What to Serve with Fish and Chips? 13 Best Side Dishes

We all know that fish and chips are like the ultimate comfort food, right? (a classic British dish of battered fried white fish-often cod or haddock-served with deep-fried potatoes)

But hold on-what do we serve with this classic dish?

Finding the perfect side dish can really take our meal to the next level. Do we stick with good old-fashioned mushy peas, or maybe a zesty coleslaw?

Every time we chow down on fish and chips, we can't help but reminisce about our favorite add-ons. From tangy tartar sauce to some good ol' vinegar, this is where we get to be a little creative.

Grab a seat-let's chat about the best sides to complement our crispy delights!

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Top 13 Side Dishes for Fish and Chips

Here are our top 13 picks for side dishes to serve with fish and chips:

Dish	Main Ingredients	Flavor	Difficulty	Time
Mushy Peas	Peas, mint, butter	Savory, fresh	Easy	15 mins
Tartar Sauce	Mayo, pickles, capers, lemon	Tangy, creamy	Easy	10 mins
Pickled Onions	Red onions, vinegar, sugar	Tangy, crunchy	Easy	24 hrs
Coleslaw with Lemon Dressing	Cabbage, carrots, lemon, mayo	Tangy, fresh	Easy	15 mins
Minted Pea Salad	Peas, mint, olive oil	Fresh, herby	Easy	10 mins
Curry Sauce	Curry powder, onions, tomatoes	Spicy, savory	Medium	25 mins
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest	Asparagus, lemon, olive oil	Fresh, tangy	Easy	15 mins
Sweet Potato Fries	Sweet potatoes, olive oil, seasoning	Sweet, savory	Medium	30 mins
Bread and Butter Pickles	Cucumbers, vinegar, sugar	Sweet, tangy	Easy	24 hrs
Tomato and Cucumber Salad	Tomatoes, cucumbers, vinegar, herbs	Fresh, tangy	Easy	10 mins
Baked Beans	Beans, molasses, brown sugar, bacon	Sweet, smoky	Medium	50 mins
Potato Wedges with Garlic Aioli	Potatoes, garlic, mayo	Savory, creamy	Medium	30 mins
Scalloped Potatoes	Potatoes, cream, cheese	Creamy, cheesy	Medium	45 mins

1 - Mushy Peas

Mushy peas, the green mash that might look like a mystery, are a classic side (traditionally made from marrowfat peas). They're soft and creamy, perfect for pairing with fish and chips.

A sprinkle of salt works wonders here.

Some people like to toss in mint for an extra kick. Mushy peas shine with vinegar-just a dash transforms them!

They might seem simple, but they bring comfort to the table.

2 - Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is that creamy condiment we didn't know we needed. It's like a cool buddy alongside fish and chips.

This mix of mayo, pickles, and spices balances everything out (creamy and tangy). It's simple, quick to whip up, and we can adjust it to our liking.

Throw in some capers or a dash of lemon juice for a twist. Trust us, it works wonders!

Tartar sauce also shines on sandwiches, and for richer sauce pairings try bearnaise sauce side ideas.

3 - Pickled Onions

Ever taste a pickled onion and wonder why we waited so long? These crunchy morsels add zing to everything.

They're tart, sweet, and punchy-perfect alongside fish and chips or on tacos (made quickly with vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt).

Trying them on sandwiches? Instant upgrade!

You can whip these up in a snap with vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar.

We should also mention: they look pretty cool on a plate. They make any meal pop.

So, don't skip the pickled onions; they're a must-have side-also see liver and onions side suggestions.

4 - Coleslaw with Lemon Dressing

Coleslaw is like that refreshing friend at a picnic-crunchy, tangy, and keeping it real. We can whip up a killer slaw with just a few ingredients.

Shredded cabbage and carrots are a must (use thinly sliced cabbage from the Brassica family).

It brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of fish and chips, and for citrus-forward pairings try lemon pound cake side picks.

Don't skip on the seasoning! A pinch of salt and pepper ties it all together.

We can even toss in some apple for added crunch.

