1. Fish and Chips
Considered to be the national dish of the UK - and still the most popular takeaway in all
four of its nations - fish and chips is something of a British institution! So it would be
unthinkable to start the list of the best British food with anything other than our world-
famous fish & chips…
The perfect comfort dish on a cold day, a typical fish and chip dinner will consist of a large
piece of white fish (usually cod or haddock) coated in batter and deep-fried to crispy
perfection. Traditionally, in the UK, the fish is served with chunky chips, never with
fries.
This is typically smothered liberally with salt and vinegar, then wrapped in paper and served
to take away. Wrapping the meal has the effect of slightly steaming the chips, giving them a
softness that Brits lovel Traditionally, the paper would have actually been a newspaper, but
you don't see this often anymore. In honor of this tradition, some places have special
wrapping paper that looks like a newspaper.
Side dishes to complete the meal of fish and chips include unique delicacies such as
pickled eggs, pickled onions, or - most popular of all - mushy peas (which are precisely as
they sound).
Origin: Both Lancashire and London claim to have invented fish and chips, although the
exact origin is unclear. However, Charles Dickens referred to a 'fried fish warehouse' in
Oliver Twist. And London did, indeed, have the first fish and chips shop, which opened in
1860.
Where to try it: You will find fish and chips served everywhere in the UK, from street-food
stalls to upscale restaurants. But for a true, authentic experience, buy them from a proper
fish and chip shop (locally known as a 'chippy') and eat them directly from their paper
wrapping.
TIP: If you are visiting London and want to try some typical British food (including some of
the best fish & chips in town), check out this popular traditional food tour!