When you hear someone talking about “fish and chips,” what comes to mind?
For most, it’s the vision of London, French fries, and piping hot fried fish.
Did you know that Tricky Fish actually serves our own version of this British finger food?! Sure do! If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out! Our fish and chips near me gets a Cajun flare with an Abita Brewing Co. beer batter, our house remoulade, and delicious southern coleslaw.
In honor of this deliciously popular dish, here are a few fun “fish and chips facts.” You know, for that day in the future when you’re on Jeopardy… ;) Enjoy!
Fish & Chips Came to Great Britain by Jewish Immigrants.
As with most foods, it’s hard to pinpoint a sure “beginning.” Arguments rage over who did it first. But most historians seem to agree that Jewish immigrants from Spain, Portugal, and Holland were likely the first to start preparing fish in this manner with oil and flour. The practice can be traced back to the 1500s, when these immigrants brought this cooking style to England. Of course, fish and chips was then carried “across the pond” by immigrants to the United States.
Fish & Chips Were Protected During WWI & WW2.
Many rations took place during World War I and World War II, but rations on fish and chips weren’t one of them. The British government recognized that its people needed something they could rely on as a morale boost. By the early 1900s, fish and chips was a staple in working class diets. It is said that the British government worked very hard to prevent rationing on the ingredients necessary for cooking fish and chips as a way to keep spirits high on the home-front.
Chips May Have Been Invented as a Fish Substitute.
Those delicious “chips” we all love – aka French fries! – might have been married with the fish because at one time they were used as substitutes for the real thing! Winters were hard in the UK and rivers often froze. This is where it’s said that potatoes entered the scene as a fish substitute, possibly even being shaped like fish before frying for effect. Either way, we love that fried fish and fried potatoes found their way to each other because they sure are a delicious combination!
Newspaper – the “Plate” of Choice.
The beauty of fish and chips was its handheld nature. Similar to the po’boy (another favorite at Tricky Fish btw!), fish and chips became a staple in the working class diet because it could easily be grabbed and eaten on the go. In fact, it was normally wrapped in newspaper! The newspaper, often in a cone shape, made it easy to hold the piping hot fish and chips, not to mention, it soaked up the excess grease. This continued until about the 1980s when concerns arose about the inks in the newspaper (makes sense.)
Want the best Fish and Chips Near Me?
When you want the best fish and chips near me in Richardson or Fort Worth, head to Tricky Fish! We are open 7 days a week, offering a large selection of delicious seafood, Cajun favorites, salads, po’boys, pasta, craft cocktails, beer on tap, and so much more.