Laura Murphy is the founder of SynerChi Kombucha, a traditionally brewed, fermented tea from Gweedore, Donegal.
Laura founded Ireland’s first kombucha brewery after discovering authentic kombucha while working in the United States. She returned to Ireland in 2012 determined to create a premium Irish kombucha using traditional fermentation methods, and has since built SynerChi into the country’s original kombucha brewery, helping to pioneer Ireland’s functional drinks sector.
Laura’s passion for food and the food industry goes beyond Kombucha. Here, she shares her favourite Irish restaurants and her go-to meal at home.
What are your top 3 restaurants in Ireland?
Allta in Dublin is very special – all the locations/iterations have been brilliant, I would recommend getting there for their final season if you can!
The restaurant at Ballymaloe House is wonderful, a classic that’s hard to beat.
Lastly, I can’t say it’s a favourite yet as I have yet to go, but I’m very excited to visit Omos.Â
Best coffee spots in Ireland?Â
If it’s organic milk it makes the coffee for me so anywhere with quality organic milk really. I’m not a great fan of take away coffee, so space to sit-in is gr. The Fumbally in Dublin was one of my first stockists when I started making kombucha well over 10 years ago, and it’s a perennial favourite spot.Â
What county in Ireland does food the best?
It’s very hard to pick just one! We make our kombucha in Donegal and there are so many great producers and special places to eat in the county. Fisk is a standout for amazing seafood and a great wine selection
What’s your favourite meal to make?
A simple roast with local organic beef or chicken and lots of seasonal organic veg and salad – simple quick and delicious.
If you’re in a time pinch at home and need to rustle up a quick dinner, what is your go-to recipe?
Fish cooks so quickly it’s always a go-to. You just pop everything into one tray in the oven so it’s ideal for effectiveness.
What advise do you have for aspiring foodies in Ireland?
I think if you are excited to produce the best taste and quality you will find the people who share your enthusiasm and support you. Tenacity and determination are required for sure – we don’t have a huge market size in Ireland (compared to say the U.K) so it’s not easy – but I think supporting Irish made products is important to people too and that helps enormously.Â
