It’s hard not to think of England when you hear “fish and chips,” the classic seafood dish served in British pubs and restaurants. Featuring battered fish and French fries, the meal option also enjoys popularity on American shores. Learn about the unique history of this winning food combination here. 

What is the History of Fish & Chips?

Jewish Origins

In the 15th century, the Spanish Inquisition outlawed Judaism, causing Spanish Jews to seek refuge in Portugal. Their relief didn’t last, as Portuguese King Manuel I married Isabella of Spain, who insisted that Jews convert to Christianity or leave the country. Those who did not want to practice their religion in secret fled to other European countries, including England. 

A Sephardic Jewish community rose in Britain and introduced new culinary delights, including fried fish. Since cooking is not allowed on the Jewish Sabbath, which occurs from Friday night to Saturday night, Jews pre-made food on Friday afternoons that would last through the weekend, including white fish fried in matzo meal or flour. The seafood was typically haddock or cod, and the English quickly developed a love for fried fish. 

The Addition of Chips

The potato was brought from the ‘New World’ to England in the 16th century. And while fried potatoes came out of France, the British combined fried fish with chips. A fish and chip shop opened in Mossley, a North England town near Lancashire around 1863. Another fish and chip shop debuted in London around the same time, which is why the debate over the first shop continues. 

Fish and chip shops were independent, family-owned establishments, often in the front rooms of their owners’ residences. By the late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution had vastly improved trading between countries, especially after the steam railway was invented, which made it easier to obtain fish from other North Atlantic countries, like Iceland and Greenland. 

Modern Fish & Chips

Fried fish and French fries were among the few foods not rationed in Britain during World War II, making them staple wartime meals. As the second half of the 20th century dawned, fish and chips were wrapped in newspaper to save on production costs, though this practice became unpopular because it was considered unhealthy. 

Grease-proof paper cones were eventually used that allowed consumers to enjoy the street food without getting their hands dirty. There are presently some 8,500 fish and chip shops in the United Kingdom, with American seafood restaurants and eateries offering the dish as well. 

Enjoy fish and chips at LoLo’s Seafood Shack, the seafood restaurant in Harlem, offering New England and Caribbean comfort food to New York City diners. Open every day for lunch, the eatery also has a happy hour from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm that includes a $5 food menu. Call (646) 649-3356 with questions, and visit their website to browse the menu. Once you're ready for a delicious meal, make a reservation on Yelp or order online through their ChowNow app.