
If you’ve been hunting for turnip cake in Dublin or Cork and came up empty at your local supermarket, you’re not imagining it — Irish chains stock plenty of chocolate gateaux and fruit cakes, but Cantonese dim sum classics like lo bak go rarely make the bakery shelf. The good news: authentic options exist, and they are easier to track down than you might think.
Key Retailer for Cakes: Dunnes Stores Grocery ·
Turnip Cake Example Price: €4.99 for 400g (Asian Market Dublin) ·
Asian Market Option: Asia Market Ingredients ·
Delivery Provider: UberEats ·
Supermarket Delivery: SuperValu Same-Day
Quick snapshot
- SuperValu Ireland operates 232 stores nationwide (SuperValu Ireland)
- Asian Market Dublin sells frozen turnip cake at €4.99 per 400g pack (Asian Market)
- Turnip cake is a Cantonese dim sum dish — savory, made from daikon radish (Wikipedia)
- Whether turnip cake appears seasonally in any Dunnes or SuperValu bakery section
- Current stock levels at specialty Chinese supermarkets outside Dublin
- Exact pricing fluctuations throughout the year at smaller Asian grocery shops
- Turnip cake demand peaks during Chinese New Year (January–February) (Irish Times)
- Asian imports like turnip cake have become more common in Dublin since the 2010s (Irish Times)
- Growing Irish interest in global cuisines may push more retailers to stock Asian dim sum
- Delivery platforms like UberEats could broaden access to restaurant-sourced turnip cake
The table below summarizes key retailers and their current turnip cake offerings based on verified source data.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Top Retailer | Dunnes Stores Grocery |
| Turnip Cake Product | Asian Market Dublin 400g |
| Starting Price | €4.99 |
| Delivery Option | UberEats |
| Ingredients Source | Asia Market (Daikon, Rice Flour, Dried Shrimp) |
| Regional Option | Evergreen Cork at €5.50 |
| Supermarket Range | SuperValu 232 stores (Irish bakery focus) |
| Asian Section | Dunnes stocks spring rolls; no turnip cake listed |
Where to buy turnip cake near me?
Irish supermarkets have broad bakery sections, but they lean heavily toward traditional Irish and European cakes. SuperValu Ireland, with its network of 232 stores nationwide, offers same-day delivery and click & collect for bakery items, yet a search for “turnip cake” on their online shop returns no results — the closest hits are vegetable-based breads and standard fruit cakes. Dunnes Stores, operating 130 locations across Ireland, stocks Asian-inspired items like own-brand Chinese spring rolls in its world foods section, but no turnip cake appears in their listings.
If your local supermarket can’t help, Chinese supermarkets and takeaways are your best bet. Asian Market Dublin sells frozen turnip cake imported from Hong Kong at €4.99 per 400g pack — a convenient option if you want to pan-fry it at home. Reviews on platforms suggest Dublin has the highest concentration of Chinese takeaways offering authentic dim sum.
Dunnes Stores Options
Dunnes Stores maintains an online grocery platform where the bakery category includes birthday gateaux, chocolate traybakes, and seasonal specials. The “Simply Better” range features Asian-inspired products but stops short of Cantonese dim sum. For turnip cake specifically, Dunnes does not currently appear to be a source.
SuperValu Availability
SuperValu Ireland’s online shop divides bakery into fresh loaves and packaged cakes & treats. Their own-brand Signature Tastes line focuses on elevated Irish fare rather than international dishes. Northern Ireland SuperValu, operated by the Musgrave Group across 36 stores, emphasizes local Northern Irish produce — Chinese imports like turnip cake are even less common there than in the Republic.
Asian Market Alternatives
Specialty Asian supermarkets fill the gap that mainstream retailers leave. Asian Market Dublin’s website lists turnip cake among their dim sum offerings. In Cork, Evergreen Chinese Supermarket stocks pre-made turnip cake for €5.50. Limerick shoppers reportedly find frozen turnip cake at Oriental Emporium, though this requires checking their current social media for availability.
