Which one of these statements is not true: Pad Thai, the national dish of Thailand, is actually of Chinese origin. The Mexican taco al pastor has roots in Lebanon. Fish and chips actually come from Portugal.
The answer: they’re all true. That’s right, fish and chips, that staple of the British diet, is not really British at all. Or at least it wasn’t. The roots of the dish—or at least the fish side of it—hail from Jewish culture in Iberia. Jews couldn’t cook on the Sabbath, so in medieval Portugal, they would fry fish on Friday afternoon so that it would be preserved to eat on Saturday.
And when Portuguese Jews immigrated to England starting in the late 15th century. They brought with them their recipe for fried cod and haddock. Thomas Jefferson, on a visit to London, referred to eating “fried fish in the Jewish tradition” and a British cookbook from 1781 has a recipe for “the Jews’ way of preserving all sorts of fish.”
How the chips part of the dish ended up marrying fried fish is a bit murkier. Food historians can trace the origin of chips, or the misnamed French fries, to Belgium. The first “chippies” emerged in England in the 1860s. Today there are 10,000 fish and chip shops in the United Kingdom.
So to celebrate what has become a staple of the British diet, here are the best fish and chips shops in London.
Brockley’s Rock
Having earned many awards, Brockley’s Rock is well known among locals for serving some of the best fish and chips in London. The south-east London institution serves up excellent fried cod, as well as a few grilled seafood dishes for those looking to avoid fried food. They also cook up gluten-free, feel-good fare from Sunday to Thursday. Vegetarian? You can get meat-free dishes at Brockley’s too.
Golden Chippy
In Greenwich since 2005, Golden Chippy is beloved among locals in south London. Cod is the de rigeur fried fish at this 12-seat spot, but the shop also will fry (or grill, upon request) skate, rock, plaice, or haddock. The secret recipe for the batter makes the fried fish here particularly light and crispy.
Ken’s Fish Bar
“Thank Cod for Ken’s,” is the slogan of this family-run chippy in Herne Hill. Ken’s is the favorite of Guardian restaurant critic Jay Rayner who has proclaimed it to be the best fish and chips in London. Conveniently, it also happens to be a few minutes from his home. That said, Ken’s freshly fried fish is crispy on the outside and flaky and tender on the inside and could give any chippy a run for its money in London.
The Seashell of Lisson Grove
The Seashell has been frying up white fish and cut potatoes since before World War II and since 1964 in its current location in Lisson Grove. It’s a favorite among Londoners when they’re in need of a chippy fix. Everyone from chef Alain Ducasse to Duo Lipa to Stevie Wonder have stopped by to tuck into some fried cod and chips here.
Traveler’s Tip: Baskets of crispy fish and salty chips got you thirsty for a refreshing pint? Check out our list of the Oldest Pubs in London to wet your whistle.
Toff’s
Often voted the best fish and chips in England, Toff’s has been frying up fish and chips since 1968. The Cypriot-owned spot in Muswell Hill does more than just the usual fried cod and haddock. You can also get salmon, skate, Dover sole, seabass, and halibut, among others. Start with a bowl of the excellent fish soup here. For vegetarians, don’t miss the deep-fried Camembert.
Mr. Fish
A sleek, smart-looking spot in Queens Park, Mr. Fish boasts an enormous menu of oceanic goodness. Yes, there are the usual cod and haddock but let your eyes comb through the menu of a dozen other fried fish options, including hake. There’s also a children’s menu, as well as a nice selection of beer and wine.
Fryer’s Delight
Located in Bloomsbury, Fryer’s Delight was started by two brothers from Italy. The method for frying the fish and the chips they do here is called “beef dipping,” which makes the outer batter more substantial. Don’t be surprised to see some black cabs parked out in front, as this old-school chippy is popular with taxi drivers.
The Golden Hind
For over a century, The Golden Hind has been frying up fish and chips for the masses at this location in Marylebone. Don’t mistake this for a diminutive no-frills take-away spot. The Hind is a full-blown restaurant, complete with a booze menu. If you fancy going the healthier route, you can get your fish steamed here too.
Now that you’ve got your craving for fish and chips sorted out, why not check out more of London’s top culinary gems? Choose from one of our many London food tours including an exploration of foody-haven Southwark and a visit to the famous Borough Market or a tour of fare and drinks at London’s most beloved taverns.
