Grease is the word.
It’s pretty much as Kiwi as you can get, and very few things will top a classic fish-n-chips-on-the-beach scenario. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a short guide to Auckland’s best fish n’ chip shops.
Greenwoods Fresh Catch
1 Pah Rd, Epsom
We don’t think anybody, ever, has been as passionate about perfecting fish and chips as chef Thomas Ng and his wife, Lilian Sng. Octogenarian Thomas handpicks his fresh fish at the markets and treats it, along with the other ingredients, with the utmost care. Batter is good but we also love the crumbed option. Orders are carefully packed into cartons to avoid sogginess, with wedges of lemon and mints for afters.
FishSmith
200 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay
Hot battered line-caught fish, cheese, shredded cabbage, tartare sauce and pickle inside a warm, squidgy bun — what’s not to like? Arms laden with fish suppers, burgers and tacos, make your way down to Sentinel Beach and watch the sun set from the boat shed ramp — BYO wine and picnic blanket. Vegetarian-friendly.
Mt Eden Village Fish Shop
438 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden
This iconic chippy, established in 1939, may have new owners, but the food hasn’t suffered — every portion is still fried to crisp, fatty perfection. A lunchtime special of fish with a handful of chips is best enjoyed outside, in nearby Tahaki Reserve, before a stroll up Maungawhau.
Fish and Friends
414 Titirangi Rd, Titirangi
Open Wednesday to Sunday nights for battered fish, hot chips, homemade pork sausage-hotdogs and gourmet Master Milkshakes. Order nine scoops of hand-cut, twice-cooked agria chips and your tenth scoop is free.
Marsic Bros
47 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes
They will cook your catch for you at this Glen Innes fish bar, but never mind if you haven’t caught anything, as the in-house offerings are vast. Especially good is the hot smoked salmon — lovely crumbled into cooked pasta with lemon and capers.
www.facebook.com/MarsicFishShop
Words: Kate Richards
Main photo: Nadia Lim
This article originally appeared on Noted.