Imperial City Galway — a Chinese restaurant offering homemade turnip cake on its dim sum menu (Imperial City Galway)
Does Dunnes sell cakes?
Yes — Dunnes Stores sells plenty of cakes, just not the Cantonese variety. Their bakery section features products like the Stafford’s Chocolate Fudge Birthday Gateau (800g) and Dunnes Stores Chocolate Traybake (800g). Customers can order birthday cakes online through dunnesstoresgrocery.com, choosing from preset options or seasonal specials.
The “world foods” section in Dunnes includes an Asian category, but inventory appears limited to staples like noodles, sauces, and fried snacks. The own-brand Chinese spring rolls are a reliable presence — a fried option that scratches an Asian craving, but structurally different from steamed turnip cake.
Birthday Cakes at Dunnes
Dunnes positions birthday cakes as a core part of their grocery offering. Online ordering allows customers to select size and delivery preferences. The range skews toward European-style chocolate and vanilla sponges rather than savory or international alternatives.
Ordering Online
Through dunnesstoresgrocery.com, shoppers can add cakes to their basket alongside regular groceries. Same-day delivery may be available depending on postcode and time of order. The platform provides standard pricing and product descriptions, though specialty dietary options are limited.
Available Varieties
The confirmed cake range at Dunnes includes chocolate fudge gateaux, vanilla sponges, and seasonal fruit cakes. Their own-brand offerings compete on price with premium tiers. For anyone specifically seeking turnip cake, Dunnes is not currently a viable source.
Dunnes Stores “Simply Better” range includes Asian-inspired items but not turnip cake (Dunnes Simply Better)
What cakes does Aldi have?
Aldi’s cake selection focuses on value-priced packaged treats and seasonal specials. Like Dunnes and SuperValu, Aldi Ireland’s bakery range emphasizes familiar European formats — chocolate mousses, cream cakes, and traybakes — rather than savory international dishes. The retailer offers same-day pickup or delivery for online orders, making their cake range accessible to shoppers who prefer to avoid in-store visits.
Aldi’s competitive pricing strategy means their cakes typically undercut comparable offerings at higher-end retailers. However, if you’re looking for Asian dim sum or Cantonese specialties, Aldi — like most mainstream Irish supermarkets — does not currently stock them.
Same-Day Delivery Options
Aldi’s online platform allows same-day delivery or collection, subject to availability in your area. Shoppers can browse the current cake range and add items to their order alongside regular groceries.
Birthday Cake Selection
The birthday cake options at Aldi tend toward mid-range pricing with straightforward flavors — chocolate, vanilla, and seasonal fruit. They are pre-decorated or require minimal assembly, targeting customers who want convenience over customization.
All three major Irish supermarket chains — Dunnes, SuperValu, and Aldi — center their cake ranges on sweet European formats. None currently stocks Cantonese dim sum like turnip cake, leaving that niche to specialty retailers.
Chinese turnip cake near me?
Finding Chinese turnip cake in Ireland requires knowing where to look. Dublin leads in availability, with specialty Chinese supermarkets and takeaways offering authentic options. Cork and Galway have regional alternatives, though selection may be more limited. Delivery platforms like UberEats have begun listing restaurant-sourced dim sum, potentially expanding access beyond physical storefronts.
Prices at Chinese shops typically range from €4.99 to €5.50 for packaged frozen versions, higher than the €3.75 Irish fruit cake at SuperValu — reflecting the import costs and specialized nature of the product. For those who want to make turnip cake at home, Asia Market stocks the core ingredients: daikon (also called mooli or white radish), rice flour, oyster sauce, and dried shrimp.
UberEats Delivery
UberEats occasionally lists restaurant-sourced dim sum including turnip cake, though availability depends on the specific restaurant and current menu. Platforms like this may offer a convenient alternative for urban dwellers who lack nearby specialty shops.
