Phuong Khanh: Hello, we’re Thanh Ha and Phuong Khanh. Welcome to “Food Delight” with interesting facts about global cuisine to enrich your menu.

Thanh Ha: OMG I have just found the food of my life.

Phuong Khanh: And….that is….?

T.H.: Fish and chips. I am telling you this, if you are about to survey ten people from ten different countries on the first three things that come to mind when they think of the UK, I bet that the top three answers would be tea, the Royal Family and, most importantly, fish and chips.

Photo: The Independent

P.K.: Why are you so crazy about it?

T.H.: Really? Fish that is deep-fried in a crispy batter served with fat golden chips or also known as French fries on the side? It’s the best. And today I brought Callum Bacon, an English food lover. I really need you guys to know about this dish.

P.K.: Hi Callum, please tell us what to prepare.

Callum: A good fish and chips requires good ingredients. The UK’s favorite fish is still cod, and haddock is the second favorite. When it comes to the chip, a floury potato is the best, I don’t like waxy potatoes, because they often result in greasy chips. The perfect and traditional fat for frying both the fish and the chips is beef drippings or lard. Both give a crisper and tastier chip and fish batter. However, cooking fish and chips in vegetable or corn oil is now commonplace as it is healthier and more available.

P.K.: How to get the dish done?

Callum: Easy.You will need potatoes, peeled, cut into strips, cod fillet, egg, milk, black pepper, baking powder, and some all-purpose flour. Place potatoes in a bowl of cold water. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk and egg, stir until the mixture is smooth. Let that mixture stand for 20 minutes. Preheat the oil in a large pot or electric skillet to about 170 degrees C. Fry the potatoes in the hot oil until they are tender. Drain them on paper towels. Dredge the fish in the batter, one piece at a time, and place them in the hot oil. Fry until the fish is golden brown. If necessary, increase the heat to maintain the 175 degrees C temperature. Drain well on paper towels. Fry the potatoes again for 1 to 2 minutes for added crispness.

P.K.: That’s really like a fast food right?

Callum: Kind of. I can say that deep-fried fish and chips are not considered a healthy meal. But it is better for you than other fast food options. Fish and chips have less fat and calories than the average pizza, or a Big Mac meal with medium fries. That’s why despite the threat from pizza and burgers, fish and chips remain the nation’s favorite takeaway dish. They are the ultimate takeaway dish.

P.K.: What are they served with?

Callum: In chip shops in most parts of Britain and Ireland, salt and vinegar are traditionally sprinkled over fish and chips at the time it is served. The classic condiment for fish and chips is mayonnaise. Vinegar with a sprinkle of salt is not bad. And mushy peas are also traditional on the side. The only other sauces considered suitable are a splash of ketchup.

P.K.: Sounds good. I will definitely put them in menu and maybe this weekend is perfect for meeting up and try to make this dish. What do you say, B?

T.H.: I would love to. And Callum, do you want to join us?

Callum: Of course.

P.K.: We hope this will be a wonderful addition to your menu. Please let us know if our recipes work for you. Follow us on our Facebook Fanpage - VOV5 English Service - or email us at englishsection@vov.org.vn. We love hearing from you. Goodbye.