New research from food box delivery service, HelloFresh, reveals the UK’s favourite fish and chip shop orders. A survey of 2,000 UK adults uncovers distinct preferences across the nation, from the obvious popularity of cod to the classic debate between choosing pie or battered sausage.
The study found that chips remain an undisputed favourite, ordered as a main dish by a staggering 79% of Brits surveyed when at the chip shop. Cod takes the top spot nationally as the most popular fish chosen by almost two thirds (63%) of respondents, followed by over two-fifths (42%) of people opting for haddock; food experts at HelloFresh suggest this could be down to cod’s slightly milder taste.
Top 10 UK Fish & Chip Orders
| Food item | Overall UK (%) | Most Popular in This City |
| Top 10 Main Orders | ||
| Chips | 79% | Southampton |
| Cod | 63% | Sheffield |
| Haddock | 42% | Leeds |
| Battered Sausage | 35% | Southampton |
| Fishcakes | 29% | Liverpool |
| Pie (any filling) | 26% | Liverpool |
| Chip Butty | 19% | Leeds |
| Scampi | 16% | Liverpool |
| Cheesy Chips | 16% | Glasgow |
| Beef Burger | 15% | Belfast |
| Top 5 Sides | ||
| Curry Sauce | 42% | Liverpool |
| Mushy Peas | 41% | Liverpool |
| Vinegar | 38% | Cardiff |
| Salt | 37% | Cardiff |
| Gravy | 25% | Liverpool |
The survey highlighted some interesting demographic insights. The main one being that older generations prefer a classic order. Cod and chips are most popular among older customers, with four in five (80%) of 55-65+ year olds choosing this for their Friday night supper.
However, it’s clear that younger adults are not adverse to trying new flavours as almost two-fifths (38%) of 25-34 year olds opt for fishcakes. However, the classic chip butty also remains a strong favourite in this age group with over a quarter (26%) ordering this from their local fish and chip shop.
The survey results also highlight an interesting disparity on gender preferences, with men showing a slightly higher favouring to traditional fish options like cod (66% of men vs 60% of women) and haddock (48% of men vs 38% of women). While scampi proves to be a slightly more popular choice for women (16% of women vs 15% of men).
It is also clear to see that Liverpool loves a saucy side to accompany their main dish, with curry sauce, mushy peas and gravy being enjoyed by the highest percentage of respondents in this location. And the research shows that Cardiff wouldn’t dream of having their fish supper without lashings of salt and vinegar.
Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh, comments,
“Fish and chips are a cornerstone of British culinary tradition, and it’s fascinating to see how preferences change across different regions. This research really highlights the UK’s love of chips and often a classic order at the chip shop of fish as opposed to something like a burger or pie. While fish and chips is often associated with a trip to the seaside, it’s interesting to see that a chippy tea is enjoyed across the UK, salty sea air or not.
“At HelloFresh, we’ve got a number of delicious fish and chip recipes to try. From double-cooked salt and vinegar chips to Southern American sea bass and even homemade tartar sauce, there’s everything you need for the perfect Friday night dinner.”
For more fish recipes, visit the HelloFresh website.