Traditional Fish and Chips in London (2024)

Traditional Fish and Chips in London (1)

Not surprisingly, one of my first meals in London was traditional fish and chips. Beautiful deep-fried fish in the perfect crispy batter is hard to beat. I’m not a huge fan of fries, aka chips, but, covered in course salt and malt vinegar, I’m all in.

While the origin of fish and chips may be a little hazy, sources note that the dish has been around for over 150 years. BBC has an interesting article about the possible origins of fish and chips, but no matter how they came to be, it’s one of the UK’s(and Ireland’s) most famous foods.

If you’re in London, you may hear people refer to a “chippy,” which is a fish and chip shop.These are typically only a take-away location, but some will have limited seating. You may see the fish and chips wrapped in newspaper at chippy shops.

What Makes a Good Fish and Chips?

So, what sets apart a good fish and chips versus every other one out there? Three things: the fish, the potato, and the batter. Cod is the front runner for the fish, with haddock following not too far behind. When it comes to the chips, some people say waxy potatoes make for soggy, greasy chips while floury potatoesproduce the best chips. The third component is the batter, which should light and airy. Some traditional shops rely on old-school methods of cooking with lard or drippings, while others use vegetable or corn oil.

Something else I learned the last time I was in London; a side of mushy peasis a classic accompaniment to fish and chips.

Do you want any mushy peas with that?,” says the server.

No, I think I’m fine,” I reply.

Cue the look of astonishment and awkward silence.

Sheepishly smiling, I say, “Uh, sure I’ll take a side of mushy peas as well.”

And all is right in the world again.

I’ve never had mushy peas with fish and chips, but in truth, I still consider myself pretty much a UK virgin. A couple short trips to London, Weston Super Mare for Banksy’s Dismaland, and a couple days in Edinburghdidn’t prepare me for the little nuances.

No one ever said fish and chips was the healthiest of meals, but it’s certainly wortheating at least one or two times when you’re in the UK!

Where to Get Fish and Chips in London

Not surprisingly, there are thousands of fish and chip shops throughout London. So far, I’ve only tried two:

Poppies Fish and Chips
6-8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR, UK
+44 20 7247 0892

Vintage Salt
Selfridge’s, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB UK
+44 20 7318 3287

Where’s your favorite place for fish and chips? Any recommendations to share?

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Erin De Santiago

Erin is a freelance travel, food, wine, and Disney Theme Parks writer splitting time between Belize and the Netherlands. She has written for outlets like Viator, TripAdvisor, Roam Right Travel Insurance, Expedia, Hipmunk, Trivago, MasterCard, and she is AFAR Magazine's Belize expert. Erin was the primary author for Belize's official visitor magazine in 2013, and the English language editor for a renowned Spanish chef's second cookbook. Erin also holds a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) designation and has traveled to 70 countries on six continents in search of good food and wine, and all things Disney.

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Traditional Fish and Chips in London (2024)

FAQs

What do they call fish and chips in London? ›

Fish and Chips is an English expression - so fish and chips are called fish and chips in England.

What is the traditional food in England fish and chips? ›

The pairing of fish and chips has long been considered a British staple. The irresistible combination of a hunk of battered cod resting atop a mound of steaming hot chips (french fries in America) is the quintessential British comfort food.

Why is London famous for fish and chips? ›

Both Lancashire and London stake a claim to being the first to invent this famous meal – chips were a cheap, staple food of the industrial north whilst fried fish was introduced in London's East End. In 1839 Charles Dickens referred to a “fried fish warehouse” in his novel, 'Oliver Twist'.

What fish is used in London for fish and chips? ›

In Britain and Ireland, cod and haddock appear most commonly as the fish used for fish and chips, but vendors also sell many other kinds of fish, especially other white fish, such as pollock, hake or coley, plaice, skate, ray, and huss or rock salmon (a term covering several species of dogfish and similar fish).

What is the British slang word for a fish and chip shop? ›

Conversation. “Chippy” is a British slang term, referring to a (fish and) chip shop.

How do the British eat fish and chips? ›

Many of us up in the North of England consider fish and chips incomplete without a few slices of buttered white bread. We even squeeze as much as we can between the sliced bread and make the meal of champions, a chip butty! But there are no hard and fast rules and you can eat them as you like!

What do British people drink with fish and chips? ›

The perfect drinks for a fish and chip supper
  • English wine,
  • Sparkling wine,
  • Fish.
Feb 3, 2023

What is usually in British style fish and chips? ›

Tartar sauce and mushy peas are the most common accompaniments, along with ketchup and vinegar. Beer can also be used in the batter. Over a quarter of all Fish and Chips meals in Britain are made with fish from Norway, primarily cod or haddock.

What do they put on fish and chips in England? ›

Cook, in batches if necessary, until golden brown and trying to float, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the fish from the oil with a spatula and allow to drain on a cooling rack before serving on a bed of chips with lashings of kosher salt and malt vinegar.

Do they serve tartar sauce with fish and chips in London? ›

Tartar Sauce - In the UK, tartar sauce is commonly served with fish and chips, but usually at restaurants and not fish and chip shops. However most of the time it will be a commercial sauce which is a poor facsimile to the real thing.

What are some fun facts about fish and chips UK? ›

some interesting facts about fish and chips

That's six servings for every man, woman and child. £1.2 billion on fish and chips in the UK. 22% of people visit fish and chip shops every week. 22% of people visit fish and chip shop every week.

Do fish and chip shops exist in America? ›

There are some, but they're not numerous. In San Francisco Chelsea Fish and Chips produces a very authentic British-style fish and chips, with very minimal batter, and salt and malt vinegar if you want it. Not the thick armor plated breading you often find on American “fish and chips” in restaurants.

Did they have fish and chips in WWII? ›

1939 – 1945 - During World War II, ministers made sure fish and chips were one of the few foods that were never rationed. 1980s - Portions were often wrapped in old newspaper to keep prices down.

When ordering fish and chips, what are the chips? ›

The “chipped” potatoes. In the US, we call them fries (French fries). In the U.K., they call them chips. They also seem to like them salt and vinegar.

What do people in London call chips? ›

In the UK, 'chips' are a thicker version of what people in the US call 'fries'. If you want a bag of what Americans call 'chips' in the UK, just ask for crisps.

What is the English term for fish and chips? ›

Meaning of fish supper in English

For most overseas visitors the quintessential British meal is fish and chips (known in Scotland as a "fish supper," even at lunchtime). This traditional fish and chip shop uses local Cumbrian produce and is perfect for a quality fish supper after a hard day's walking.

How to order fish and chips in London? ›

Enjoy Fish & chips delivery and takeaway with Uber Eats near you in London Browse London restaurants serving Fish & chips nearby, place your order and enjoy!

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