Specialty Stores
Asian Market Dublin and Evergreen Cork represent the most reliable physical sources for packaged frozen turnip cake. These retailers import products from Hong Kong and maintain consistent stock. Smaller independent shops may carry turnip cake irregularly, particularly in the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year when demand peaks.
Turnip cake demand surges during Chinese New Year (January–February), according to Irish Times coverage of the festival. Planning ahead of this period may improve your chances of finding fresh stock at specialty retailers.
How much is a 1kg cake?
The pricing question for turnip cake differs from standard birthday cakes because the product is sold by weight and format. Asian Market Dublin lists 400g frozen turnip cake packs at €4.99, while Evergreen Cork prices the same product at €5.50. These prices reflect imported frozen dim sum rather than freshly made bakery items.
For reference, SuperValu’s own-brand traditional Irish fruit cake with whiskey sells for €3.75 — positioning turnip cake as a premium imported specialty rather than a budget option. Restaurant-sourced turnip cake portions may carry different pricing depending on establishment and preparation style.
Supermarket Pricing
Mainstream supermarket cakes range widely: a basic 800g chocolate traybake at Dunnes costs significantly less than a decorated birthday gateau. Premium tier cakes at SuperValu or Dunnes can reach €15–€20 for larger formats. None of these prices apply to turnip cake, which operates outside standard supermarket bakery channels.
Turnip Cake Examples
At €4.99 (Asian Market Dublin) or €5.50 (Evergreen Cork) for 400g frozen packs, turnip cake costs more per gram than standard supermarket cakes — a function of import logistics and specialized demand. Those prices align with broader Chinese dim sum imported goods sold through specialty channels rather than mainstream retail.
The pattern across Irish retailers shows a clear pricing premium for specialty Chinese foods compared to domestic bakery items.
This retailer comparison reveals how mainstream supermarkets consistently lack turnip cake, while specialty Asian stores maintain steady stock at comparable price points.
| Retailer | Type | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunnes Stores | Supermarket | No turnip cake listed | — |
| SuperValu | Supermarket | No turnip cake listed | — |
| Aldi | Supermarket | No turnip cake listed | — |
| Asian Market Dublin | Specialty Asian | In stock (frozen) | €4.99 / 400g |
| Evergreen Cork | Chinese Supermarket | In stock (dim sum) | €5.50 |
| Imperial City Galway | Chinese Restaurant | On dim sum menu | Menu pricing |
| Oriental Emporium Limerick | Chinese Supermarket | Reportedly stocked | Unconfirmed |
How much birthday cake for 20 guests?
For a party of 20 guests, a 1.5kg to 2kg cake typically provides generous portions. Dunnes and SuperValu offer birthday cakes in various sizes, with standard recommendations matching guest counts. However, these recommendations apply to conventional sweet cakes — turnip cake, being savory, operates differently as a dim sum dish served in smaller portions alongside other items.
If serving turnip cake as part of a dim sum spread for 20 guests, plan for multiple packs from an Asian supermarket: approximately 5–6 × 400g packs would provide 3–4 pieces per person. This approach reflects the shared-plate dining culture typical of Cantonese dim sum rather than individual cake servings.
Serving Size Guidelines
Traditional birthday cake portions average 100–150g per person for a celebratory cake with frosting. Turnip cake, typically cut into small rectangular pieces after steaming and pan-frying, suggests 50–80g per person when served as part of a larger meal. Scaling up accordingly helps ensure adequate portions.
Budget Considerations
Budgeting for turnip cake as the primary cake at a 20-person gathering means purchasing multiple frozen packs. At €4.99 per 400g pack, 6 packs cost approximately €29.94 — comparable to a mid-range supermarket birthday cake but offering a distinctive savory alternative for guests who enjoy Cantonese cuisine.
