Everybody loves fish and chips!

Everybody loves fish and chips!

On the 1st Friday of June, fish and chip lovers all over the UK are coming together to celebrate the nation’s favourite dish. It’s become part of our national heritage and it would be difficult to imagine life without it.

But why is this simple meal so popular? And why has it survived as a British favourite when we have been spoilt for choice with Chinese and Indian takeaways, fried chicken, kebabs, pizzas and other fast food industries. The answer is quite simple – fish and chips came first! It helped feed families during the First World War and was one of the foods that weren’t rationed in the Second World War.

So what condiments do we put on our plates with our fish and chips? While some Britons opt for a dollop of mayonnaise or ketchup with a sprinkle of salt and vinegar, others opt for the classic accompaniment of mushy peas, but like Marmite, you either love them or hate them. Curry sauce has also become a popular choice as a side dish over recent years.

Are fish and chips healthy?

An average portion is 595 calories; whereas a pizza has 871, Big Mac meal with fries has 888, chicken korma has 910 and a doner kebab has 924 – so it’s not all that bad, right?!

In celebration of the beautiful British cuisine, we’ve served up this delicious infographic full of interesting facts and figures to whet your appetite. Enjoy!