How 'spice bags' became Ireland's latest cult export

People are traveling to Ireland with the priority of not only having a proper Guinness but also trying an Irish-Chinese spice bag.

While many of us think of stereotypical Irish staples, Taytos, Guinness and big pots of hearty Irish stew with chunks of soda bread likely spring to mind.

However, catching on as quickly as Margot Robbie did during an interview alongside Wuthering Heights co-star Alison Oliver, we're all quickly realising how crucial spice bags are to Ireland's food scene too.

During an interview with VT taking on its 'Culture Clash' series, the actors were asked whether they'd choose a kebab or spice bag at the end of a night out.

To be fair to Robbie and many of the rest of us, Oliver quickly admitted: "So, I didn't realise that people didn't have this anywhere else but Ireland."

But what are spice bags and why are they only now just popping up in places other than Ireland?

What's actually in a spice bag

As Oliver explained: "You get them in Chinese takeaways. It's like a bag of chips with crispy shredded chicken and spicy salt and pepper mix."

Indeed, a spice bag is typically made up of classic comfort food of fried chicken and chips - fried potatoes known as much loved by the Irish.

The chicken and chips are then mixed in with stir-fried vegetables and lots of seasoning - think Chinese five-spice, chilli powder and paprika.

Add in some extra chilis and curry sauce and what else could you need to help soften the hangover after a heavy club night?

And there we have it, a Chinese takeaway dish rooted in Ireland.

As one social media user wrote: "Going to Dublin in February, my no1 and no2 priorities are drinking a copious amounts of proper Guinness & trying an Irish spice bag."

But who actually first created it?

The history of the spice bag

Well, while popular in many other places now, the spice bag is credited as indeed originating in Ireland.

And specifically, being created in the Sunflower Chinese takeaway in Templeogue, Dublin, as per The Spicery's report.

The Irish Times claims the dish was created around 2006 before appearing on menus by 2010.

So popular has the spice bag become it's ended up added to many a menu, making its way over to the UK and across the globe.

GQ noted the food item is even trending in New York alongside being taken up by a whole host of London venues too.