‘Food is essential, it’s the first necessity for a human’ – Taste of Dublin aims to hit the spot this weekend

Taste of Dublin will continue to delight foodies of all ages until Sunday evening, for the first time in Merrion Square. With more than 15 restaurants, local artisans and live workshops set to welcome up to 30,000 visitors, this is sure to be a weekend to remember.

A celebration of eating, drinking and entertainment all in one place, Taste of Dublin is one of the many ways you can kick off your summer in style.

Eric Roberts, the TikTok influencer turned presenter, was one of many of the big names attending the food festival.

The Glen native was “cooking up a storm” with Holly Carpenter on the stage of the M&S Chef’s kitchen and was even named Cook 2024 Champion alongside her yesterday during the festival launch.

“I’m not a very good chef but it was more about the fun and entertainment than the actual meal itself.”

“I think that I learned that [food is a community activity] more so this week than anything else. The number of chefs and people in the restaurant industry that got in touch [with me] was phenomenal,” Eric said.

“When I come here, I have a real sense of community, seeing the work and effort that goes into some of these dishes – including in the smaller tents is amazing”.

In the market, the smell of charred meat and spices beckons all. Naturally, we answer its call and are met with a sleek, elegant, albeit imposing open plan kitchen where a chef is absorbed in his task. As he flips jumbo shrimp and douses rice with sesame oil, visitors sip on their cocktails and give their next meal a languid look. They are in for 45 minutes of pure bliss.

In between orders, one of the chef’s behind ‘Best Taste’ Awardee, Asian Fusion Bar and Restaurant DL, explains the ethos of their cuisine,

“This is Asian-style comfort food above all else. People come here because they want to enjoy the show, then they can relax while we serve them cocktails. Once they’re done, they’re free to go around [the festival]”.

The restaurant is dedicated to fine dining and has never lost sight of Japanese and Chinese culinary traditions.

“Food is essential. It is the first necessity for a human and there’s no discrimination in food. If you enjoy the food you eat, there is nothing political about that.”

Organisers recommend downloading the map, the menus of restaurants and workshops available at the festival prior to arrival. The festival accepts Debit and Credit cards but does not accept cash. Alternatively, the festival sells Food and Drink vouchers at the Box Office.

Met Éireann predicts the weather will be fair, with temperatures rising to 18 degrees.

Limited tickets are still available on the Taste of Dublin website.