Fish and chips facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Fish supper / Fish 'n' Chips |
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| Course | Main dish |
| Place of origin | England |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Battered and fried fish with deep-fried chips |
Fish and chips is a super popular meal from the United Kingdom. It's a type of fast food enjoyed in many parts of the world. As the name suggests, it's made of crispy, deep-fried fish and thick-cut potato chips.
You can easily find shops and restaurants selling fish and chips, especially in England and Wales. They are very common in British cities. This tasty dish first appeared in the East End of London in the late 1800s. So, it's not as old as some other traditional foods!
Contents
What Kind of Fish is Used?
Usually, fish and chips are made with white fish like cod or haddock. Sometimes, flounder is used, but it's less common. Cod is the most popular choice by far.
Other white fish like whiting or plaice can also be used. Many fish and chip shops offer different types of fish. This lets customers pick their favorite!
How the Fish is Cooked
The fish is always dipped in a special batter. This is a liquid mixture that gets hard and crispy when fried. After being dipped, the fish is fried for a short time.
When someone says 'fish and chips', it usually means the fish will be fried in batter. In a fish restaurant, you might also find grilled or boiled fish. But these types of fish do not have batter. Fish and chips are often eaten with lots of vinegar and salt.
What About the Chips?
The chips are made from sliced potatoes. They are usually much thicker than regular French fries. Large slices of potatoes are fried until they are golden and crispy.
Tasty Side Dishes
Often, other side dishes are served with fish and chips. These shops are sometimes called 'chippies' or 'fish shops'. Some popular sides include:
- Mushy peas
- Onions
- Gherkins (which are small cucumbers)
- Baked beans
- Saveloys (long sausages)
Sometimes, you can even ask for 'scrapings'. These are the crunchy bits of batter that fall off the fish while it's frying.
Regional Favorites
In Northern England, it's common to have chips with gravy. This is a savory sauce poured over the chips. It's not as common in other parts of the UK. However, you might also find 'curry sauce' in other places.
Other Interesting Facts
Fish and chips are also sold from mobile shops. These are like food trucks that move around. Many shops and restaurants that sell fish and chips do not have a license to serve alcohol.
Some health experts point out that fish and chips can have a lot of fat. This is because of the way they are cooked.
Images for kids
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Fish and chips, served in a paper wrapper (greaseproof paper inner and ordinary paper outer), as a "takeaway"
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A blue plaque in Oldham (Greater Manchester) in England marking the 1860s origins of the fish and chip shop and the fast food industry
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Fish and chips at the Australian Hotel, St George, Queensland
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Cod and chips, served with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce
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Frying range
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Fish and chips served with a lemon wedge, coleslaw and tartar sauce in an iron bowl
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AEC Routemaster (classic London double-decker bus) converted into a mobile "chip van". Conventional vans are often used to sell fish and chips.
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Establishment abroad catering to holiday-makers (sign in Lanzarote, Spain)
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Salt & Vinegar crisps, a flavour inspired by the typical condiments for fish and chips in the UK.
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See also
In Spanish: Fish and chips para niños
