The quintessential British staple of fish and chips have long been the popular food choice not only for Brits but many tourists too.
The popularity of fish and chips grew in the UK during the 19th century when it was a firm favourite among many, particularly for the working class as it was seen as being both affordable and easy to prepare.
Fish and chips are a cultural and culinary symbol of Britain, that’s instantly recognizable as British around the world and is often dubbed one of the more healthier takeaway options.
Their popularity was further confirmed during the celebration of National Fish & Chips Day which takes place on June 5.
But with so many establishments offering this British staple which ones have been called the top 10 best?
Many may not know that fish and chips doesn’t actually originate from England with the battered fish (or pescado) coming from Spain and the chips (pommes frites) coming from France or Belgium.
However, the real history of fish and chips is actually traced back and invented by the Portuguese during the 15th century.
During that time, the dish, much like many others, was created out of necessity rather than gastronomical geniusness.
The meal was said to have first been introduced to the UK back in 1860 in East London with the mouth-watering concoction completely taking over.
Today, there are roughly 10,500 fish and chip shops in the UK with more of these types of eateries around compared to the number of outlets for other fast food chains including McDonald’s and KFC.
Online food delivery giants, Just Eat, found that a fish and chip dinner remains a hot staple of the weekly takeaway orders, amounting to over ten thousand orders made per week.
And when it comes to the best day for households to tuck into their mouth watering fish and chips meal, Friday wins hands down and is traditionally the most popular day for making an order, according to JustEat.
The meal can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments including mushy peas, battered haggis, pickled onion, black pudding fritter or even a deep-fried oyster and is best eaten sitting on a beach overlooking the vast ocean views – just watch out for the overhead seagulls though.
As for the absolute best chippy’s, The Times have rounded up the ultimate list which includes a residential housing-estate location to a family-owned establishment.
According to The Times, the 10 best fish and chip shops include:
- John Long’s, Belfast, Co Antrim
- Redcloak Fish Bar, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
- Harbour Lights, Falmouth, Cornwall
- Finney’s, Benllech, Anglesey
- Colmans Seafood Temple, South Shields, Co Durham
- Little Wolf, Strangford, Co Down
- The Tunny Club, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Whitehead’s Fish & Chips, Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Les and Rita’s Fish Bar, Rhyl, Denbighshire
- The Rocketeer, North Berwick, East Lothian.
