Cork
What food is Cork famous for? 11 Dishes to Indulge In
What food is Cork famous for? 11 Dishes to Indulge In
The table above lists all the local delicacies from Cork. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that item.
Ardrahan by Matt Biddulph under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Are you tired of the same old thing? Ready to get away and experience something new, fresh, and delicious? If so, then Cork is the perfect destination for you. This vibrant city offers an array of local delicacies that tantalise your taste buds. From traditional Irish stews to creamy seafood chowder , there is no shortage of mouthwatering treats waiting for visitors in Cork!
Many foods are associated with Cork including: Skirts and Kidneys, Coolea Cheese and Timoleague Brown Pudding. Check below for some of the most famous dishes to come from this area.
Once you've read up on the foods to try on your visit to the city of Cork, why not have a look at our posts for the other activities that are available to do here. You can find them on the following buttons below:
Try Something New and Delicious From Cork
In this blog post, we will be discussing what delicacies you can expect to find in Cork.
Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner spot or just want to explore an unfamiliar cuisine, there's something here to please everyone. Here are a few examples we recommend:
Ardrahan Cheese
Ardrahan is a delightful cheese produced in Kanturk near Cork, by the Burns family since 1980. Its brine-washed rind reveals an incredibly creamy, chalky texture and complex flavors of nuttiness, acidity and smokiness - perfect for pairing with a robust red wine! After its short maturing process of 4 weeks it becomes ready to savour.
Toons Bridge Mozzarella
Toons Bridge Dairy produces some of the best Buffalo Mozzarella in Ireland! The milk is treated gently with a folk technique that cleans it without stripping away its delicate flavours. It's then acidified using their own ripened whey and milk starter, creating an intensely delicious experience unlike anything you'll find from mass-produced brands - totally worth the trip to taste this local delicacy.
Skirts and Kidneys by Nshortland under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Skirts and Kidneys
Skirts and kidneys is a traditional Cork stew that blends hearty flavours of pork skirts, potatoes, onions and kidneys with white pepper, salt and thyme. Corn flour acts as the thickening agent to give this dish its rich texture which pairs perfectly with some crusty bread for an unforgettable meal experience! It has been enjoyed in Cork homes for generations due it being one of the major suppliers' of beef & pork offal to Britain's armed forces in years past.
Spiced Beef
Spiced beef is a beloved Irish tradition, typically enjoyed on Christmas and New Year's Eve. But thanks to specialised shops throughout the country, you can savour spiced beef all year round! Preparing this delectable dish takes some time; salting and marinating in spices for up to several weeks before cooking it with water or stout followed by roasting—all worth it when you finally get your plate of deliciousness.
Blarney Castle Cheese
Enjoy the traditional flavour of Blarney Castle cheese - a centuries-old recipe from Ireland! This grass-fed cow's milk cheese is made without any artificial additives or flavours, and has mild, creamy notes with hints of richness. Its taste resembles that of young Dutch Gouda making it perfect when paired with your favourite white wine and fresh fruit. Try this golden yellow beauty in sandwiches and recipes to give them an extra special touch!
Coolea by HighKing under license CC BY-SA 3.0
Coolea Cheese
Willems's family farm in Coolea, County Cork has been producing the Gouda-style cow milk cheese known as 'Coolea' since 1979. It is crafted with a yellow/orange wax layer that encases its firm texture and smooth pate. There are multiple varieties of Coolea available including Plain, Matured, Cumin Seed and Extra Mature - each boasting their own buttery full flavored mild sweetness complemented by close crumbly crystalline dense textures! The awards speak for themselves: Best Matured Goudas (World Cheese Awards 2008) and Gold Medal accolades from Irish Food Writers Guild 2014 amongst others!
Tripe and Drisheen
Get ready for an adventurous culinary experience! Drisheen is a traditional Cork specialty made from the heartiest of ingredients - cow, pig or sheep's blood, milk and fat mixed with breadcrumbs. Basically like black pudding but more intense! It’s boiled then wrapped inside the main intestine of whatever animal it was sourced from! Head over to The English Market in Cork where you can get your hands on some!
Bacon and Cabbage in Ireland by Zackgallagher under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Bacon and Cabbage
Enjoy a classic Irish favourite – boiled bacon and cabbage with potatoes! This hearty dish combines savoury slices of smoked or back bacon with tender-crisp veggies. Complete the meal by topping it off with white sauce, which adds creamy richness thanks to its blend of buttery goodness!
Timoleague Brown Pudding
Timoleague, West Cork is the region to thank for this traditional brown pudding! Made from fresh pig’s blood and pork trimmings, plus cereals, onions, seasonings & spices - all sourced within a six mile radius of its processing facility. The inclusion of local produce with added oatmeal gives it an unmistakable rustic taste you won't find elsewhere. Its natural casings provide just enough flavour pizazz to tantalise your tastebuds every time!
Gubbeen Mature by HighKing under license CC BY-SA 3.0
Gubbeen Cheese
Gubbeen Cheese is a delectable farmhouse creation, boasting creamy and slightly herbal flavours with an alluring mushroomy aroma. Produced by hand on the small Irish farm in County Cork, this popular semi-soft cheese is made from Friesian and Kerry cow's milk that has been carefully ripened to perfection. Its distinguishing pink & white rind develops through regular washing using a brine solution which also contributes to its unique pungent smell; meanwhile age brings out further depth as meaty notes linger delightfully after every sumptuous bite!
St Gall Cheese
Introducing St Gall Cheese: the delicious, award-winning treat with the name that comes to us courtesy of Saint Columbus and his companion - Saint Gall. Made from Friesian cow milk according to traditional Swiss methods, it yields a subtly sweet yet tangy cheese with intense flavour notes such as fruity mildness, milky nuttiness and smooth yeasty goodness – perfect for any well-stocked cheeseboard! In 2008 this delectable delicacy was awarded gold at Dublin's World Cheese Awards - giving you one more reason why it deserves your attention.
Conclusion
Visiting Cork opens up a whole array of culinary opportunities that shouldn’t be missed out on. There is something for everyone – whether you’re looking for fast food, street food or an Irish gastronomic experience. Taking the time to explore and take in some of the local delicacies adds more flavour to an already unforgettable city.
These are just a few of the many delicious Cork foods you can try. To find out more about things to do in the area, click on the buttons below: