Signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 1, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 3222 times:
Mmm... making me want fish and chips for tea tonight! Don't forget to put plenty of vinegar on it, and have some mushy peas!
As for the batter / oil used, it really does vary from chipshop to chipshop. Most will use sunflower oil, simply as it tends to be cheapest...
Oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24921 posts, RR: 60 Reply 2, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 3223 times:
Quoting Andz (Thread starter): One thing I miss about the UK is the fish and chips
Me also . Even in Ireland its not the same as England. Its the batter which is unique to England. You just cant beat it. Crispy Golden brown eaten out of paper with a wooden fork !!
SkyyKat From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 3222 times:
The English kill their food twice, once when they shoot it and then when they cook it
Lol, sorry I could not resist!
UK Fish and Chips.... Mmmmmm. For some reason it just tastes better in the UK. There is a guy close to me that runs a Fish and Chips shop, 2nd or 3rd owner and it has been running since 1928 in the same location. The closest to Fish and Chips in the UK I have tasted.
Max once a month though Not exactly health food. lol
Kiwiandrew From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 8435 posts, RR: 14 Reply 5, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 3222 times:
Scottish fish and chips are much superior to English as the Scots generally use haddock while the English generally use cod .... I will concede that this is probably about the only time you will find me praising Scottish 'cuisine'
Moderation in all things ... including moderation ;-)
Oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24921 posts, RR: 60 Reply 7, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 5 days ago) and read 3222 times:
Quoting Kiwiandrew (Reply 5): Scottish fish and chips are much superior to English as the Scots generally use haddock while the English generally use cod
I prefer Cod anyday. I hate haddock.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
BAViscount From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2004, 2338 posts, RR: 4 Reply 8, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 3056 times:
Quoting Kiwiandrew (Reply 5): Scottish fish and chips are much superior to English as the Scots generally use haddock while the English generally use cod
Not being a fish eater myself I'm really not bothered either way, but it's generally the case (well certainly in the chippies here in London) that you can choose what fish you have...cod, rock, skate, haddock etc., etc.....
If you want haddock and chips in England, just ask for it!!
Ladies & gentlemen this is Captain Tobias Wilcock welcoming you aboard Coconut Airways flight 372 to Bridgetown Barb
Thomasphoto60 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 3723 posts, RR: 25 Reply 9, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 3043 times:
Ah, Britain's contribution to the culinary arts! I lived in the UK for a sizable portion of the 80s and have made many visits before and since, and frankly I love Fish & Chips, especially served up in the latest edition of the 'Guardian' (the best use for this paper that I can think of). Though if memory serves, the UK banned newspaper wrapping of F&C in the late 80/early 90s.
Oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24921 posts, RR: 60 Reply 11, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 3014 times:
Quoting Thomasphoto60 (Reply 9): 'Guardian' (the best use for this paper that I can think of).
LOL... too true.
Quoting Sbworcs (Reply 10): know use Beer in the batter mixture which helps with the colour and taste. It does make a difference!
Yes I love beer battered cod. Tescos now do a ''Finest'' range with Beer battered cod. If you cant get to a chipper then its a nice alternative with Tartar sauce....
McCain are also now doing beer battered chips...
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Leezyjet From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2001, 4041 posts, RR: 55 Reply 12, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 2949 times:
The best Fish and Chips in the UK are normally found in the West Yorkshire area. They tend to cook them in lard around them parts for a better taste, and also it is one of the only areas where the fish is skinned on both sides. Haddock is the main fish, but cod is also available too.
The world famous Harry Ramsden's original fish and chip shop/restaurant is in Guiseley (pronounced Guys-Ley) West Yorkshire, although since it was bought out and made much more commercial with outlets in service stations and the like, they have realy gone down hill.
"She Rolls, 45 knots, 90, 135, nose comes up to 20 degrees, she's airborne - She flies, Concorde Flies"
Ncfc99 From United Kingdom, joined May 2005, 643 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 2899 times:
Quoting Leezyjet (Reply 12): They tend to cook them in lard around them parts
Why did I read that with an accent?
I use beer to make the batter, with self raising flour and seasoning. You don't want it too thick or the batter will not cook completely and leave a soggy linning inside the batter, but not too thin or you will overcook the fish and dry it out. When I make it, I measure the flour by experience. I'm sorry I can't give you a more precise answer on measurement but a bit of experimenting with just flour and water, then dipping something cheap(like an onion ring) and frying that will give you a good guide on how thick you like you batter. Then just make the real stuff with the beer for the fish. I use a vegetable oil to fry it in as I think it drains off the fish better when cooked.
TylerDurden From United States of America, joined May 2008, 852 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 2841 times:
Quoting Andz (Thread starter): One thing I miss about the UK is the fish and chips. They have a taste that I have never experienced here.
Or here. I have yet to vist the UK and not indulge.
Quoting Signol (Reply 1): Don't forget to put plenty of vinegar on it,
Just let mine float in it!
Quoting Kiwiandrew (Reply 5): Scottish fish and chips are much superior to English as the Scots generally use haddock while the English generally use cod
I'm not going to agree with you there. I've had both. Prefer the English (but thanks for letting me know the difference).
It's a guilty pleasure. And not a bad hangover food.
SmithAir747 From Canada, joined Jan 2004, 1599 posts, RR: 33 Reply 16, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 2809 times:
Whilst I lived in London for 3 years (2004-2007), I partook of fish and chips countless times.
I lived in a University of London hall of residence (as a King's College London student), and this hall had a full-service refectory in the basement (with a grand piano to boot, which I loved to play). Every Friday the menu featured fish and chips.
I also had it in Dublin, both times I was there.
Any good chippies in San Francisco?
SmithAir747
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made... (Psalm 139:14)
Andz From South Africa, joined Feb 2004, 8298 posts, RR: 11 Reply 17, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 2800 times:
Quoting Leezyjet (Reply 12): The best Fish and Chips in the UK are normally found in the West Yorkshire area
As I have it every time I visit the family in Leeds I can attest to that, and I also heard that the lard was a contributing factor.
Now that everyone's mouths are watering... can anyone help with a batter recipe? I watched that video but that looked a bit upmarket, I want the man in the street taste!
[Edited 2008-11-07 20:37:41]
After Monday and Tuesday even the calendar says WTF...
Astuteman From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2005, 9138 posts, RR: 96 Reply 18, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 2751 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 6): And NZ fish and chips (especially if it's fresh snapper) are superior to any other fish and chips anywhere and I defie anyone to refute this.
Not been to NZ, but to reinforce the antipodean theme, the best fish and chips I ever had were in Eastern Australia (and as you say, the choice of fish for your delectation beggars belief)
It was also a pleasure whilst there to sample pie and mushy peas with a pint of stout, and full-blown Roast Beef and Yorkshire puddings.
Any of you know if there's any British influence down there that might account for this...
Quoting Thomasphoto60 (Reply 9): especially served up in the latest edition of the 'Guardian' (the best use for this paper that I can think of)
Quoting Oa260 (Reply 11): McCain are also now doing beer battered chips...
Didn't take him long to get a new job, did it?
Quoting Leezyjet (Reply 12): The best Fish and Chips in the UK are normally found in the West Yorkshire area
Well, they say travel broadens the mind...
Now, if you'd said "Yorkshire Puddings"......
BAViscount From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2004, 2338 posts, RR: 4 Reply 21, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 2598 times:
Quoting Leezyjet (Reply 12): The world famous Harry Ramsden's original fish and chip shop/restaurant is in Guiseley (pronounced Guys-Ley) West Yorkshire, although since it was bought out and made much more commercial with outlets in service stations and the like, they have realy gone down hill.
The first time I ever went in a Harry Ramsden's was in Terminal 1 at LHR...I had such high expectations from that place (even though I was only having saveloy and chips!), but even my local chippy beat it hands down!
Quoting Thomasphoto60 (Reply 9): Though if memory serves, the UK banned newspaper wrapping of F&C in the late 80/early 90s.
I can't recall having anything from the chip shop that was wrapped in newspaper since the mid 70s (when I were but a lad of course)!
Quoting Andz (Reply 17): Now that everyone's mouths are watering... can anyone help with a batter recipe?
Sorry, cant help, but as Sbworcs has already said, I've heard that the best batter contains beer...and by beer I mean "bitter"...don't go sticking a pint of lager in your batter!!
Ladies & gentlemen this is Captain Tobias Wilcock welcoming you aboard Coconut Airways flight 372 to Bridgetown Barb
Oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24921 posts, RR: 60 Reply 22, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 2579 times:
Quoting Andz (Reply 17): Now that everyone's mouths are watering... can anyone help with a batter recipe? I watched that video but that looked a bit upmarket, I want the man in the street taste!
