The British government safeguarded the supply of fish and chips during the First World War and again in the Second World War. It was one of the few foods in the UK not subject to rationing during the wars, which further contributed to its popularity.

Many food historians say that a Jewish cook, a young Ashkenezi immigrant named Joseph Malin, opened the first chippy in 1860 in London. The shop was so successful that it remained in business until the 1970s. And up near Manchester, the fish and chip stand opened by John Lees was doing a brisk business by 1863.

Generally, the fish in fish-n-chips is cod or haddock. In the UK, pub diners are used to plaice in their fish-n-chips, but plaice is generally not available in the US. Tilapia is becoming a popular fish for the dish given its light texture and subtle flavors.

Fried fish first came to the UK via Spain and Portugal as a dish known as pescado frito, brought by Western Sephardic Jews who settled in England. These families loved the taste of home – the light, crispy batter fried to a golden brown and flavoured with garlic powder, paprika, lemon, salt, and pepper.