Cork’s Tiger Balm Club: A Spicy Fusion of Thai, Vietnamese, and Irish Cuisine

Cork’s vibrant food scene has a new, fiery addition: Tiger Balm Club (TBC). This supper club, founded by chef Mark Ahern and food personality Bryan Rudd, is quickly gaining recognition for its bold flavors, lively atmosphere, and unique blend of Southeast Asian and Irish culinary traditions.

The Founders: A Culinary Partnership

At the heart of TBC are Mark Ahern, formerly of House Café, Bar Pigalle, and Good Day Deli, and Bryan Rudd, known as Sunshine Primo for his engaging food content. Both share a deep passion for the cuisines of Southeast Asia, stemming from a decade each spent living and working in the region – Ahern in Thailand and Rudd in Vietnam.

From Serendipity to Supper Club

The duo’s paths crossed in May 2025 at O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill, where Ahern was temporarily working. A shared love for authentic flavors and a desire to recreate the vibrant dining experiences they enjoyed in Thailand and Vietnam sparked the idea for Tiger Balm Club.

A Unique Dining Experience

Tiger Balm Club offers more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience. The club aims for a lively, energetic atmosphere with loud music, a social vibe, and food designed to be shared. The cuisine is a distinctive “Viet-Thai mash up” that expertly combines the best of both culinary worlds with high-quality Irish produce. Rudd brings his charcuterie skills to the table, even as Ahern leverages his extensive chef experience.

A Return to the Kitchen for Mark Ahern

Ahern’s journey to founding TBC was marked by a significant health challenge. In 2023, he experienced a pulmonary embolism while working at Good Day Deli, forcing him to step away from the kitchen for nearly two years. It was a friend, Victor Murphy of O’Mahony’s, who encouraged Ahern to return to work, providing an opportunity to rediscover his passion for cooking.

Bryan Rudd’s Journey to Cork

Rudd’s path to Cork was equally circuitous. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he spent ten years in Vietnam producing music, teaching visual arts, and embracing the local food culture. His relocation to Cork after the COVID-19 pandemic presented a new set of challenges, but he quickly found a welcoming community and began sharing his culinary experiences through social media.

Pop-Ups and Expanding Reach

Since its inception, Tiger Balm Club has hosted a series of successful pop-up events. They took over The White Horse in Ballincollig, and have appeared at venues like Plugd, Forde’s Bar, Ballymaloe Grainstore, and The Old Bank in Dungarvan. Their events feature dishes like handmade spicy sausage, signature wings, and a Vietnamese-inspired ceviche, often paired with natural wines.

Looking Ahead

Tiger Balm Club continues to build momentum, offering diners a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. With a focus on bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and a celebration of culture, TBC is poised to become a staple of Cork’s thriving food scene.