Get hooked on a spiritual taste of England
ENGLAND has never been renowned in the world for its gourmet sophistication but to its natives, a traditional Sunday roast, cooked breakfast and fish and chips represents the holy trinity of food.
Sadly, conventional British fare in Shanghai’s exotic culinary metropolis has been in short supply — until now.
Fish+ has dominated the kitchen and dining area of the popular BnC bar on Xikang Road near Changping Road, and turned it into a quintessential fish and chips restaurant but with so much more.
The facade, or sliding entrance doorway, is a tribute to the symbolic red outdoor British telephone box. The walls are adorned with pictures of well-known celebrities, themes and iconic images from Blighty’s cultural past.
And close your eyes for a moment and the evocative aroma sends you back to an English seaside resort or a working class urban inner city, the origin or birthplace of fish and chips.
The façade, or sliding entrance doorway, is a tribute to the symbolic red outdoor British telephone box.
The first “chippy” appeared in the 1860s. Both southerners and northerners contest to giving birth to the first takeaway fish and chip shop. Those in London believe Joseph Malin established the first one, while others say John Lees in Mossley, Lancashire, lays claim to the world’s first fast-food takeaway. Regardless, what a gift they gave to the world. And Fish+ is upholding that golden legacy in Shanghai.
The restaurant will have expats from all over the city flocking to try the British fare for a nostalgic taste of home.
“Five friends thought it would be a good idea to give Shanghai something a bit different,” said Harry Spencer, one of the investors and former owner at Mr Harry, a British restaurant on Nanjing Road E.
“Fish and chips is the first thing most people think of when they hear the term British food. But the real thing just wasn’t available in Shanghai. With Fish+ we wanted to keep it simple.
“The location is at the front of a well-loved Shanghai institution, BnC bar, a popular hangout for expats and Chinese revelers. Shanghai is a challenging place to operate, but with the location, Fish+ and BnC can both benefit from each other’s businesses and create synergy.”
There are several delicious dishes, plates and sides and sauces to choose from, but the Iceland cod, which is served on a mock British newspaper, adding to the authenticity, is a food nirvana.
The large fish was moist, light and flaky, while the beer-battered coating just melted in your mouth. The chips were big and meaty, smaller and longer than a wedge, but larger and fatter than the traditional chip or French fry — and there were plenty of them.
Also included on the menu is vegan fish, succulent salmon and appetizing king prawns, while the restaurant caters for parties and offers discounts.
As for the future, Fish+ is keen to spread the gospel.
“We will always keep fish and chips true to our core,” said Spencer. “But we have a bread crumb coating for the fish instead of batter, new sauces and massive sharing platters. We have also just introduced a traditional English breakfast with real back bacon and plan to serve a Sunday roast.
“If the response is good, we may look to expand into fast food venues in the future, but for now it’s all about giving people a solid place to relax, make friends and refuel on Britain’s finest food. If you want the real thing, there is only one place to come.”
What are you waiting for?
Traditional fish and chips at Fish+.
Info
Opening hours: 11am-9pm
Tel: 18202115734
Address: 685 Xikang Rd
Average price: 80 yuan
