Brit Fish And Chips Take On A New Flavour In Belgium

Belgium has fallen in love with Britons’ favourite culinary delight.

In the list of what British expats miss the most, fish ‘n chips comes in the top ten for some and as number one for many more, no matter where they’re living and working. Once sold wrapped in newspaper and often presented with a hefty helping of mushy peas, fish ‘n chips is now being upgraded to a culinary experience, especially in Belgium, a land already famous for its chips even although they’re usually served with mayonnaise!

Known in the UK as a filling supper for the working classes and usually washed down with a pint of beer, this humble plateful has now crossed the channel and is becoming ever more popular, thanks to the efforts of two enterprising British expats. Simon Whiteside and Barry Wallace were determined to introduce the great British tradition to Belgium, starting with one eatery in Brussels and following with two in Antwerp and a fourth in Leuven.

Unsurprisingly, all have proved popular with British and Irish expats as well as the Belgians themselves, expats from all over the EU and lawmakers from the EU parliamentary buildings. The Bia Mara eatery is an all-time favourite for its varied menu and its promise that the daily catch is of seasonal fish and comes directly from the North Sea via small-scale fishing suppliers. Innovative sauces, spices and flavoured tempura batter add a new dimension to the classic dish, and the famed Belgian beers complement its freshness.