Where to find the best spice bags in Sydney this St Patrick's Day

St Paddy’s Day celebrations are kicking off in Sydney this weekend, which gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in a spice bag, the ultimate fast-food feast that combines the best of Irish and Chinese cuisine.

A spice bag typically consists of hot chips, capsicums, onions and salt and chilli chicken. This deep-fried feast is then tossed with a blend of spices and served with a generous helping of curry sauce.

Pair your spice bag with a pint of Guinness and you’ll be good to go! We’ve put together a list of the best places in Sydney to get a spice bag, to be sure, to be sure.

Paddy Chan’s, Newtown and Kensington

Paddy Chan’s went viral on Tiktok last year, as people flocked to try the spice bag at Sydney’s first Irish-Chinese restaurant. Portions are generous, with crunchy chicken balls and crispy spring rolls. They have a variety of sauces available to try with the spice bag, including satay, sweet and sour, black bean, sweet chilli and of course, the classic curry sauce. The restaurant will get you in a St Patrick’s Day mood, with its bright green interior and plenty of Irish accents floating about.

The restaurant started with a location in Kensington, and has recently opened their second branch in Newtown. To celebrate St Paddy’s Day, they’re doing a $15 spicebox deal with any sauce on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 (the spicebox is normally $18.50).

Where: 130 Anzac Parade, Kensington or 415 King St, Newtown
@paddy.chans

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Shea’s, Clovelly

Shea’s is a hugely popular bar and restaurant, especially with the Eastern suburbs’ Irish population (probably because of its proximity to “County Coogee”). Their slogan invites diners to “Come for the food, stay for the craic”.

At Shea’s, the spice bag will set you back $24 and includes salt and chilli chicken, spiced capsicum, onion and chips with a side of curry sauce. They are known for their generous portions and smooth Guinness. A special St Paddy’s Day menu will be available on Monday 17, so head over to Clovelly on Paddy’s Day to join the festivities.

Where: 211 Clovelly Road, Clovelly
sheas.com.au

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Big Dave’s Chipper, Maroubra

Another popular spice bag location in the Eastern suburbs, Big Dave’s Chipper focuses on hearty comfort food with an Irish influence. Based in Maroubra Junction, this chipper claims to serve the most authentic spice bags in Sydney, thanks to their use of McDonell’s curry sauce.

This is one of the pricier options on our list, costing you $28, but it is made to order using special spices and a generous portion is guaranteed. It has been enjoyed by the likes of Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy and UK social media personality “Big John” Fisher. Irish-Australian chef Colin Fassnidge has also dropped by and approved of Big Dave’s menu.

Where: 779 Anzac Parade, Maroubra
@bigdaveschipper

Big Dave's Chipper Spice Bag — The spice bag at Big Dave’s Chipper, *Image from @bigdaveschipper*

Taphouse, Darlinghurst

Situated in a popular location between Surry Hills, Paddington and Darlinghurst, Taphouse is the perfect place for rooftop drinks and splitting a spice bag. The Taphouse spicebag includes salt and pepper chicken, crispy chips and Irish curry sauce, costing $25. The Cantonese-inspired menu includes plenty of delicious classics, giving you the option to add some prawn crackers and steamed pork buns to your order.

Taphouse are going full out for St Paddy’s Day, hosting a party on their rooftop. There will be live music, drinks specials and a ‘shenanigans banquet’. Available from 12pm on Sunday 16 or 4pm Monday 17, book to enjoy the $34 banquet with $12 Guinness and a variety of special cocktails.

Where: 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
taphousesydney.com.au

Buddy’s Bar Newtown

Don’t want to trek to the Eastern suburbs? Head to Buddy’s bar in Newtown, who are serving up tender chicken, crispy chips and spot-on seasoning. You’ll be given a seasoning shaker with your food, so you can add on as little or as much as your heart desires. It costs $20 and you can add a hearty serving of curry sauce for $4.

Buddy’s shtick is self-serving drinks, so pour yourself a craft beer to enjoy with your spice bag. They also offer up plenty of live music events and DJ sets, so head to Newtown this weekend to celebrate St Paddy’s Day in this funky venue.

Where: 391 King Street, Newtown
buddysbar.com.au

Buddy's Bar Newtown — Head to Buddy’s Bar for a spice bag and a self-serve beer, *Images from Buddy’s Bar*

Bondi Grand Hotel, Bondi Junction

The Grand Spice Bag costs $26, and is made delicious by wok-tossing all the ingredients together with salt and chilli spices, before being served up with classic curry sauce. It’s been approved by a multitude of Irish influencers on TikTok, so you know it will be authentic.

The Grand are celebrating Paddy’s Day all week, and if you head there on Monday 17, you can enjoy your spice bag while listening to sets from different Irish DJs and drinking Magners Irish cider. There’s also an Irish-themed trivia on the Tuesday 18 from 6pm onwards.

Where: 89 Ebley Street, Bondi Junction
thegrandbondijunction.com.au