No dinner plans for tonight? If you're scratching your heads for ideas, there's one British classic worth popping out for this evening.
Friday, September 4 marks National Fish & Chips Day, an occasion that celebrates one of the UK's signature dishes.
While the meal, traditionally wrapped in layers of paper with a wooden fork plonked on top, is a staple in every city, town and village around Great Britain, it can also be found in numerous places here in the UAE.
So, if you want to mark the day with a chippy dinner, here are eight plaices (we couldn't resist) to try ...
DUBAI
Bob’s Fish & Chips
An institution for those who love the British comfort food in Dubai Marina, Bob’s Fish & Chips serves up all the classics in a homely environment. Choose between classic cod or breaded cod fillets, haddock, hammour, hake and more, and wolf it down with a side of chunky chips. It also has haggis and chips on the menu, for those who want something a tad more offbeat.
Dream Tower 2, Dubai Marina, Dubai; 04 450 4262; facebook.com/BobsFishAndChips
Bread Street Kitchen
If you're after something a little more upmarket, Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in Atlantis, The Palm offers an array of British dishes, including the ubiquitous fish and chips as well as a signature beef Wellington. Here, expect a plate full of chunky, extra crispy chips and perfectly crunchy fish, served with minted pea puree and tartare sauce.
Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai; 04 426 2000; atlantis.com/dubai
Reform Social & Grill
You'll get plenty of bang for your buck at this popular gastropub in the Lakes, which offers up a wide selection of British pub grub, such as bangers and mash and a traditional fry-up. The fish and chips comes in a hearty portion, with mushy peas and a welcome serving of curry sauce on the side, too.
The Lakes, Emirates Hills; 04 454 2638; www.reformsocialgrill.ae
Geales
For those looking for something a bit more upscale, Geales is bound to impress. Established in 1939 in the UK as a neighbourhood fish restaurant, it comes as no surprise that its Dubai chapter, located at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, offers three options – cod, hammour and haddock. You can choose your batter (tempura, chilli or lemon and black pepper) and gluten-free options are available on request.
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai; 04 316 5550; geales-dubai.com
ABU DHABI
The Chippy
This chip shop opened to much fanfare in February, offering an authentic experience by importing its potatoes and fish from Northern Ireland. The menu is bursting with classic offerings, from fresh cod to haddock and scampi, plus pies, sides, sauces and gravy – and even the divisive deep-fried Mars bar. You can also find a selection of Irish and British products in-store for sale.
Reem Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 444 7066; thechippyuae.com
Fouquet's
An upscale French restaurant might not the the first place you have in mind when searching for a chippy fix, but the UAE outlet of this famed Paris brasserie serves up just that. It's a little more debonair than your usual newspaper-wrapped dish, but worth a try if you fancy branching out a bit. Here, you'll find fish served alongside gribiche, a mayonnaise-style cold egg sauce, split pea puree and 'coin de rue' chips.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 205 4200; fouquetsabudhabi.com
McGettigan’s
With branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, McGettigan's is undoubtedly a favourite for classic British, Irish and Scottish dishes. A much-loved item on their menu is the fish and chips, served with tartare sauce, mushy peas and a lemon wedge, not to mention those signature chunky chips.
Venues across the UAE; mcgettigans.com
RAS AL KHAIMAH
The Codfather
This Irish-owned chip shop brings together typical British fare, including cod and chips and roast dinners, with more niche offerings. "We are offering items that you would get back home in Ireland like the Chinese 3-in-1 and spice bag," the owners told The National last year. The former is a Chinese style chicken curry, egg fried rice and chips, while the second, apparently the shop's most popular choice, is chips served with fried onions, peppers, chilli and chicken.
Pier One, Al Hamra Marina, Ras Al Khaimah; 052 569 7781; thecodfather.ae
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