Upsides
- Authentic Cantonese dim sum experience unavailable at mainstream supermarkets
- Specialty shops like Asian Market Dublin maintain reliable frozen stock
- Regional availability in Cork (Evergreen) and Galway (Imperial City) diversifies access
- Chinese New Year period brings increased stock and restaurant menu availability
- Delivery platforms expanding access beyond physical store locations
Downsides
- None of the three major Irish supermarket chains stocks turnip cake
- Prices (€4.99–€5.50) exceed standard Irish cake options
- Limited availability outside Dublin, Cork, and Galway urban centers
- Seasonal demand spikes may cause stock shortages around Chinese New Year
- Real-time stock levels at small specialty shops remain difficult to verify remotely
Sources
- SuperValu Ireland (232 stores nationwide)
- Dunnes Stores (130+ stores across Ireland)
- Asian Market Dublin (turnip cake €4.99)
- Evergreen Cork (turnip cake €5.50)
- Wikipedia (turnip cake definition)
- Irish Times (Chinese New Year demand)
- SuperValu Ireland Bakery Category
- Dunnes Stores Asian Products
- Imperial City Galway Menu
- SuperValu Northern Ireland (Musgrave Group)
- Dunnes Simply Better Range
- SuperValu Packaged Cakes (€3.75 fruit cake)
Related reading: Cinnabon Cake Woolworths Availability · Pistachio Papi Woolworths Cheesecake Guide
While unavailable at Dunnes or SuperValu, Dubai turnip cake guide explores lo bak go options for UAE food lovers seeking it nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What is turnip cake?
Turnip cake (lo bak go) is a traditional Cantonese dim sum dish made from daikon radish, rice flour, and dried shrimp. It is typically steamed first, then pan-fried until the exterior becomes crispy while the interior remains soft. Unlike sweet Western cakes, turnip cake is savory and served as part of a shared dim sum meal.
Are supermarket cakes made from scratch?
Most supermarket cakes — including those at Dunnes, SuperValu, and Aldi — are produced by commercial bakeries or food manufacturers rather than made fresh in-store on a per-order basis. Some bakery sections feature items baked daily, but packaged cakes typically come pre-made from central production facilities.
Which cake is best for diabetics?
Diabetics managing sugar intake should look for cakes specifically labeled sugar-free or low-sugar. Standard supermarket cakes — including those at Dunnes and SuperValu — typically contain significant sugar. Specialty bakeries or health food retailers may offer diabetic-friendly alternatives, though availability varies. Consult nutritional labels and healthcare guidance before selecting.
Which is the healthiest cake to eat?
“Healthiest” depends on individual dietary needs, but generally, cakes with shorter ingredient lists, less added sugar, and whole-grain flours rank higher nutritionally. SuperValu’s traditional Irish fruit cake uses whiskey and dried fruits, providing some nutritional benefits from whole fruit, though sugar content remains significant. Turnip cake, while savory, contains rice flour and radish — offering vegetables but also fats from pan-frying.
How much birthday cake for 20 guests?
For 20 guests, plan 1.5–2kg of cake for generous portions. This translates to approximately 15–20 individual slices at 100g each for a traditional celebratory cake. If serving turnip cake as part of dim sum, scale down to 50–80g per person given the shared-plate format.
Does SuperValu sell birthday cakes?
Yes — SuperValu offers birthday cakes through their online shop and in-store bakery sections. Their range includes own-brand options and seasonal specials. However, SuperValu’s cake selection focuses on sweet European formats; Chinese turnip cake is not listed in their current inventory.
What birthday cakes does Dunnes Stores offer?
Dunnes Stores offers birthday cakes including the Stafford’s Chocolate Fudge Birthday Gateau (800g) and Dunnes Stores Chocolate Traybake (800g). Customers can order online through dunnesstoresgrocery.com. Like SuperValu, Dunnes’ range centers on chocolate and vanilla sponges rather than savory or international alternatives.
Can I order cakes from Dunnes Stores online?
Yes — Dunnes offers online cake ordering through dunnesstoresgrocery.com. Customers can browse available options, select delivery or collection preferences, and add cakes to their grocery order. Same-day delivery availability depends on location and order timing.