Crispy Delight: Indulging in the Passion of 20 Fish and Chips Facts

Fish and chips is a classic British dish that has been enjoyed for over a century. This delicious meal consists of crispy battered fish served with hot, freshly fried chips, and it has become a staple of British cuisine.

Here are 20 interesting facts about fish and chips that you may not have known:

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The first fish and chips shop opened in London in 1860.

1 It was opened by a Jewish immigrant named Joseph Malin, who is credited with being the first person to combine the two dishes. The shop was located on Cleveland Street in the East End of London, and it quickly became popular with the local working-class population.

Other fish and chip shops soon followed, and the dish became a staple of British cuisine.

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During World War II, fish and chips were one of the few foods not rationed in the UK.

2 Although they were subject to various restrictions and shortages due to the war effort. This made fish and chips a popular and relatively affordable food choice for many people during a time when many other foods were in short supply or rationed.

Fish and chips also became a symbol of British resilience and national identity during the war, and they remain a beloved comfort food in the UK to this day.

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Fish and chips were traditionally served wrapped in newspaper in the UK until the 1980s.

3 In the 1980s, the British government passed regulations that banned the use of newspaper for wrapping food because the ink used in printing could potentially be harmful to human health. Instead, food vendors were required to use food-grade packaging, such as greaseproof paper, to wrap fish and chips.

However, it’s worth noting that the use of newspaper for wrapping fish and chips was not universal even before the ban. Some vendors never used newspaper, while others only used it occasionally or for special occasions. Additionally, some regional variations in fish and chip packaging still exist in the UK, such as the use of plain white paper in some areas.

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The largest serving of fish and chips weighed over 101 kg and was made in Yorkshire, UK.

4 The record-breaking dish was created in 2012 by the Wetherby Whaler, a family-run fish and chip shop chain based in Yorkshire. The serving consisted of 60 kg (132.3 lbs) of potatoes and 41 kg (90.4 lbs) of haddock, and it was cooked using a specially made frying vat that was 2 meters in diameter.

The event was held to raise money for a local charity and to celebrate the Wetherby Whaler’s 40th anniversary. After the dish was cooked and served, it was confirmed as the largest serving of fish and chips ever made by Guinness World Records.

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In 2003, fish and chips were voted the UK’s favorite takeaway food in a poll conducted by the UK’s National Fish & Chip Awards.

5 he poll surveyed over 2,500 people across the UK, and fish and chips received more than a third of the votes.

Fish and chips have been a popular takeaway food in the UK for many decades, and the dish continues to be a favourite among Britons to this day. In fact, fish and chip shops can be found in virtually every town and city across the UK, and the dish remains an important part of British culinary culture.

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The title of the world’s oldest fish and chips shop is held by a shop in London called “Malin’s Fish and Chips.”

6 Malin’s was established in 1865 by a Jewish immigrant named Joseph Malin, and it has been operating continuously ever since. The shop is located in the East End of London and is still run by the Malin family, who have been in the fish and chip business for over 150 years.

While Malin’s is the oldest fish and chips shop in the world, there are several other shops in the UK that have been operating for well over a century, including the “Oldest Fish & Chip Shop in the World” in Whitehaven, Cumbria, which has been serving fish and chips since 1860.

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Fish and chips were once known as the “working-class meal” because they were affordable and easy to access.

7 The dish was originally a cheap and convenient meal that could be quickly prepared and eaten by factory workers and other laborers, and it became a popular food choice in many industrial areas of the country.

Fish and chips were also a popular food choice during the two World Wars, when many other foods were rationed or in short supply. During these times, fish and chips were a relatively affordable and readily available source of protein and carbohydrates, and they became a staple of the British diet.

Today, fish and chips are still a popular food choice in the UK, and they are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and social classes. However, the dish remains a beloved symbol of working-class culture in the country.

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The term “fish and chips” is often shortened to “fish supper” in Scotland.

8 This term is widely used in Scottish fish and chip shops and is understood throughout the country.

In fact, the term “supper” is often used in Scotland to refer to a meal that is eaten in the evening or later at night, and the term “fish supper” specifically refers to a serving of fish and chips that is typically eaten as a takeaway or fast food meal.

