There is probably nothing more quintessentially British than fish & chips from the chippy

Fish and Chips

Fish and chips is a classic dish that originated in the United Kingdom and has become a beloved meal worldwide. It typically consists of battered and deep-fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut fried potatoes (chips). For our American friends, these are chips: Other types of chips include: Although in the UK we call potato chips, potato crisps because fish and crisps don’t go very well together.

Origins

Fish:

Fried fish became popular in Britain during the 16th century, introduced by Jewish immigrants from Spain and Portugal. Their method of coating fish in flour and frying it was a precursor to the modern battered fish.

Chips:

The concept of fried potatoes (chips) likely came to Britain from France or Belgium in the late 18th century. The combination of fish and chips is believed to have emerged in the mid-19th century, with the first "fish and chip shop" (chippy) opening in the 1860s. Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant in London, is often credited with popularizing the dish.

Popularity

By the early 20th century, fish and chips became a staple of British working-class cuisine. It was affordable, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it a practical choice for families. During both World Wars, fish and chips were one of the few foods not rationed in the UK, solidifying their status as a national treasure. Fish & Chips is a popular takeaway meal in tourist destinations especially in coastal locations as you would naturally assume the fish will be fresher close to the sea but isn’t necessarily the case.

Ingredients and Preparation

Fish:

Cod, haddock, or plaice are the most common choices. The fish is coated in a batter made from flour, water (or beer), and seasonings.

Chips:

These are thicker than American-style fries, often hand-cut, and fried until golden and crispy on the outside while fluffy inside.

Accompaniments:

Traditional accompaniments include salt, malt vinegar, and mushy peas. Some enjoy tartar sauce, curry sauce, or ketchup as alternatives. The Belgians will often put mayonnaise or mustard on their chips or French Fries which are generally thinner and crunchier than traditional British chips.

Cultural Significance

Fish and chips is an enduring symbol of British culture. It is often eaten as a takeaway meal wrapped in paper (historically in old newspapers) or enjoyed in seaside towns. The dish has spread to other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North America, where regional variations exist. Many pubs will have fish & chips on the menu to varying degrees of niceness. Some will go the extra mile by serving the dish on a fish shaped plate and then add a bit of rabbit food which doesn’t really go with fish & chips

Modern Variations

Some shops offer gluten-free batter, sweet potato fries, or baked versions for health- conscious diners. Creative twists include adding spices to the batter, using different types of fish, or offering unique dips and sauces. Fish and chips remains a comforting, nostalgic, and globally appreciated dish, embodying the simplicity and flavour of traditional British cuisine.

Chippies of Note

On our travels we’ve been to some fantastic chippies, we couldn’t hope to provide an extensive list as we’re more likely to eat in a pub and many chippies close and many open but just like British people do with pubs, if you tell someone you’re going somewhere for the weekend they’ll either say when they were there they found the best chippy or pub or both. On our travels we were told the Chippy in Hawes in North Yorkshire was the best ever as they still fried their chips in beef dripping. They were superb but that was a long time ago so we have no idea if this is still the case. Another we were recommended to that was also excellent was the Fish Box in Robin Hood’s bay also in North Yorkshire. Our favourite has to be the Old Lifeboat House in Coverack in Cornwall. A fabulous chippy at one end of the building with a licensed restaurant at the back overlooking the slipway with fantastic views over the bay. Asking Mr Google will give many websites all giving a list of different chippies as the best in the UK but Whitby and Hull comes up with regular recommendations and as they are fishing ports, it makes a lot of sense that they will have a few good chippies. The National Federation of Fish Friers holds an annual National Fish & Chip Awards so you would expect that the entrants in this competition would be pretty good.

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