The history of fish and chips

In the 17th century, potatoes (potatoes) first appeared in Britain. Fish and chips are a by-product of Britain’s industrial revolution.

Despite being an island country, before the 18th century, it was actually difficult for British people in non-coastal areas to eat fresh fish.

But the birth of the steam train in the 19th century changed everything. The speed made the price of fish cheaper; and the Jews who immigrated from southern Europe also brought the method of fried fish and chips. Fish and chips became a favorite cheap delicacy among the working class.

During the 19th century, eating fried fish became common in London and southeastern England (Charles Dickens mentioned "fish depots" in Oliver Twist). At the same time, in northern England, the industry of fried "cut" potatoes was also developed. It is unknown when or where these two were combined to form the fish and chip shop industry we know today. The first fish and chip shop was probably opened by Joseph Malin in London in 1860. The British like to eat potatoes. They often regard potatoes as the staple food of a meal, even more than bread. Unlike China, where there are only one or two kinds of potatoes, there are at least ten kinds of potatoes here, some are large and some are small, and the skin colors are black, yellow and white, but the prices are very cheap. There are many ways to eat potatoes in the UK, some of which are quite distinctive.

During World War II, Britain was in short supply of supplies, and the government rationed almost all food. However, because Britain produced its own potatoes and could catch fish in relatively safe waters, fish and chips were not included in the restricted list. During World War II, the British demand for fish and chips increased by 30% compared with before the war, so this can be called a life-saving dish for Britain. On the famous D-Day landings in World War II, British soldiers used "Fish" versus "Chips" as a secret code to identify each other - of course, this secret code was quickly deciphered by the Germans. Since the 1860s, the British have had an increasing demand for cod. At that time, Europe's cod production areas were mainly concentrated in Icelandic waters. After Iceland became independent in 1944, it expanded its territorial waters several times to protect fish resources. This met with resistance from the British, and the two navies repeatedly shelled each other, initiating a battle that lasted for more than 20 years. British allies have constantly suggested that Britain change its consumption habits and eat other fish, but the British insist that they only want to eat orthodox cod. It was not until 1976, with the mediation of NATO, that the United Kingdom gave up.

In a 2012 poll asking "What do you think best represents Britain?", fish and chips beat out The Beatles, Afternoon Tea, Shakespeare, Buckingham Palace and the Queen. The highest symbol in the hearts of British people. Today, Britons consume more than 250 million servings of fish and chips every year.

The National Fish & Chip Awards have been held annually since 1988.