Fish and chips has become a universal comfort food amongst many cultures, but there’s more to this famous dish than meets the eye. It has seen revolutionary changes since its origin from England in the 1800’s, creating different takes on the classic recipe during a long evolution—changes that may come as a surprise to those who think they know everything about fish and chips! In this article, we’ll explore some fun facts about fish and chips you probably didn’t know.
- Fish and chips are a British dish that consists of fried fish and sliced potatoes.
Fish and chips, one of the most recognizable dishes in British cuisine, has been around for centuries. The popular combination of fried fish and crispy potatoes is thought to have been invented in England during the 1800s as a way to make sustainably-sourced fish more appetizing by frying it.
Ever since, fish and chips has become a beloved staple of traditional British fare, available in all types of restaurants from takeaways to pubs. It’s also loved by people from across the globe and can be ordered from almost any part of the world today.
- Different types of fish can be used to make fish and chips.
Depending on location, restaurants might serve a variety of fish fried in batter to create this tasty meal. The most common types used typically include cod, haddock, and pollock – however, other species such as Alaskan or Atlantic halibut, skate and even rock salmon are sometimes featured on menus as well. Selecting unique fish varieties allows chefs to experiment with different flavors and textures while giving customers an increased range of options to choose from when ordering this delicious dish.
- Fish and chips were originally sold by street vendors in newspaper cones.
Fish and chips, a beloved seafood dish worldwide, have a playful origin story. Originally served by vendors in newspaper cones to street-goers in early 19th century England, this iconic meal was designed on the fly with readily-available ingredients of the time: fresh caught fish that were fried together with chips or potatoes. Thus began an enduring culinary legacy that continues into the 21st century. The same delicious flavours and preparation techniques still hold true today as they did over 200 years ago—an extraordinary feat in today’s changing foodscape.
- Fish and chips became popular in the United States in the early 20th century.
Fish and chips first made their appearance in Europe in the early 19th century, however they were a slow starter in America. It was not until the early 20th century that fish and chips started to become popularized throughout U.S. states. The dish was often accessible to a diverse array of customers due to its handiness and the relatively low cost to produce. Furthermore, since it could be consumed quickly and without utensils, this probably helped push its reputation as an ideal grab-and-go food of choice during an era where time was money for most people.
Loving Fish and Chips
If you love fish and chips, you’re not alone. In fact, there are many reasons to love this classic dish. From the crispy batter to the fluffy potatoes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And what could be better than enjoying a delicious meal with friends or family? So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, remember that fish and chips is always a good option.