While the term “fish supper” is most commonly used in Scotland, it’s worth noting that other regional variations in terminology and packaging for fish and chips exist throughout the UK. For example, in some areas of the country, fish and chips are served in a “poke” or “poket” (a paper bag), while in other areas, they are served in a “clam” (a foam box).

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A “chippy” is a colloquial term for a fish and chip shop.

9 The term is widely used throughout the country, and it is particularly common in Northern England and Scotland.

The word “chippy” is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century and is thought to be a shortened form of “chip shop.” Over time, the term “chippy” became more widely used and is now a commonly recognized term for a fish and chip shop in the UK.

In addition to the term “chippy,” there are several other colloquial terms that are used to refer to fish and chip shops in different regions of the UK. For example, in some areas, they are called “fish shops” or “fish bars,” while in other areas, they are known as “chippies” or “chipperies.”

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In the UK, it is estimated that 382 million portions of fish and chips are sold every year.

10 The popularity of fish and chips has remained consistent over many decades, and the dish continues to be a beloved staple of British cuisine. While other fast food options have become more widely available in the UK in recent years, fish and chips remain a favourite among many Britons, and the dish is widely available in fish and chip shops and other restaurants throughout the country.

Interestingly, despite its popularity, there has been a decline in the number of fish and chip shops in the UK in recent years, due in part to increased competition from other fast food options and changing dietary preferences. However, many traditional fish and chip shops continue to thrive, and the dish remains an important part of British culinary culture.

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In 2011, scientists discovered that adding vodka to the batter makes the fish extra crispy.

11 The researchers found that adding vodka to the batter caused it to form a thinner layer on the fish when fried, which led to a more crispy texture. Additionally, the vodka evaporated more quickly during the frying process, which reduced the amount of oil absorbed by the fish.

While the addition of vodka to fish and chip batter is not a traditional method, it has since gained popularity among some chefs and food enthusiasts who are looking for ways to enhance the texture and flavour of the dish. However, it’s worth noting that not all fish and chip shops use this technique, and many traditional recipes for fish and chips do not include vodka in the batter.

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In Australia, fish and chips are often served with a side of chicken salt, a savoury seasoning not found elsewhere in the world.

12 Chicken salt is typically made from a blend of salt, herbs, spices, and sometimes chicken flavouring, and it is often used to season a variety of fried foods, including chips (fries), burgers, and fried chicken. The seasoning has become a beloved staple of Australian cuisine, and it is often seen as a quintessential part of the fish and chips experience in the country.

Interestingly, despite its name, chicken salt does not actually contain any chicken meat. Instead, it gets its distinctive flavour and aroma from a combination of herbs and spices, including garlic, onion, paprika, and turmeric. While chicken salt is not widely available outside of Australia, it has gained a dedicated following among food enthusiasts who appreciate its unique flavour and versatility.

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Fish and chips are undoubtedly an iconic dish that has been enjoyed by people around the world for generations.

13 Whether you’re in the UK or abroad, fish and chips are a beloved comfort food that are often associated with fond memories of family gatherings, seaside holidays, and lazy afternoons spent in local pubs.

While the dish has evolved over time and may be prepared and served in different ways depending on where you are, the basic elements of crispy fried fish and hot, salty chips remain at the heart of this beloved meal. Whether you prefer your fish and chips wrapped in newspaper and eaten on a park bench, or served on a fancy platter in a high-end restaurant, there’s no denying the simple pleasure that comes from savouring a perfectly cooked piece of fish and a pile of golden, crunchy chips.

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In the 19th century, it was common for fish and chips to be served with a side of pickled onions in the UK.

14 The sharp, tangy flavour of the onions helped to cut through the rich, oily taste of the fried fish and chips, creating a more balanced and satisfying meal.

Pickled onions have a long history in British cuisine, and they were often served as a condiment or side dish alongside other hearty foods like meat pies, stews, and roasts. In the context of fish and chips, pickled onions were seen as a flavourful complement to the dish, and they continue to be enjoyed by many people in the UK and beyond today.