5 - Minted Pea Salad

Minted pea salad is like springtime on a plate. Those bright green peas are little studs in this dish.

Fresh mint adds a zesty kick we didn't know we needed (fresh Mentha leaves work best).

Throw in some feta for creaminess. It's a useful.

We can whip it up fast; it's that simple. The mix of sweet peas and minty goodness is a vibe.

This salad pairs great with fish and chips, and for bolder Tex‑Mex choices see taco salad side suggestions.

6 - Curry Sauce

Curry sauce, spicy magic in a bowl! We can count on this sauce to add serious flavour.

It's smooth, creamy, and ready to take our fish and chips to a whole new level (usually made from a spice blend including turmeric, cumin, and coriander).

Douse it on for extra zing or dip our crispy pieces into it, and for more curry-friendly sides try katsu curry side ideas.

We can even mix in some coconut milk for a unique twist.

It's all about the balance of spices to keep it fun!

7 - Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Grilled asparagus is the veggie side that surprises us every time. It's just so easy to whip up.

We toss some asparagus on the grill, drizzle on olive oil, and sprinkle salt (trim woody ends and grill 3-5 minutes until charred). The char adds depth and that perfect grill flavor.

Add a bit of lemon zest for brightness. It makes it pop like confetti at a party!

Great for fish and chips or any dish needing a veggie boost. Plus, it looks fancy on the plate.

8 - Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are crispy, sweet, and way better than regular fries. They give us that satisfying crunch, while adding a hint of sweetness.

Baking them gets the out-of-the-oven goodness without the oil splatters (try 425°F/220°C for 20-25 minutes). Season them with paprika or cinnamon for some fun.

We can dip them in anything from ketchup to spicy mayo and call it a day.

These little gems steal the spotlight every time. Pair them with burgers or fish and chips for a twist.

9 - Bread and Butter Pickles

Ever snap into a bread and butter pickle and think, "What is this magic?" These tangy-sweet slices jazz up any plate real quick (made from cucumbers pickled in vinegar, sugar, and spices). They bring a nice crunch and a pop of flavour.

Add them to sandwiches or just munch on them straight from the jar. They give our meals that extra zing.

Store them in the fridge for a refreshing snack later. Got leftovers?

They keep well; they won't last long, though. Just saying!

10 - Tomato and Cucumber Salad

It's tomato and cucumber salad! This duo is crunchy and juicy, providing a cool contrast to hot food.

Chop up fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. A sprinkle of salt and a dash of vinegar boosts flavor in no time (about 1 teaspoon salt to 2 tablespoon vinegar per 4 cups veggies).

We can even toss in some herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop. This salad is super versatile; it brightens up any meal.

Plus, it's such a quick fix for busy days.

11 - Baked Beans

Baked beans-hot or cold, they're always a good side! These little guys are filling and tasty.

They add a nice sweetness to fish and chips (often from brown sugar or molasses in the sauce).

The beans simmer in a rich sauce and soak up all that flavor. Keep them simple or jazz them up with spices.

We can throw in some bacon or a splash of hot sauce for fun.

They warm our bellies, whether at a picnic or on a cozy night in. Super easy to make when we need a quick fix!

12 - Potato Wedges with Garlic Aioli

Potato wedges with garlic aioli are the side we didn't know we needed. They're crispy, hearty, and perfect for dipping.

We bake or air-fry these guys for a healthier crunch. Garlic aioli?

It's so creamy and rich (traditionally made from egg yolk emulsified with olive oil and garlic).

Our secret? Add a dash of lemon juice to the aioli for zing.

We can also spice it up with some chili flakes for fun.

These wedges pair well with pretty much anything. Perfect for parties or a chilled night at home.

13 - Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are pure comfort. They're creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-rich.

We can layer thinly sliced potatoes with cheese and milk for a satisfying experience (about 2 cups milk for 2 pounds of potatoes).

Bake until bubbly and golden. Pro tip: a bit of garlic powder adds a nice kick.

These are perfect as a side for fish and chips or any protein.

We also appreciate that leftovers heat up well, making them great for quick meals. They can also be customized with herbs or bacon!