National Dish Ireland: Soda Farls (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Soda Farls, one of Ireland’s most homely and enduring breads. Cooked flat on a griddle rather than baked in the oven, these soft, lightly nutty quarters come together from just a handful of storecupboard staples — flour, buttermilk and bicarbonate of soda. With their golden crust and tender crumb, they are the heart of a proper Ulster fry and a comforting partner to a steaming bowl of soup. Bring a little Irish kitchen warmth to your own table.
About Soda Farls
Soda Farls are a classic Irish bread, prized for their fuss-free preparation and their reliance on simple, natural ingredients. These small, flat breads are traditionally cooked in a pan or on a griddle, making them perfect for a hearty breakfast or as a side to a warming soup. The combination of flour, buttermilk and bicarbonate of soda gives them a gently nutty flavour that lends itself to both traditional and more modern interpretations. Their flat shape and golden crust make them as appealing to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 150 ml buttermilk
- A little extra flour for rolling out
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Soda Farls at their best, choose fresh, good-quality ingredients. Pop into your local supermarket or a health-food shop for the flour and buttermilk, and try to pick products free from additives so the authentic flavour shines through. Bicarbonate of soda and salt are usually storecupboard staples already on hand in most kitchens, so there is very little to gather before you begin.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Soda Farls is quick and straightforward, so you can be enjoying a delicious result in very little time. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and wiping down your work surface so it is clean and dry. You will want a pastry board or a clear, floured surface for kneading the dough, and it helps to have a heavy frying pan or a griddle ready to cook the breads.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt.
- Add the buttermilk slowly and stir until everything comes together into a soft dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it is smooth.
- Roll or pat the dough into a flat round about 2 cm thick.
- Score the surface into 4 pieces with a sharp knife (a cross), then cook in a preheated pan over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, simply swap in a good gluten-free flour blend so the farls suit anyone with a gluten intolerance. To make the recipe lactose-free, replace the buttermilk with a plant-based alternative such as soya or almond milk — stir in a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to recreate the same tang and texture. That way, even those with food intolerances can tuck into a plate of warm Soda Farls.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
These farls are easily made vegan: just replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk soured with a little lemon juice, as described above. Take care that the flour and any other ingredients you choose are free from animal products. If you fancy a little extra flavour, work some herbs or spices through the dough before cooking, much as you might when making Irish Buttermilk Pancakes. Your Soda Farls will stay both vegan and full of flavour.
More tips and tricks
It is important to warm your pan thoroughly before laying the Soda Farls in it; this gives an even browning and keeps the bread light and fluffy. For an especially fragrant result, work fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme through the dough before kneading. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different griddling techniques until you find the texture and finish you like best — practice quickly turns these into a kitchen staple.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Soda Farls are wonderfully versatile and easy to tailor to your own preferences. Stir in dried fruit or nuts for a sweeter version that goes beautifully with a cup of tea. Alternatively, add a spice such as paprika for a more savoury edge. Your creativity really is the only limit, and the basic dough happily takes whatever direction you fancy.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have buttermilk to hand, you can use plain yoghurt or a mixture of milk and lemon juice instead. And if plain wheat flour isn’t your thing, try spelt flour or oat flour as wholesome alternatives — the same kind of nutty character that works so well in Oatmeal Soda Bread. These variations bring different flavours and textures, making the Soda Farls all the more interesting. Be bold and discover what suits your taste best.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks pair beautifully with Soda Farls. A freshly brewed cup of black tea or an Irish coffee are traditional companions for a hearty breakfast. If you prefer something fruitier, a glass of fresh orange juice or a smoothie complements the savoury notes of the bread nicely. The choice can vary widely depending on the occasion and your own preferences.
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve your Soda Farls on a rustic wooden board to play up that traditional Irish feel. Add a few fresh herbs alongside or a couple of slices of butter to keep the colours lively and inviting. Small bowls of jam or honey let your guests dress their bread exactly as they like — pile them onto a platter much as you would Potato Cakes with Chives for a generous spread. A thoughtful presentation makes any meal that bit more appealing.
A bit of history
The story of Soda Farls reaches far back and is closely bound up with Irish culture and the everyday lives of its people. As bicarbonate of soda found its way into Irish kitchens during the 19th century, bread-making became simpler and faster than ever before. Using bicarbonate of soda as a raising agent meant bread could be made without yeast — a practical idea that took deep root and remains an important part of Irish cuisine to this day.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Soda Farls
Soda Farls are a delicious example of Irish baking, made from just a few, good-quality ingredients. The preparation is simple and swift, which makes them ideal for any breakfast or as a side to soups and stews. With a few creative variations, you can shape these traditional breads to suit your own taste exactly. Enjoy your Soda Farls and let the warmth of the Irish kitchen inspire you.
