Food - Drink
The Origin Of Fish And Chips
By CYRENA GOURDEAU
Fish and chips are nearly synonymous with British culture, usually made of either cod — the most common fish — or haddock, rock, or skate and eaten with vinegar. Despite this status as a staple of classic British cuisine, the origins of fish and chips can be traced back to the early days of immigration.
When the Sephardic Jewish arrived in England in the late 15th century, they brought with them "peshkada frito," or fried fish, which was a favored dish to enjoy on Sabbath. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 16th century that Spanish colonizers brought potatoes to Europe, and the thick-cut fried potatoes known as “chips” made a first appearance in 1854.
It’s believed that the first fish and chip shop in England opened in 1860, which remained in business for over 100 years. The explosion in the dish's popularity — especially with the working class — can be traced to England’s period of industrialization because it was a hearty, affordable, and nutritious meal.