We all know that fish and chips are like the ultimate comfort food, right? It’s crispy, it’s flaky, and it’s basically a hug on your plate. 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!
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
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Mushy peas, the green mash that might look like a mystery, are a classic side. 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. 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!
Got leftovers? Tartar sauce also shines on sandwiches!
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.
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!
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.
For a twist, let’s splash some lemon dressing in there. It brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of fish and chips.
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 vibrant green peas are little studs in this dish. Fresh mint adds a zesty kick we didn’t know we needed.
Throw in some feta for creaminess. It’s a game-changer.
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. It’s cool, refreshing, and totally compliments the crispy goodness.
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.
Douse it on for extra zing or dip our crispy pieces into it. A dash of lime juice can brighten everything up. 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
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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. 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. 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
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Ever snap into a bread and butter pickle and think, “What is this magic?” These tangy-sweet slices jazz up any plate real quick. 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
Ever wondered what makes a salad refreshing? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.