If you’ve never heard of Irish-Chinese food before, don’t worry—we’ve got you. Born in the kitchens of Ireland’s Chinese takeaways, this unlikely fusion is an absolute cultural institution across the Emerald Isle—combining Chinese-inspired dishes with local Irish tastes to create something completely unique and wonderfully addictive. Think: sweet-and-sour chicken balls with curry sauce, salt and chilli everything, battered spring rolls, and of course, the beloved spice bag.
Now, before you go picturing your usual Aussie neighbourhood Chinese joint, let us stop you right there. Irish-Chinese food is its own thing entirely. It leans heavily on deep-fried deliciousness, has a milder spice profile, and embraces the holy trinity of Irish comfort food—chips, chicken and curry sauce. The cult-favourite spice bag is a prime example: hot chips, crispy chicken, stir-fried onions and peppers all tossed in a salty, spicy seasoning mix, usually with a pot of curry sauce on the side for dunking. It's pure late-night chaos in a box (or bag), and it absolutely bangs.
What started as a homesick Irish craving has slowly found its way to Perth, with a growing number of spots now serving up their own versions of this fried fusion goodness. Whether you’re chasing a nostalgic feed or curious to see what the hype is about, here’s Urban List’s guide on where to get your fix of Irish-Chinese food and Perth’s best spice bags.
Kum Leng Chinese Restaurant
34 Koondoola Ave, Koondoola WA 6064
Image credit: Perth Dude Food | Facebook
A true cult favourite among Perth’s Irish expat community, Kum Leng is the name that comes up every time you ask where to get a legit spice bag. Seriously—I polled multiple Irish mates and they all pointed here without hesitation.
Their Chicken Spice Box is the closest you’ll get to the real deal without hopping on a long-haul flight. And if like me (until last week) you’re wondering if it’s box or bag—just depends how it serves apparently. Back to Kum Leng, we’re talking crispy chicken, chunky chips, capsicum and that iconic salty-spicy seasoning, all served with sweet and sour sauce and your choice of a second free sauce (yes, including curry). It’s outrageously good—and sells out pretty much every weekend, so get in early.
If you’re feeling adventurous, branch out with their pork or seafood versions, or order a few Irish-Chinese faves on the side—think crunchy chicken balls, salt and pepper chicken, and sticky Peking spare ribs. Just like home.
Cheeky Chinese (Lucky Cat Asian Kitchen)
Shop 18/401 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Lucky Cat Asian Kitchen | Instagram
This CBD joint has fully embraced the late-night spice bag obsession, slinging epic boxes of deep-fried goodness until the early hours. Open ‘til 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the post-pub pit stop dreams are made of.
Their Spice Box is the hero—loaded with crispy chicken, golden chips, egg fried rice and curry sauce. But honestly, the menu goes way beyond. We’re talking munch boxes piled high with salt and pepper chicken, chicken balls, fried rice, spring rolls, BBQ ribs, even tofu for the vegos—and there’s an ‘All In 1’ if decision-making isn’t your thing. Top it all off with a Cadbury Wispa bar and you’ve basically recreated an Irish takeaway run right here in Perth.
Molly’s Irish Pub
488 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003
Image credit: Molly's Irish Pub | Instagram
You’ll come for the pints, but it’s the spice bag that’ll keep you coming back. One of the most authentic Irish pubs in Perth, Molly’s has mastered the art of blending traditional charm with a fresh, modern twist—and their food menu is a dead giveaway.
The Spice Bag is a certified banger: salt and chilli chicken, onions, capsicum, chips and house spice mix, served with rich curry sauce on the side. They’ve even got proper Chicken Curry made with the one and only McDonnell’s sauce (available vego too), along with loaded options like Curry Chips, Chicken Tenders, and Taco Chips that scream Irish chipper nostalgia.
The rest of the menu goes hard too—think seafood chowder, beef and Guinness pie, burgers and sandos, all crafted using local produce with a whole lotta love. My sister Rachel raves about this place, and my Irish friend Shauna reckons they’ve redefined the Irish pub experience here in Perth: keeping it traditional yet modern with a stunning fit-out, good food and killer live music.
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J.B. O’Reilly’s
99 Cambridge St, West Leederville WA 6007
Image credit: JB O'Reilly's | Instagram
When my colleague Fiona (born and bred in County Meath) says this is her pick of Irish pubs in Perth, you listen. She’s a regular—dropping by with her girlfriends for a laugh or with the fam for an easy feed (her daughter swears by the club sandwich). But come Friday night, it’s all about the Irish-Chinese banquet.
