The tradition of buying and sharing paper-wrapped bundles of battered fish and fried chips is deep-rooted in Australian culture – for many, it is part of growing up and a Friday night institution.
Greek migrant Athanasias Comino is often credited with introducing the takeaway meal in Australia, opening our first fish and chip shop in 1879 on Sydney’s Oxford Street. Last year, there were an estimated more than 4000 fish and chips shops across the country.
Whether you are looking for a takeaway fix or to dine in at your favourite seafood restaurant, there is a fish and chip option to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are five to net your catch next Friday:
Bringing exotic dishes and flavours to the table, Sydneysiders head to Beehive Café Restaurant on Wongala Crescent in Beecroft to meet, greet and eat. Soak up the sun alfresco on balmy days or head indoors to join a lively buzz of conversation in a warm and welcoming vibe ideal for lingering over breaky, lunch or dinner with family and friends.
Drop in on a Friday night to devour Atlantic salmon, coated with citrus soy glaze, on a quinoa, avocado, pumpkin, coriander and rocket salad; or hook a plate of pan-fried garlic and herb barramundi, topped with olive, tomato and caper salsa, served with beer-battered chips and fresh salad..
A beloved watering hole and gathering place since 1862, The Mansfield Hotel on High Street holds a significant place in the town’s heart. At the epicentre of Victoria’s magnificent High Country, this hotel has a classic wraparound verandah overseeing the street, while a century-old Pink Oak tree in the courtyard provides shade and a story or two for both locals and visitors.
With a focus on local and seasonal food and wine, expect pub classics such as Pale Ale battered fish, housemade tartar sauce, salad and chips; or go up a notch with crispy skinned barramundi, massaman curry sauce, Asian greens and fragrant rice, before a decadent dessert of Oreo chocolate cheesecake, chocolate mousse and choc chip ice cream to finish.
Soak up the sunshine and tropical breezes at new taphouse and dining destination The Nautical on Ocean Street in Maroochydore. Located in the Big Top Shopping Centre, relax alfresco and people watch during the day while at night fairy lights twinkle to set the scene for memorable meals; indoors oozes a sleek vibe of a curved tiled bar, a lifeboat light fitting, potted greenery and white table settings.
Set sail for happy shores with craft beer-battered saltwater barramundi, truffle chips and tartar sauce, or sustainably sourced local market fish, with seasonal vegetables and chips; finish by netting a dessert of beer syrup dumplings and whipped vanilla bean mascarpone.
Country goodness, one plate at a time, is what you’ll find at Woomargama Hotel on Woomargama Way in Holbrook. Located just off the Hume Highway in Southern NSW, this classic watering hole is rich in history and the perfect place to stop when travelling through the region to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest and refuel at the dining room from a rustic menu celebrating local, farm-fresh ingredients.
Bait the hook with a shared starter of salt and pepper calamari and citrus aioli, before anchoring your meal with grilled salmon, soba noodles, Asian greens and bok choy, or a seafood basket with chips, salad and tartar sauce; chocolate pudding, chocolate ganache and vanilla ice cream complete a marine-inspired meal.
From farm gate to back paddock, Wild Food Farm and Café on Rhyll-Newhaven Road in Rhyll showcases the potential of Australia’s amazing variety of native herbs, spices, fruits and berries. Visit the family-friendly homestead café, rainforest atrium events space, picnic parklands and native food trail; before heading to the gift and produce store, packed with treats inspired by a unique range of flavours and fragrances.
From barramundi spring rolls, aniseed myrtle and desert lime sweet chilli sauce to lemon myrtle tempura-battered fillets, with finger lime tartar, crispy chips and salad, there is a dish on the menu to tempt all tastes, paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, apple cider, or Gordon’s Pink Gin and soda.
