CAN CHEAP FISH & CHIPS BE GOOD FISH & CHIPS? 🐟🍟🇳🇿

CAN CHEAP FISH & CHIPS BE GOOD FISH & CHIPS? 🐟🍟🇳🇿 Makaraka Fish Shop, 107 Main Road, Makaraka, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand Battered Tarakihi $7.00 Scoop of Chips $5.00 TOTAL - $12.00 #fishandchips #fishandchipshop #fish #chips #fries #batteredfish #freshfish #fishfillets #tarakihi #gisborne #aotearoa #newzealand #nz _____________________________________ THE SIZZLING TALE OF FISH & CHIPS IN NEW ZEALAND Join me on a captivating journey through the history of New Zealand's iconic dish - the mouthwatering fish and chips. Let's delve into the past, discovering the origins of this delectable meal and how it became the beloved Kiwi classic we know today. THE ORIGINS OF FISH & CHIPS The roots of fish and chips can be traced back to 19th century United Kingdom. Immigrants from Portugal and Spain brought fried fish to the UK, while the Belgians introduced chips. The two were eventually combined, creating the famous combo we're all familiar with. THE FIRST FISH & CHIP SHOPS Fried fish was initially introduced and sold by East End Jews, and chips gained popularity in Lancashire and Yorkshire. While we often think of fish and chips by the seaside, most historians believe that the first fish and chip shop actually opened in London in 1860 by a Jewish immigrant, Joseph Malin, opened the first recorded combined fish-and-chip shop in Bow, East London; a Mr Lees pioneered the concept in the North of England, in Mossley, Lancashire in 1863. Fish and chips became a stock meal among the working class in England. INTRODUCTION TO NEW ZEALAND Fish and chips sailed across the seas to the shores of New Zealand in the late 19th century. British immigrants carried their cherished food tradition to their new home, where it was immediately embraced by the locals. EARLY COOKING METHODS In the early days, fish and chips were cooked in large, open fryers. The fish, usually Blue Cod or Snapper, was coated in a simple batter before being dropped into boiling fat, while thick-cut potatoes were fried until they turned golden and crisp. KIWI FAMILIES FISH & CHIPS From the outset, the Kiwi families fell in love with this simple yet scrumptious meal. It was not uncommon for families to enjoy fish and chips once a week, usually on a Friday, turning the meal into a beloved tradition. COMPETITORS ON THE SCENE Despite the introduction of other takeaway options like burgers and pizza, fish and chips have held their ground. Their unpretentious charm, affordability, and the nostalgic memories they invoke have kept them as a Kiwi favourite. THE ASIAN IMMIGRANT INFLUENCE Asian immigrants played a significant role in shaping the fish and chips scene in New Zealand. Many Asian-run fish and chip shops sprouted up across the country, adding their unique twists to the traditional British recipe and helping to cement the dish in Kiwi culture. WHY KIWIS LOVE FISH & CHIPS The love affair Kiwis have with fish and chips is tied to the country's coastal culture. The fresh, locally sourced fish combined with the ritual of unwrapping the newspaper packaging to reveal a steaming meal is a cherished part of New Zealand's identity.