Apart from the section regarding the consumption of plums, chapter 8 was largely bereft of any mention of food. However, chapter 9 continuously mentions food as Bloom’s hunger seems to drive the plot. His thoughts tend to wander towards food, yet despite his hunger, Bloom is unable to satiate himself and continues to think of the odd things people eat. When food, or the consumption of food, is mentioned it is generally described as being repulsive.

After concerning himself with Dilly Dedalus’ food security, Bloom purchases some bread so that he can feed “those poor birds.” However, the simple joy of feeding animals falls flat when the birds do not show Bloom gratitude for tossing bread. Even in leisure, food fails to provide Bloom with satisfaction. Bloom begins to think of Jewish restrictions on food and then turns his mind towards the notion of a Christmas dinner and all the tradition that accompanies it. Bloom enters the Burton restaurant which is described in a sort of primal, barnyard manner. Bloom sees men “wolfing gobfuls of sloppy food,” which immediately evokes animal imagery, particularly after Bloom says, “see the animals feed,” (8, 651). This environment is too much for Bloom to handle, causing him to try Davy Byrne’s for a meal. Although Bloom is less hostile to the atmosphere of Byrne’s, his food is described as similarly unsavory. He orders a sandwich with “relish of disgust pungent mustard” and “the feety savour of green cheese,” (8, 819). However, despite the unappealing description, Bloom enjoys his meal. Bloom’s bizarre resentment of food is further compounded after a lengthy rant about the unpleasantness of Oysters. He seems to be more concerned with the critique of, or curiosity with other people’s food and their consumption habits.