Ulster Fry

An Ulster Fry is a traditional meal which is served and eaten almost exclusively in Northern Ireland and, to a large degree also in the other three counties that make up the province of Ulster in Ireland.

While the ingredients have been traditionally shallow-fried in a pan, with lard or cooking oil, a more health-conscious society has taken to grilling most or all of the components which comprise the meal.

The Ulster Fry, often referred to as simply "a fry" by locals, can be served as a breakfast or lunch, or as the main meal of the day at dinner time. The basic ingredients are sausage, bacon, fried egg, and up to three types of fried (or grilled) bread: soda farl, wheaten farl and potato bread. Sliced and fried wheaten bread is often used as a substitute for wheaten farls. Slices or wedges of tomato are often added, either fresh or fried.

Some non-traditional additions to the ingredients include baked beans and mushrooms. The meal is often accompanied by dollops of brown sauce, or sometimes tomato ketchup.

It is popular in cafés throughout Northern Ireland, and often served as a breakfast in Bed & Breakfast establishments. The accompanying drink is usually hot tea, though often a soft drink or fresh orange juice is used instead.