and "inspired" by Chinese cuisine.[4] The dish is most commonly sold in Chinese takeaways in Ireland.[5] Typically, a spice bag consists of deep-fried salt and chilli chips, salt and chilli chicken (usually shredded, occasionally balls/wings),[6] red and green peppers, sliced chili peppers, fried onions, and a variety of spices.[7] A vegetarian or vegan option is often available, in which deep fried tofu takes the place of the shredded chicken.[8] It is sometimes accompanied by a tub of curry sauce.[9][10][11][12]
Available in Chinese takeaways and fish and chip shops since the 2010s,[13] 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.[14] It is often cited as a popular "hangover cure".[15][14][16][17] 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".[18] The dish is not as common in Northern Ireland.[6]
