Spice Bag

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.

Spice bag

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.

According to RTÉ reporter Liam Geraghty, the dish was created in 2010 by The Sunflower Chinese takeaway in Templeogue, Dublin, with the first spice bag sold on Just Eat in 2012.

• Chip spice
• Halal snack pack