Ingredients
2 eggs, separated
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 tbsp salt
3/4 cup beer, room temperature
3/4 cup flour
Directions
The ultimate batter for deep frying... DIRECTIONS:
It's far better for deep frying
halibut, cod, or any other seafood. The batter puffs up because of
the beer's yeast,
To prepare, place flour in a mixing bowl and add egg yolks, salt,
oil, and beer. Stir batter until thoroughly mixed. Cover bowl with
plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours
or as long as 24 - the longer the better, to a point. Just before
using batter, stir it well again. In a separate bowl, beat egg
whites until stiff but not dry; gently fold egg whites into batter.
Does 6 fish fillets, depending upon their size.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Skidmarks From UK - England, joined Dec 2004, 7121 posts, RR: 60 Reply 24, posted (4 years 6 months 2 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 2471 times:
Nowhere in the UK has a monopoly on "The Best Fish and Chips". I've had good and bad everywhere. It all depends on your own personal preferences.
For me, one of the best I had was in Port St Mary in the Isle of Man. But, then I've also had excellent fish and chips at my Uncles chip shop back in the early seventies. And that was in Redhill in Surrey. The chippie in Forres was ok too. Can't ever remember fantastic meals in Wales but then, I only spent 5 years there so I didn't get a chance to really look!
At the moment, some of the chippies on Brighton seafront serve a good meal - although some serve an appalling variation!! And £2 for a tiny cardboard plate of chips on the pier is simply extortion!!
Andy
PS: I did have some in DTW while waiting for a flight to YYZ but it's hard to say how that was without upsetting our American cousins!
Growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional
25 Andz: The last decent fish and chips I had was in Coventry in 2006. I went a bit over the top though, fish, fishcake, battered sausage, mushy peas.... good
26 Oa260: Oh ok we hear ya .... in other words it was shite just like their tea
27 UK_Dispatcher: I also can't get proper fish'n'chips here in the UAE. I like them back home - fish, chips, scraps & mushy peas. I also enjoy a pie and chips from the
28 MillwallSean: And I like to scream NOOOOOO there is no decent Fish and chips in NZ. I have tried most shops here in greater Auckland, desperately seeking the real t
29 Arsenal@LHR: Never realised you could find fish and chips abroad, and i never thought i'd hear anyone claiming fish and chips in New Zealand would be better than
31 PMN: As a Bradfordian I can go with that! It's very rare I find fish and chips anywhere that match the best chippys around here. Incidentally, I also agre
32 KiwiRob: So you prefer the precooked and left to dry out UK style fish and chip over cooked to order fresh fish and chips, there is something wrong. If you wa
33 SkyyKat: After this thread came up I went to my fav local F&C place....First time eating that greasy goodness in over 2 months. I want to go back soon, he is i
34 MillwallSean: Yes I safely say that I prefer the UK Fish and chips every day compared to everything I have found so far in Auckland. Will try them all, no one woul
35 CHRISBA777ER: I have two opinions on the best fish and chips in the world. Best I've ever had is from FISHCLUB which is a small chain of boutique designer chippies
36 BAViscount: You live in Battersea and you're not drinking Youngs?? Shame on you!! I couldn't agree more. There are good and bad chippies everywhere, it's more do
37 CHRISBA777ER: No I live in Wandsworth which is even closer! I love Youngs, and particularly their fine drinking establishments, but being a poor, destitute senior
38 BAViscount: I am indeed...and a good Battersea boy to boot! I just happen to have drifted aimlessly to the wastelands of Sutton over the years, but Battersea wil
39 CHRISBA777ER: LOL Sutton - arent FlightGlobal based down there? I like Youngs pubs - and there are some lovely ones here - the one on Wandsworth hill and also the
40 ThePRGuy: Had a delicious lunch today: 1 x battered chip shop sausage 1 x large non battered (but still deep fried) chip shop sausage 1 x half small chips salt,
41 BAViscount: Good lord, so they are! I had no idea until I just did a quick google search! I wonder if they're hiring... Do you mean West Hill or East Hill? I gue
42 CHRISBA777ER: Nope - they arent. I checked last week East Hill AKA St John's Hill - the Spread Eagle is a fantastic boozer. Yep - theres one called Happy Valley ru
43 BAViscount: True...I checked just now...they have nothing! I spoke to a guy in recruitment too - I wanted to suggest that he must have a boring job if they're no
44 CHRISBA777ER: I think Fishclub are Brits. Have you been?
45 BAViscount: I haven't, no, but I'll certainly check them out the next time I'm up there...assuming they also do saveloys!
