Posted on April 19th, 2024 by Ronel
Although history states Britain’s first commercial fish and chips meal was sold in London around 1860, the Portuguese invented this combo in the 15th century. As for the second component of this culinary favourite, the credit for its invention appears to belong to the Belgians.
It seems that, in 1860, the river Meuse froze over, leaving the locals unable to catch any fish. Instead, the women carved potatoes into the shape of fish and fried them in oil to feed their families, a meal born of necessity.
Today, the French are known for their pommes frites or, as we know them, French fries, while the combination of mussels and chips (Moules Frites) is the much-loved national dish of the Belgian people. The truth is, with or without potatoes, seafood has always been the culinary mainstay of islanders and coastal dwellers.
The Japanese like it with rice, and sushi bars can now be found in cities worldwide. However, few can compete with the variety of fish and the many different ways of cooking them developed over the centuries by the people of mainland Greece and the Greek Islands.
Despite its rich and flavourful history, a Greek-inspired South African seafood restaurant is refreshing the fish and chips meal to reflect the spirit of Mediterranean dining.
Around 29 years ago, a family of Greek immigrants in South Africa started a culinary revolution that has since spread to the far corners of the planet. Their idea was to create a unique dining experience, combining Greek cuisine with the brand of hospitality for which both Greeks and South Africans are renowned worldwide. Despite their talent, hard work and enthusiasm, they could not have anticipated the extent of their success.
The Lazarides family opened their first seafood restaurant in Delmas, a small farming town about 70 kilometres from Pretoria, South Africa. Today, you can enjoy a fish and chips meal in 17 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Malta, Saudia Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and many more.
The good news for Britain is that there are now two branches of this top-rated restaurant in the outer London region, and this is only the start. One is in Bromley, and the other is in Kingston upon Thames. However, inside, both are distinctly Greek and South African.
For a start, a waitron will take your order at your table and deliver it to you, a service that has become increasingly rare in Britain in recent years. Secondly, you will be greeted and treated like family and encouraged to relax, chat and have fun in the true Mediterranean dining style. However, I’ve saved the best bit for last.
Naturally, you can have a cod fillet with your chips, but if you have never tasted Cape hake, you’re in for a treat. Or how about some grilled Scottish salmon? You won’t find that at your local chippie. Once you check our menu and spot the delectable king prawns, calamari and seafood platters, you may just forget about a delicious fish and chips meal and opt for a more elaborate seafood feast instead.
But why talk about these tasty Greek seafood dishes when you could be enjoying them? Treat yourself! Click here to book a table and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at an Ocean Basket seafood restaurant.
