Smiths Authentic British Fish and Chips
Last Thursday, I found out just how little I knew about fish and chips. Or rather, while it may seem pretty obvious that you can pretty much batter any kind of fish on earth, I had blithely assumed that humans stuck to two to three kinds. How wrong I was.
Pickled Gherkin, Onion and Egg, $2 each
I hadn't even known about how essential pickles were to the British take on Fish and Chips. Apart from the usual gherkin pickles, Smiths also offers pickled onions and eggs. The pickled egg was particularly fascinating, with the yolk so huge it was at least 90% of the entire egg! The tangy flavour really went well with the battered fish, too.
Fish and Chips, $12.50 - $24
It would be ridiculously tricky to identify the fish based on pictures so I won't attempt to make a fool of myself here. Altogether, there were 5 kinds of fish on offer. Dory's the basic option at $12.50. If you'd like something a little firmer, go for the Haddock ($13.50, $17) or Halibut ($24). Between the two, the Haddock tasted more neutral, with the Halibut having more of a (lightly) acquired taste.
Fish and Chips, $12.50 - $24
If you belong to the camp for soft, melt-in-your-mouth fish, go for the Cod ($14, $18) or Plaice ($18). While the Cod tasted more neutral, the Plaice was sweet, delicate and had just the faintest hint of anchovies. Owner, Paul, had warned us that Plaice and Halibut were "love it or hate it" types - he was quite right, Plaice was hands down my favourite that night!
Mushy Peas, Baked Beans, Gravy, Curry, $2 each
The chips/fries were definitely hand cut, and tasted especially great doused in vinegar (which, by the way, is imported from the UK and mixed in house). Sides of mushy peas, baked beans, gravy and curry (infused with apples) were also available, if you'd like to mix some greens into dinner.
San Miguel, $8
No fish and chips dinner is complete without some beer (Boddingtons, San Miguel and Stella).
Salmon Fishcakes, $7.50 for 2, Sausages (with or without batter), $8.50
The batter extended to Salmon Fishcakes too, and Sausages, which tasted decent, although they couldn't quite hold a candle to good ol' battered fishes.
Chicken and Mushroom Pie, Beef and Guinness Pie, $8.50 each
What you shouldn't miss, really, is Smiths' pies - really fantastic stuff. Actually, skip those sides/gravies and get one of these pies. The Beef and Guinness pie was especially flavourful and just excellent. One of the best pies I've had in Singapore, for sure.
Battered Mars Bars, $6, Battered Pineapple Rings, $3.50
The Battered Mars Bars and Pineapple Rings were actually pretty good - no surprises here, tasted exactly as you would have imagined them to taste. Although these are clearly not everyday indulgences and most certainly meant to be shared. Phew, time for a run!
Recommendations: Fish and Chips (especially Plaice), Beef and Guinness Pie, Chicken and Mushroom Pie, Pickled Eggs, Battered Mars Bars
Smiths, Authentic British Fish and Chips
230 Tanjong Katong Road,
Singapore 437018
Tel: (65) 6345 9855
271 Bukit Timah Road,
#01-02 Balmoral Plaza,
Singapore 259708
Tel: (65) 6737 9313
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disappointed by a once humble blog that has gone down the way of invited tastings.
ReplyDeletehey anon, I'm sad to hear you say this. I see where you're coming from but my views are still independent and honest. Besides, I have no intentions to let tastings overshadow my usual posts. Keep checking back!
DeleteI have a hard time telling each fish is each too. By the way believe in the path you have chosen, stay truth to the love of food and sharing more new places and food to your readers.
ReplyDeleteThanks Derrick (:
DeleteHave you tried a nicer alternative to lao ban beancurd? In my opinion, this is the best as their flavours are made from fresh fruit!
ReplyDeleteHappy Boy Soya Bean
Thanks to you for published this blog.