Shouk Restaurant Dublin: Hard to find but packed on a Sunday
My sister has been telling me about Shouk for years saying that if she lived as near to it as I do, she'd be there every week.
So one evening we made plans to meet up there.
Finding Shouk
It's near Croke Park stadium, and a quick ten minute bus ride from the City Centre. It's only a 20 minute walk from O'Connell Street so if you're staying at Dublin One, the Croke Park Hotel or even the Hotel RIU Gresham, it's walkable.
It's tucked away to the side of a Citizen Information office. Don't let that put you off. Here's two reasons why.
- When you walk in, you'll be amazed at how lively & atmospheric Shouk is
- If a place is packed with locals on a Sunday night in this type of location, you know the food is excellent.
The Basics
Type: Middle Eastern
Pricing: €10-20
Location: 40 Drumcondra Rd Lower, Drumcondra, Dublin
Website: Shouk.ie
The Food
I love bread and could have eaten nothing but the pita bread. We had to ask for more, not because we didn't get enough but because I ate it so quickly.
We got the mushroom hummus that was covered in mushrooms and plenty big for us to share. Sometimes you get hummus and its fun size dish, this wasn't. It was more like a soup bowl filled with hummus. Excellent.
I got the chicken thighs for my entree. It didn't mention the pomegranates on the menu but I love these little tart seeds and they popped with the soft chicken. It was well presented and not as messy to eat as I suspected. Good size after the hummus app.
Drinks
We both got a freshly squeezed apple, carrot & ginger drink. I could have drank a gallon of it.
After dinner, I got the mint tea and I've been trying to recreate it ever since at home. I just don't have the freshly cut mint leaves to do it. I'd go back just for the tea.
The Bill
Price: €70 for hummus, two entrees, two juices and two mint tea. It would have cost 50% more if it was in the City Centre.
Why You Should Go
This is as far from touristy Dublin as you can get. I chuckle when I read on the Irish travel forums when other tourists recommend places like The Church, Boxty and other touristy spots for food.
Shouk is the exactly the kind of place to look for in Dublin, an obscure location that is packed with locals.
Trust locals!
Spend the Afternoon Here
Do the superb Croke Park Skyline Tour, then have lunch here. You'll a lot more of Dublin than just wandering through Temple Bar and eating at a rip off tourist spot.
Ireland by Locals