While the practice of serving pickled onions with fish and chips has become less common in recent years, there are still many people who appreciate the sharp, pungent flavour of these delicious pickles alongside their favourite fried foods.

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In 1999, the UK’s first “mobile chippy” was launched, allowing fish and chip lovers to get their fix on the go.

15 The van was operated by a company called the Happy Plaice, and it quickly became popular with customers who enjoyed the convenience of being able to get their favourite dish while on the go.

Since then, mobile fish and chip vans have become increasingly popular in the UK, and they can now be found at a wide range of events and locations, from music festivals and sporting events to street corners and parking lots. The popularity of mobile fish and chip vans is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic dish, which has been a beloved part of British cuisine for well over a century.

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In 2013, a fish and chip shop in North Yorkshire called Scotts Fish and Chips claimed to have created the world’s spiciest portion of chips.

16 The dish, called the “Hottest Chilli Ever,” used a combination of 10 different types of chillies, including the Carolina Reaper, which is currently recognized as the world’s hottest chilli pepper.

The chips were so hot that customers had to sign a disclaimer before eating them, and were warned to wear gloves and avoid touching their faces or eyes after handling them. The dish attracted widespread media attention, and was reportedly very popular with customers who were eager to test their spice tolerance.

While it’s difficult to verify whether the dish truly was the world’s spiciest portion of chips, it’s clear that it generated a lot of excitement and interest among fans of spicy food. The creation of innovative and unusual variations on classic dishes like fish and chips is one of the ways that chefs and food entrepreneurs keep the dish fresh and relevant, and ensure that it remains a beloved part of British cuisine.

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In New Zealand, fish and chips are often served with a side of tomato sauce (ketchup) or aioli.

17 Which is a creamy garlic sauce that is popular in many parts of the world. Other common condiments for fish and chips in New Zealand include tartar sauce, vinegar, and lemon juice.

Tomato sauce is particularly popular among Kiwis, and is often used as a dipping sauce for the chips (fries) or as a topping for the fish. In fact, many New Zealanders consider tomato sauce to be an essential accompaniment to fish and chips, and some fish and chip shops even offer a free tomato sauce dispenser for customers to use.

The popularity of tomato sauce and other condiments with fish and chips is just one of the ways that this classic dish has evolved and adapted to local tastes and preferences around the world. Whether served with tomato sauce in New Zealand or curry sauce in the UK, fish and chips remains a beloved part of many cultures and cuisines.

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“Fish Friday” is a term used in the UK to refer to the tradition of eating fish and chips on Friday evenings.

18 This is a popular custom in many parts of the UK, particularly in coastal areas where fresh fish is readily available.

The origins of Fish Friday are not entirely clear, but it is thought to have emerged in the mid-19th century as a way for Catholics to observe the traditional practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays. Fish and chips were a popular alternative to meat dishes, and this tradition gradually became more widespread over time.

Today, Fish Friday remains a popular tradition in many parts of the UK, and many fish and chip shops offer special deals or promotions on Fridays to attract customers. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic British dish and kick off the weekend in style!

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The 1960s were a golden age for fish and chips in the UK, with the dish becoming the most popular takeaway food of the era.

19 By the mid-1960s, there were over 10,000 fish and chip shops operating nationwide, and they were a ubiquitous feature of high streets and residential areas across the country.

This popularity was driven in part by the affordability and convenience of fish and chips, as well as their reputation as a hearty and satisfying meal. During this time, fish and chips were considered a staple of British cuisine, and they were enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

While the number of fish and chip shops in the UK has declined somewhat since the 1960s, the dish remains a beloved part of British culinary culture, and fish and chip shops can still be found in most towns and cities across the country.

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The world’s first fish and chip museum, called the National Fish & Chip Museum, opened in 2020 in York, UK.

20 The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of this iconic British dish, and features exhibits on everything from the origins of fish and chips to the various ways in which it is prepared and served around the world.

However, Nottingham does have a strong connection to fish and chips – the city is said to be the birthplace of the mushy pea, which is a popular accompaniment to fish and chips in the UK.