Where did fish and chips originate from?
FISH and chips is a staple meal for many families, often enjoyed by the seaside or as a takeaway on a Friday night.
Whether enjoyed with curry sauce or ketchup, it’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t love the British comfort food - but how did something so simple become quite so popular?
Where did fish and chips originate from?
Fried fish originates as early as the 17th century, and was first brought to England by Western Sephardic Jews.
The fish was battered with a mixture of flour and liquid – usually made from water, but occasionally beer.
Who invented fish and chips?
In 1860, Joseph Malin, an Ashkenazi Jewish immigrant, opened the first fish and chip shop in Bow, London.
Fish and chips quickly became a favoured meal amongst the working classes due to the development of railways, which means that fresh fish could easily be transported to the city.
How many calories are there in a fish and chips portion?
Although a firm British comfort food, fish and chips is calori- dense and should be eaten in moderation.
One battered cod fillet has around 440 calories, and the entire dish usually has around 800 calories.
The treat can be recreated at home as a far healthier option by grilling the fish instead of frying to cut down on the calories, and chips can be oven baked instead of deep fried.
However, the meal can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, providing it’s only eaten occasionally.
How many fish and chip shops are there in the UK?
In many cities and seaside towns, it’s impossible to walk down any road without seeing a fish and chip shop.
There are currently around 10,500 specialist fish and chip shops in the UK, and the British public eat around 167 portions from them a year.
On average, that means that every adult and child consumes six servings a year.
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Craving the comfort food? Here's how to whip up the tasty treat at home.
And how much do you love it? This shop claims to sell the LARGEST portion in the UK - and just seven people have finished it.
Also, we reveal the surprising reason why you should NEVER put fish and chips on a plate.