Every Friday, the JB crew serves up a proper Irish Chinese platter packed with all the goods and next-level flavour. We’re talking chilli beef, egg fried rice, salt and pepper chips, and lashings of McDonnell’s curry sauce, all for just $69—enough to feed two hungry souls.
To really seal the deal, every platter comes with a fortune cookie—and if the stars align, you could win a free pint of Guinness (1 in 10 do). Good craic, great food, and a whole lot of Irish charm.
Paddy Malone’s
13/115 Grand Blvd, Joondalup WA 6027
Image credit: Paddy Malone's | Facebook
If you're chasing the full Irish pub experience—good food, good pints, and a bit of live music or karaoke to round things out—Paddy Malone’s in Joondalup is the go. Since 2006, they’ve been dishing up hearty Irish staples alongside a stacked events calendar and one of the best Guinness pours north of the river.
Food-wise, they’ve got all your homesick cravings covered (I adore the bangers and mash) as well as line-up of Irish-Chinese eats. The Spice Bag is a standout: crispy fried chicken and chips tossed in house spice mix with a generous serve of McDonnell’s curry sauce on the side. Or go all in with the 4 in 1—beer battered chicken, chips, basmati rice and a fried egg, swimming in golden curry sauce. They also do a cracking Irish Chicken Curry, served classic style with chips and rice.
If you couldn’t already tell, my sister Rachel is a spice bag fiend. Our dad, born and raised in Ireland, didn’t even know what one was. We’re off to the Motherland this week and she reckons all she needs is a Guinness and a 4 in 1 to be happy. Honestly, I respect it. When in Perth, Paddy’s makes it dangerously easy to make that dream a reality.
The Mighty Quinn
112 Wanneroo Rd, Yokine WA 6060
Image credit: The Mighty Quinn Tavern | Website
When cravings hit for the comfort of a late-night chipper back in Ireland, The Mighty Quinn delivers it in spades. From battered sausages and cheesy curry chips to loaded spice boxes, this Tuart Hill pub has all the classics—and then some.
Their Mighty Chipper menu goes all in and features a Chicken Spice Box with spicy fried chicken, chips, onions, red peppers, sweet chilli and curry sauce, as well as the option to wrap it all up in ciabatta with the Spice Box Chicken Sandwich—complete with melty cheese and extra sauce. There’s also McDonnell’s Chicken Curry served with both rice and chips (that’s how it’s always done in Ireland and was the definition of ‘curry’ for many years).
Can’t decide? Order the Mighty Platter and dive into a feast of Frank’s Hot Chicken Wings, spice bag chicken, cauliflower popcorn, beer-battered mushrooms and more—perfect for sharing or tackling solo if the craving hits hard. My friend Kelsey swears by the Quinn whenever her spicy chicken desires strike, and honestly, I don’t blame her.
Roberts on Oxford
173 Oxford St, Leederville WA 6007
Image credit: Robert's on Oxford | Instagram
Live tunes, a beautifully styled bar, cosy courtyard, and—wait for it—a proper spice bag? Robert’s on Oxford might not be the first place you’d expect to find Irish-Chinese comfort food, but trust us, this Leederville gem knows how to deliver a pleasant surprise.
Amid a menu full of crowd-pleasers—think roasts with all the trimmings, fish and chips, and steak sandwiches—you’ll spot a sneaky Spice Bag featuring chicken, onions, capsicum and house spice mix, served up with curry sauce for that essential finish. It’s low-key, unexpected, and totally worth the order.
The vibe here is spot on too. The kitchen’s open from Wednesday to Sunday (now serving later ‘til 8:30pm), and there’s live music every Thursday through Sunday featuring a lineup of soulful, high-energy local acts. You’ll be one happy camper whether you’re popping in for a chilled dinner or settling in for a night of drinks and dancing.
Kallaroo Seafoods
3/5 Adalia St, Kallaroo WA 6025
Image credit: Kallaroo Seafoods | Website
Tucked away in Perth’s northern suburbs, Kallaroo Seafoods is serving up a slice of Irish chipper heaven. More than one person tipped me off about this spot, and with a dedicated Irish chipper section on the menu, it’s easy to see why.
There’s battered Irish pork sausages, cheese and bacon garlic chips, and a 3 in 1 with chicken balls, chips and curry sauce. They also do their own and Curry Cheese Chips that are just begging to be dunked and devoured. Honestly, is there anything better than a hot chip dipped in thick curry sauce? Possibly just a side or two of mushy peas for me (IYKYK.)
While this one leans more fish 'n' chip shop than pub, it's absolutely worth the detour if you're chasing a chipper-style feed without the bells and whistles—it’s casual and undeniably satisfying.
Main image credit: Molly's Irish Pub | Instagram