The pairing of fish and chips has long been considered a British staple. The irresistible combination of a hunk of battered cod resting atop a mound of steaming hot chips (french fries in America) is the quintessential British comfort food.

While the exact origin isn't clear, it may be that the idea of pairing fried potato chunks with battered fish was the brainchild of a Jewish immigrant named Joseph Malin, who opened the first British “chippy” in London in 1863.

There are some, but they're not numerous. In San Francisco Chelsea Fish and Chips produces a very authentic British-style fish and chips, with very minimal batter, and salt and malt vinegar if you want it. Not the thick armor plated breading you often find on American “fish and chips” in restaurants.