46 CHRISBA777ER: For illustrative purposes purely - and to show everyone on this thread what a la carte, designer fish and chips looks like - http://www.fishclub.co.u
47 Cornish: That's poncy fish and chips that is Wandsworth ?? Where's that? Or are you referring to East Putney? Or West Clapham
48 BAViscount: Oh lord...now that's what you call tarted-up fish and chips!! But sadly, not a saveloy in sight...although they do seem to have black pudding on the
49 CHRISBA777ER: Haha as soon as we started talking about beer and lo! Cornish jumps in! Re Fishclub its a lot nicer than it looks in the photos. Their Chorizo and Ti
50 BAViscount: I always thought that the whole of St. John's Hill was in Battersea and that Wandsworth kicked in once the postcode changed to SW18...but then you'd
51 KiwiRob: Considering 60% of NZ's population came from he UK it would be a fairly safe bet that fish and chips would be a popular take away in NZ, just like me
52 David L: This one always amuses me. Every time I've heard such a comment, it's come from someone who thinks Scottish cuisine is pies and deep fried haggis in
53 David L: You must have frequented some really dire chippies here.
54 BAViscount: Again, it comes down to whether the chippy is a good or a bad one. If it's good, then they will either cook it to order, or they won't have any hangi
55 David L: Correct. I'm sure there are food outlets all over the world that do that. It's a sign of being bad, not of being a British chippie.
56 KiwiRob: When I was working in the UK about 10 years ago I worked for a concrete company, my job was to inspect concrete plants for year 2000 issues, I travel
57 BAViscount: Sounds like you were very unlucky. Granted there must be times when even the best chippies have fish that they cooked but haven't sold, especially if
58 David L: Well, I can assure you that it's not "the norm" in Glasgow or Edinburgh. As I said, I cant remember the last time I didn't have to wait for freshly f
59 Skidmarks: Thats rich coming from you!! And living in St. Aines as well! Andy
60 MillwallSean: I must say that i always took for granted that the fish was done to order. However when visiting the local pubs or Fish and chips shops here in Auckla
61 KiwiRob: I'd take a good resturant in Melbourne or Sydney (even Auckland for that matter) over any establishment in Denmark, Scandinavian cooking is bland in
62 Cornish: that AND fish & chips mmmmmm Damn Reed International - bunch of bloody cowboys - truly appalling. don't do any orginal research of their own - just f
63 David L: I'm still waiting for examples of what people think "Scottish cuisine" is. And that's the problem. Most of those who criticise British cuisine have n
65 David L: I don't think so. I want to see what the critics think our cuisine is first.
66 TuRbUleNc3: Up here in yorkshire they use beef dripping and apparently in lancashire they use pork dripping..or in places anyway. I have known them to be fried in
67 BAViscount: I know a chippy in Streatham, south London that used beef dripping...eating their chips always gave me hiccups!!
68 Leezyjet: Murgatroyd's are the best around, The Fountain has gone down hill as well apparantley as they were taken over about 18 months ago. The Little Fisherm
70 Skidmarks: I have never flown from a more antiquated and depressing airport than LBA. The chances of finding a decent chippy in the vicinity must be minimal!! S
72 Signol: I remember having fish and chips in NZ, where you also got the option of Kumara (sweet potato) chips, instead of normal potato ones. Very tasty they w
73 Skidmarks: With, fool, with! I do believe there is also a house of ill repute in the vicinity - might be worth a visit Andy
74 Ferengi80: If you're ever in St. Helens, Merseyside, then make a visit to the Crispy Cod chippy on Knowsley Road, right behind St. Helens Rugby League Club's gro
75 Ryanb741: With the exception of Meat pies and Rugby of course..... ;o) Best fish and chips I have had in London is in my neighbourhood of Streatham Hill - it w
76 High_flyr69: British fish and chips.. cod?? pfft ........... THE BEST BY FAR fish and chips are in Australia (more specifically Melbourne) where the main fish serv
77 Leezyjet: Speaking of good fish and chips on the under side of our Planet, and I'm surprised it hasn't had a mention (or maybe it has and I just missed it) but
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From South Africa, joined Feb 2004, 8298 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, 
From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24921 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
Not exactly health food. lol
From UK - England, joined Oct 2005, 3184 posts, 
Mmmm, had Fish and Chips a few weeks ago and it was delicious. Plenty of salt and vinegar on it too!
From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 8435 posts, 
.... I will concede that this is probably about the only time you will find me praising Scottish 'cuisine'
From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 3723 posts, 
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