“Where’s the best fish & chips?”
If those chips aren’t hand-cut then we’re not interested!
Ah yes, it’s the age-old question of many a Brit living in Melbourne or Australia as a whole. “Where can I get British-style fish ‘n’ chips?”. To many an Aussie, this insistence for the British version of what is just as common a takeaway dish over here may seem baffling or even picky. However, we do have good reason for this preference.
As we all know, hand-cut chips are very much the norm across the British Isles. Not so much over here, much to our chagrin. This is arguably the big sticking point for most Brits. Then there’s also those who insist on a British-style batter-to-fish ratio of no less than 2:1. Our Aussie friends would likely find this quite nauseating, especially as grilled fish is a very popular choice in chippies over here.
For such a simple dish, the nuances can be the difference between “Yes, please - five battered flakes and chips” to “Actually, do you do kebabs?”.
We’re hoping that this article provides the BRITlist readers with a platform to shout-out their personal favourites when it comes to British-style fish & chips. Or even just their favourites, even if it’s not strictly ‘British-style’. With this in mind, we’re asking YOU to let the community know what YOUR favourites are in the comments section. In the meantime, here’s a list of BRITlist favourites to start you off with:
Northern Soul (6 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182)
In terms of ‘British-style’ fish & chips, many Brits see this as the stand-out in Melbourne.
Off the Pier (1 Syme Steet, Williamstown, VIC 3016)
Fresh fish in a seaside location. Much loved by the locals.
Oakleigh Fish & Chippery (45 Chester Street, Oakleigh, VIC 3166)
42 years in business and a community favourite. Generous portions classically served in newspaper.
Tommy Ruff Fish Bar (3/1-3 Carre Street, Elsternwick, VIC 3185 / 564 Main Street, Mordialloc, VIC 3195)
A couple of locations yet they deliver consistently. Excellent and varied menu too.
Blu by ASG (146 Gaffney Street, Coburg North, VIC 3058 / 518-522 Bell Street, Preston, VIC 3072)
A well-regarded restaurant and takeaway, Blu’s two locations in the north are very popular.
The Cerberus Beach House (16 Cerberus Way, 212 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock, VIC 3193)
The kiosk here is super-popular in the summer, with many enjoyng fish & chips on the beach.
Were Street Fish Supply (125 Were Street, Brighton, VIC 3186)
Unassuming, hidden-away, traditional-style chippy. Hand-cut chips and bargain prices.
Alex’s Fish & Chips (11 Ford Road, Altona, VIC 3018)
Again, one of the few places that does hand-cut chips. A real gem of a place with rave reviews.
D’Lish Fish (3/105 Beach Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207)
Location wise, this place takes some beating, D’Lish Fish enjoys a loyal following.
Another, less famous ‘Fish & Chip’ pairing.
Now it’s down to you, the ‘BRITlist hive mind’. We want to hear your recommendations within the comments section. Let’s help each other as a British community with our recommendations and tips based on experience.
1, 2, 3,…go!