Sushi, Ramen, Kimichi, Hong Kong Duck - BEST DUBLIN CITY CENTRE SPOTS

I used to love a big durty curry.

On days when I was hungover, there was nothing that could hit the spot quite like some spring rolls and chicken chow mein.

However, lately the takeaway curry shops have been leaving me cold - and bloated. True, thanks to IBS, myself and spices were never going to be BFF's. But allowing myself the occasional indulgence that I used to relish, belly ache be damned, has disappeared. Even a late night order during the week as we watched Netflix didn't do it for me.

Instead, I'm finding myself longing for real Asian cuisine when I used to settle for whatever the local curry shop actually did put in a chicken ball - and luckily, Dublin has plenty of options on offer.

Over the last number of years, the city centre has become quite the melting pot of cuisines so thankfully, there is something on offer to suit everyone. While I will be detailing soon where you can get the best Syrian Breakfast or a much cheaper slice of Mykonos than hopping on a plane, I'm going to head West first. In the figurative sense.

I have done the foot mileage for you to bring you THE best, tastiest and best value for money places to get your fix. Littered on either side of the river, you're never too far away from one.

SUSHI 


FUJIYAMA RESTAURANT,
O'CONNELL STREET

I stumbled across this place last December on a cold and rainy night, the wonder of Star Wars bright in my mind as myself and Himself stumbled out of The Savoy. Happy and hungry, we huddled in doorways as we looked around for a place to grab some grub.

Now, I must've walked by this place about 50 times before and had NEVER noticed it. We looked at the menu and looked at each other, trying to figure out if we would regret trying a new sushi place that neither one of us had ever heard of it. We decided to run the risk, THANK GOD. Because this place is the real-deal.

Upon our arrival, we were quickly given steaming mugs of Jasmine tea and ordered from a great selection of sushi. Apart from the food, the place also has some pretty great views of O'Connell Street and is ideal for people watching. Which we did, as the rain continued to fall, making the streets glassy, sharing sushi and drinking our tea. Heaven.

RAMEN 


KOKORO - THE RAMEN BAR
SOUTH WILLIAM STREET

Put down the pack of Koka noodles and step away from the microwave. If your only experience with ramen so far involves a plastic packet and a dish that won't explode, you haven't lived. But you soon will. Enter Kokoro.

This place has two outlets; one on Liffey Streety and one on South William Street. While both are great for take-away sushi, it's the shop on South William Street that has it's own dedicated Ramen Bar. Yep. You read right.

Fresh, filling and respectfully authentic, once you try real ramen, you'll never go back. Supping bib optional.


KIMICHI 


KIMICHI HOPHOUSE,
PARNELL STREET 


Where else could you get killer kimichi, a great beer selection and a heavy sports vibe in Dublin? Eh, nowhere that is - except for Hophouse Kimichi on Parnell Street.

Just opposite Fibbers, this place is incredible value for money and packs a blow with their food. Their extensive menu will leave you struggling to choose and their portions will leave you struggling to close your jeans. But it's oh so good.

Plus, Kimichi is good for you thank you all the probotics so it's like, not even really a cheat meal. Right?


HONG KONG DUCK 


DUCK,
FADE STREET 
Brought to you by the same people that run The Asia Market around the corner on Drury Street, you know that this place is where the flavour is at. Simply called Duck, it doesn't need to make a fuss.

Their meats are perfectly roasted in a traditional "Bullet Oven" which circulates heat evenly around the meat - giving you succulent duck, every time. They also do chicken and pork, all carefully made with their selection of spices and sauces. With one bite, you'll swear you're in downtown Hong Kong.



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