As a Lebanese, Muslim-American student studying abroad in Dublin, one of my first concerns wasn’t just about making new friends or adjusting to a new culture. It was: “What am I going to eat?” Coming from a family where food is such a central part of our lives, I knew I would miss the flavors of home like za'atar and sizzling kebabs. But with my halal diet, I wasn’t sure what Dublin would have to offer. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of options available. 

Discovering Halal in Dublin 

Dublin’s food scene turned out to be more diverse than I expected. While the city isn’t exactly known for halal food, I quickly realized that with a little exploration, I could find plenty to enjoy. Some of my favorite discoveries were completely by accident. One afternoon, I stumbled upon a row of food trucks near campus that hadn’t been there before. Among them was a food truck serving halal chicken shawarma, and it instantly reminded me of home. The truck, Country Grill Rotisserie (@countrygrill_rotisserie), had deliciously juicy, flavorful shawarma wraps that I couldn't resist. Following them on Instagram was an easy way to keep up with their locations and menu. 

Country Grill Rotisserie

A Flavorful Variety 

Dublin isn’t just about Irish food, though of course I had my fair share of fish and chips, which is a must-have when in Ireland. The city offers a global food scene that kept me satisfied throughout my stay. I found myself exploring a wide range of cuisines other than Irish food. Noshington Café, located right across from campus, quickly became one of my favorites. Their kimchi fried rice was the perfect comfort food, with just the right mix of spice and savory that made every bite memorable. 

Kimchi fried rice from Noshington Café

For a taste of local flavor, I couldn’t pass up trying The Irish Potato Company. Known for their vegetarian Irish breakfasts, their crispy potato cakes with eggs and veggies were a hearty and satisfying way to start the day. 

The Irish Potato Company

Another great breakfast spot near campus was Alma, a cozy café offering fresh and flavorful options. From avocado toast to filling egg dishes, it became one of my go-to places whenever I needed a nutritious start to my morning. 

Dublin’s food scene wasn’t just about international and local spots. It also had plenty of vegetarian options, which made it easy to stick to my halal diet. Whether I was grabbing a vegetable wrap or an egg salad sandwich, there was always something delicious and filling on offer. 

Hidden Gems and Tips 

One of my favorite discoveries came during a trip to George’s Street Arcade, where I found za’atar bread that tasted just like the manousheh I grew up with. It was a small moment, but it felt huge. I snapped a picture and sent it to my dad, excited to share that I had found a piece of Lebanon in Dublin. 

St. George’s Street Arcade

Another great resource for finding halal food was the Instagram account @halalfooddublin. They posted reviews and tips on the best halal spots around the city, making it easy to discover new places to try. I also found halal grocery stores near campus, where I could stock up on familiar snacks and ingredients: World of Spices- Halal shop and Halal Food & Grocery. 

Navigating Dietary Boundaries 

Dublin’s food scene was a dream for any foodie, especially with its wide variety of cuisines. It was surprisingly easy to find fish and vegetarian options while grocery shopping, whether I was picking up fresh fish for dinner or ingredients for a plant-based meal. I loved how the city catered to almost every craving. From Jarritos and tacos to Indian butter chicken and samosas, there was something for everyone. I also found plenty of spots serving açaí bowls, sushi, ramen, and Pad Thai, making it easy to enjoy international flavors. One of the best parts of my food journey in Dublin was discovering that Googling food festivals like Taste of Dublin or checking local event listings was a great way to find pop-up food trucks or vendors offering even more variety. Every time I attended one, I was sure to find something new to try! 

Advice for Future Students 

If you’re studying abroad in Dublin with dietary restrictions, don’t stress! You’ll find more than enough to eat. My biggest advice? Explore! Walk around, check out food festivals, and use social media to find food influencers like @halalfooddublin. Most of my favorite spots came from simply talking to locals and fellow students.  

Final Thoughts 

Studying abroad in Dublin wasn’t just about the city’s culture and history—it was also about tasting and discovering their foods and making lasting memories. Navigating a halal diet while exploring the city's food scene was a fun challenge, and it was exciting to try so many new things. One of the best parts was being able to share my culture with my new friends. Whether it was introducing them to Lebanese dishes or explaining the importance of halal food, it felt special to connect with others over something as simple as a meal. Those moments made my time in Dublin even more memorable and unforgettable. 

Wellington Monument