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Americans try spice bag for the first time and issue honest verdict

Reading this might make you want a spice bag, but at least you can get one at almost every Chinese takeaway in Ireland these days. Two American tourists tried the delicious dish for the first time and gave their verdict

[Boston, MA - March 8: The spice bag, a Chinese-Irish fusion dish, at McGonagle's Irish Pub & Restaurant. (Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)]

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The spice bag is a true Irish institution (stock image)(Image: Boston Globe via Getty Images)

When it comes to the most iconic symbols of Ireland, you might think of Guinness, Irish whiskey, and our wonderful musical traditions. But when it comes to something more contemporary, is there anything more symbolic of modern-day Ireland than the spice box?

The delectable dish originated in Dublin just 20 years ago, and has since become a takeaway favourite across Ireland, and further afield. Perfect for after a night out, as a hangover cure, or just when you want something not especially good for you, there are few things better.

One American YouTuber tried a spice bag for the very first time and shared her reaction. Kaitlyn Lavery posted a clip of herself and her fiance Andrew Gordon giving it a try while in Dublin.

"We're currently on our way to try a Dublin delicacy, AKA, a spice bag," she said. "I feel like this is typically a drunk food, but we're eating it at 2pm."

"We did have a Guinness," Andrew interjected. "We did have multiple Guinnesses," Kaitlyn added. "Is it Guinnii?"

They arrived at Xi'an Street Food in Anne Street, where they picked up their food. Displaying it to the camera, Kaitlyn said: "Here she is, the spice bag in question. And then we got curry and sweet chili sauce as well."

Saying "this thing is jam-packed," she listed the ingredients, saying: "Chicken that looks fried, potatoes, those look like carrots." "Those are definitely carrots," Andrew said. Kaitlyn continued: "Some scallions (spring onions), lots of garlic, lots of chili oil."

The first thing she tried was some of the chicken, first taking a bite without any sauce. "It's a little sweet," she said. She then dipped a piece of chicken into the curry sauce before taking another bite.

"The curry sauce is a lot thinner than I thought it would be," she said. "I thought it was going to be really thick."

Eating some more of the chicken, she continued: "This is delicious. This is probably my entire day's worth of sodium in one bag. I can see how this would be a phenomenal drunk food." She also tried the second sauce - realising it was sweet and sour rather than sweet chili, saying: "That is really sweet."

Continuing to tuck in, Kaitlyn concluded: "Guys, I love a spice bag, I love it. I think this is the best thing we've eaten so far. This is really good."

What is a spice bag?

Wildly popular in Ireland, but far less common elsewhere, the spice bag is an inspired fusion of Irish and Chinese cuisine, perfect for getting stuck into after a night out or for curing a hangover. It was reportedly invented by the Sunflower Chinese takeaway in Templeogue, Dublin, around 2006.

Although it was created as something for staff to tuck into after closing the doors for the night, it quickly became so legendary it was added to the menu.

It generally consists of crispy chicken, chips, chopped vegetables, and a blend of Chinese spices, all shaken up in a bag, and usually accompanied by a pot of sauce. Meat-free versions generally replace the chicken with deep fried tofu.

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