This $50 fish and chips order detail ignites firestorm among customers: ‘Horrible lot it was’

The humble fish and chips is a quintessential Australian takeaway that evokes memories of sun-soaked afternoons by the beach and relaxed Friday nights at home. It's a simple pleasure that has long been a staple of Australian cuisine.

However, a recent incident involving a $50 fish and chips order has sparked a nationwide conversation about the quality and value of this beloved dish.



A woman's anticipation for a delicious meal turned to dismay when she received her $50 fish and chips order.

Expecting a feast fit for a family, she was instead greeted with a lacklustre spread that fell short of expectations.

The order, which she shared on social media, included a box of chips, two pieces of battered fish, calamari rings, a seafood stick, and potato scallops.


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A woman slammed this $50 fish and chips meal on social media. Credit: Facebook


Upon inspection, the woman found the food subpar, with yellow chips, burnt calamari, and an overall presentation that left much to be desired.

She lamented the loss of 'old school fish and chip shops' that once served up hearty and satisfying meals.
The post quickly resonated nationwide, sparking a wave of nostalgia for the traditional fish and chip shops of the past.

Many people chimed in with their own experiences, expressing disappointment with the current state of this classic takeaway option.

‘Yep. The old milk bar fish and chips were always the best. Now it’s hit and miss and pretty gross,’ one user wrote.

‘Hard to find a decent one now,’ while a third asked, ‘Honestly, what in the world has fish and chips come to?’

‘When I lived in [Australia] many years ago, my mum and dad swore that Aussie fish and chips were the best they’d ever had. I’m sure they were, too! I was only little but visited the chippy regularly,’ another added.

The conversation turned to the factors that might contribute to the decline in quality. Some speculated that the cooking oil used nowadays might be to blame for the unsatisfactory yellow hue of the chips.

Others suggested that location plays a crucial role, with shops closer to the sea generally offering fresher fare.

‘Welcome to the majority of Australian fish and chips. You have to go close to the sea where it’s fresh and cooked right, hopefully,’ one said.



This incident is not isolated. Another woman recently voiced her frustration over what she deemed a 'disgraceful' serving of hot chips that cost her $10 at a cafe on NSW's mid-North coast.

When she contacted the establishment, she was informed that serving sizes had been reduced due to the current economic climate.
Key Takeaways
  • An Australian customer expressed disappointment over a $50 fish and chips order, sharing her discontent on social media.
  • The quality and value of the meal were criticised, with a comparison made to the old school fish and chip shops.
  • The post resonated with many, sparking a sense of nostalgia and calls for a return to the quality of the past.
  • The incident is part of a wider conversation about Australia's rising costs and declining portions of takeaway food.
What's your take on the current state of fish and chips in Australia? Have you encountered similar disappointments, or do you have a local gem that keeps the tradition alive with pride? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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We brought fish , calamari and the yellow chips. The fish was normal . The yellow isn't a batter it's just the colour of the chips that are currently sold in alot of fish n chip shops in Sydney atm and they are horrible. I now look before I order.
My favourite food is hot chips

Additives and Colorants​

Some potato chip manufacturers add artificial colorants to enhance the yellow hue of their products. These colorants, typically derived from natural sources such as turmeric or paprika, can intensify the golden appearance of the chips.

Probably imported or poor-quality potato, I saw them a lot when ordering for aged care, refused to buy some brands for that reason.
 

Additives and Colorants​

Some potato chip manufacturers add artificial colorants to enhance the yellow hue of their products. These colorants, typically derived from natural sources such as turmeric or paprika, can intensify the golden appearance of the chips.

Probably imported or poor-quality potato, I saw them a lot when ordering for aged care, refused to buy some brands for that reason.
There are not any good quality Fish and Chip shops anymore like the beautiful Greek people I worked for as a kid. They cut their own potato chips in a chip cutter.
 
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I live in FNQ and ordered fish and chips from my local store, two pieces fish over cooked and a large serving of chips which I counted and ended up being 16 chips...27 dollars, I never went back and told them I would never be back. I go to a different shop 20 kilometers away, much better value and food and very much worth the drive to get almost what you pay for in this day and age of being ripped off ever where just because they think we're all fair game, well 4 years on I still have never been back.
I live in QLD, and we went to the fish & chip shop at the Harbour. Overcooked, overcharged, underfed. Never go back. There is a Family owned shop closer to the town center, which have yet to try.
 
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