From 12–15 June at this year’s Taste of Dublin, 7UP will be teaming up with chef Kwanghi Chan to serve up The People’s Pairing - a zesty, food-meets-fizz tasting experience where festival goers sample sip, vote and crown their favourite dish.
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At the heart of the activation is 7UP® x Bites by Kwanghi Chan, where three exclusive dishes have been designed to pair with 7UP Zero Sugar. It’s not just about flavour - it’s about 7UP fizz lifting the entire bite.
Kwanghi’s connection to 7UP runs deep. “Who doesn’t love a nice cold 7UP on ice – even better when the sun’s out… or even if it’s not,” he laughs. “They also kindly sponsored Battle of the Food Trucks the year I won, so the connection is real.”
But this year’s collab goes deeper than nostalgia. Kwanghi adds, “Fizz changes how you taste. It resets your palate, lifts heavy flavours, and brings a refreshing contrast to bold, spicy, or umami-rich food. It’s not just a drink. It’s a tool that amplifies the entire eating experience.”
The Festival Trio: 7UP® x Bites by Kwanghi Chan
Each 7UP paired Bite reflects Kwanghi’s flair for remixing Asian flavours with modern Irish favourites - unpretentious, spicy, and ready for you to post to your ‘gram’:
- Fizz & Fire Dumplings: Black vinegar for sourness, black garlic rayu for heat, soy for salt - all balanced by the citrus pop of 7UP. “It’s the perfect palate cleanser,” says Kwanghi.
- Bao Bao Chica Wow: A soft bao bun with a crunchy, spicy twist. Inspired by the Irish-Chinese takeaway classic Kwanghi made famous on Battle of the Food Trucks. The bold heat is cooled and balanced by the crisp citrus lift of 7UP, making every bite pop just that little bit louder.
- Seaweed and Citrus: A light, seaweed-laced salad that might surprise people - especially when lifted with the fizz of 7UP.
Guests can try up to two pairings per session and vote for their favourite. No losers here - but People’s Favourite champions, revealed live daily.
“It’s the age of TikTok, Instagram and YouTube - food has to pop,” says Kwanghi. “Unusual combos make people curious. I just want to make tasty, bold food that’s fun to eat.”
He calls it “clean chaos”, a celebration of flavour that’s all about balance, creativity and joy. “Food doesn’t always have to follow the rules,” he says. “Sometimes it’s about embracing bold, unexpected combinations – things that surprise you and make you smile.”
So, what flavour trends does this collab forecast?
It’s just a taste of what’s ahead for street food and festival dining. “Fizz is a culinary tool,” says Kwanghi. “You’ll see more chefs using carbonation for texture and contrast - not just in drinks. And with something like 7UP, that sharp hit of lemon and lime, it doesn’t just refresh; it enhances spice, balances richness, and lifts bold flavours. That’s the future: spice, comfort, fusion… and serious refreshment.”
7UP has always been a spark,” says Kwanghi. “It’s light, fresh, and just fun. That’s what we wanted this menu to feel like.”
And with every bite voted on by the public, it’s not just chef-crafted - it’s people-powered. Whether under sun or a passing Irish shower, the People’s Pairing brings the good vibes.
Limited spots are available each day to Taste of Dublin for ticket holders. Secure your place now via the 7UP® x Bites by Kwanghi Chan, booking portal.
