Taste o' the Irish

The flavor of a new Eire

By ERIKA BARRIE

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Jonesing for salad cream or some fresh scones? Or maybe it's wholemeal flour, pinhead oats or HobNobs and Barry's for teatime. Have no fear—though you may have to make a special trip or two, Irish and British provisions aren't as inaccessible as the pot at the end of a rainbow. Here are some local stores and markets where you can find all your favorite tinned and fresh specialties.

Greenhills Bakery

As the name says, Greenhills is primarily a bakery, replete with tender scones, authentic soda bread and hot shepherd's pie by the slice or the plate. But tucked into a corner to the right of the counter, you'll find all the immediate needs for home: wholemeal flour, Barry's and PG tips tea, Cadbury and Heinz canned goods (from beans to puddings to salad cream) and sleeves of biscuits ("cookies" to us Yanks). The soda bread and scones are well worth a visit, and also freeze well for postponed snarfage.

[780 Adams St., Dorchester. 617.825.8187. greenhillsirishbakery.com]

Johnnie's Foodmaster

Johnnie's, like Roche Bros. and the Freeport Street Stop & Shop, caters to the nearby Irish community that has long been settled. With Irish cheeses, butter and tinned provisions, you'll likely find that taste of the isle you've been longing for.

[Bunker Hill Mall, Charlestown. 617.660.1372. foodmasterinc.com]

Kiki's Kwik-Mart

More than a convenience store and sub shop, Kiki's also carries a wide range of Irish snacks, as well as hard-to-find items like green apple soda and the full range of Cadbury candies and bars.

[236 Faneuil St., Brighton. 617.783.5146]

Lambert's Rainbow Fruit

Lambert's carries all the usual tins and dry goods for the lad or lass longing for home. However, it's their biscuit and candy selection that's truly outstanding. With at least a dozen varieties of cookies and crackers to enjoy with your afternoon cuppa, Lambert's is your best bet for Cadbury Fingers, Hit, HobNobs and other jammy, chocolaty delights. Pick up some fresh loose potatoes, kale or cabbage at the fruit stand for colcannon, a dish eaten traditionally on Halloween, to make the anticipation of all those sweets to come even sweeter.

[777 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester. 617.436.2997. lambertsfruit.com]

Roche Bros.

The selection at this grocer reflects its proximity to one of Boston's largest Irish communities. In addition to the teas, tins, sleeves and other packaged goods (three kinds of oatmeal, special flour blends and salad cream galore), Roche Bros. stocks scones and soda bread, Irish cheeses, butter and meats. Other stores carry the same tinned selections, though the fresh selections may vary by location.

[1800 Centre St., West Roxbury. 617.469.5747. rochebros.com]

Stop & Shop

The supermarket standby carries many of the canned, jarred and boxed staples necessary for a properly stocked Irish pantry. They also purvey authentic and fresh Irish sausages and bacon in their refrigerated meats section. Dying for breakfast bangers or peameal bacon? Here's your chance.

[545 Freeport St., Dorchester. 617.265.2766. stopandshop.com]