Traditional Dishes | Fish & Chips

Fish and chips is very popular across Scotland, with an abundance of chip shops or 'chippies' bound, the best often found in coastal towns within sight of the fishing boats tied up in harbour. Deep-fried battered fish is the standard choice - when served with chips it's known as a 'fish supper', even if eaten at lunchtime - though everything from hamburgers to haggis suppers is normally on offer.

Most chippies, like Valante's in Kirkcaldy, are family run. Cod and haddock still constitute the definitive fish supper we love, although there's been an expansion in menus, which now traditionally include white or black pudding (one is oatmeal and pork sausage, the other is blood sausage) and the 'deep fried Mars bar' as well. Made before your eyes, fresh and hot in your hands ' it's an incomparable take-away feast. 

Some chippies to search out for are: 

Applecross Inn: Applecross, Wester Ross

The journey to Applecross alone is breathtaking, traveling on Britain's highest mountain pass road, Bealach na Ba to get there. The Applecross Inn boasts great seafood all year round, and is surpassed only by the excellent seafood barbeques they do in the summer.

Atlantic Fast Food: 155 Calder Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire

Provides a first class customer experience, combined with sustainable produce and quality fish and chips. Winner of the National Fish and Chip Awards 2009-10.

Deep Sea Restaurant: 81 Nethergate, Dundee

A Dundee institution, the Sterpaio family have been serving the best fish and chips since 1939, and maintain tradition in serving the dynamic duo the old fashioned way, with mushy peas and buttered bread by apron-clad waitresses.

Giacopazzi's: 18-20 Harbour Road, Eyemouth, Scottish Borders

Located right next to what's left of the Eyemouth fish market, Giacopazzi's has been serving superb fish and chips since 1900. They also boast award-winning ice cream, made on site.

Harry Ramsden's: Inshes Retail Park, Inverness

Although Harry Ramsden's is a nationally recognised restaurant chain, this branch in particular has won a number of awards for the quality of its food. Opened in 2000, it was the first drive-thru chippie in Scotland.

Land and Sea Fish and Chips: Main Street, Polmont, Falkirk

Scottish winner of the Best Fish and Chip Shop Award 2005, Land and Sea offers gluten-free fish and chips using the finest ingredients.

Peppo's: 53 Ladybridge Street, Arbroath, Angus

Angus may be well-known for its beef, but it also is one of the best areas for tasty fish. Located right next to Arbroath harbour,
you can be sure the fish is fresh. John and Frank Orsi have been trading in Arbroath since 1951 and have a solid reputation for quality food. Open only a few hours daily, Peppo's is a more discerning chippie than the after-pub variety.

Philadelphia Fish and Chicken Bar: 445 Great Western Road, Glasgow

No, we haven't mixed up our fish with the Philly cheese steak. The Philadelphia, owned by the same family as the highly rated Ristorante La Parmigiana, has been trading in the west end of Glasgow for more than 70 years. Although a little more expensive than most chippies, the quality of the food makes it worth paying that little bit extra.

Rapido: 79 Broughton Street, Edinburgh

If there was such a thing as a gastro-chippie, Rapido would certainly qualify. While serving traditional fish-and-chip-shop fare, it also boasts rather more exotic takeaway items, such as fresh paninis, calzone, pastas and a delectable assortment of cakes. There are vegetarian and vegan options as well.

Sandy's Fish Chips: 28 Market Square, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

Although more famously associated with the birth of the cardiac-inducing (just joking!), deep-fried Mars Bar, Sandy's serves big slabs of locally landed haddock. It's Mel Gibson's favourite chippie too ... apparently.

The Anstruther Fish Bar: 44 Shore Street, Anstruther, Fife

The long queues at the Anstruther during evenings and weekends prove this chip shop's popularity is not gained through idle boasting alone. Winner of Best in Scotland awards 2001 and 2002, 2006, 2007 and the National Fish and Chip Awards 2008-09.

The Fish & Chip Van: Fisherman's Pier, Tobermory Harbour, Mull

Open from April to October and famous among the yachting community, the fish and chip van is no ordinary chippy - a speciality is fresh scallops landed by the co-owner's son. There's no seating, but lobster creels do sterling service.

Townhead Cafe: 187 High Street, Biggar, Lanarkshire

It might not be a seaside establishment but this comfortable cafe is well worth a visit as the winner of the National Fish and Chip Awards in 2007-08.

Valente's: 73 Overton Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife

Usually always a queue, Valente's popularity is derived from the quality of the food it serves. Although a slight detour from the centre of town, it's well worth the trip.

West End Café and Chip Shop: 3 Gallowgate, Rothesay, Bute

The West End Café and Chip Shop is a two-time winner of the UK Best Fish and Chip Shop Award. A worthy destination for the hungry traveller. Only serves haddock, but the freshest you are likely to find.