Nation’s chip shop favourites are revealed and cod roe is making a comeback

As Friday, June 6, marks National Fish and Chip Day, a new nationwide survey of fish and chip shop owners across the UK were asked about the availability and popularity of regional menu staples, and the results paint a vivid picture of Britain’s deep-fried DNA.

The survey, commissioned by 555 Amanda and the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), has revealed the most popular regional delicacies served up at fish and chip shops across the UK.

The surprising result is that cod roe has been rated as “very popular” by 18 per cent of fish and chip shop owners, particularly in the East of England, Southeast, Southwest, East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber and Northern Ireland.

While some regions remain hesitant, the data shows cod roe is experiencing a quiet revival.

Cod roe is rich in protein, packed with omega-3 oils and significantly more cost effective than some of its scaley rivals.

After fish and chips, scampi stands out as the UK’s most popular chip shop item, with 66pc of fish and chip shop owners marking it as a menu favourite.

After this the results show that just over a quarter of the nation is buying pineapple rings and saveloy.

Black pudding and cod roe show notable traction, challenging perceptions that its niche or outdated.

Pea fritters (22pc) and Yorkshire fishcake (13pc) also make a respectable showing across the UK, while white pudding (11pc) and faggots (10pc) reflect strong but more regionally concentrated support.

With 19pc of responses referencing unique “other” items, it’s clear that Britain’s chippy culture is as diverse and locally flavoured as ever.

In the East of England the offering is eclectic and even a little exotic.

Saveloy and cod roe appear consistently and fairly evenly spread, but it’s the surprising inclusion of pineapple rings that really sets this region apart.

Perhaps it’s the coastal influence or a cheeky nod to retro dining, either way, it’s clear the East isn’t afraid to have fun with its fryer.

In a time when food prices are rising and customers are paying closer attention to both nutrition and value; it’s no surprise that certain overlooked chip shop staples are making a quiet comeback.

And cod roe, once seen as a niche extra, is starting to turn heads again.

Andrew Crook, spokesperson for National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), said: “It’s great to see cod roe getting the recognition it deserves.

“For chippies, it’s a proper traditional item that’s affordable and high in protein, and clearly still loved by customers in many parts of the UK.

“At the NFFF, we’re always here to back shop owners and help them find ways to keep things fresh, profitable, and rooted in what makes our industry so special.”