People have been grumbling about the prices at certain fish-and-chip shops in a nearby coastal village. But as one wise pundit put it: go buy the hake yourself, fry the chips yourself — then come back and complain about paying almost R100 for the whole parcel.
Because yes, your rand will be fried to a crisp when you buy fish and chips these days.
Fish simply isn’t as abundant as it was 40 or 50 years ago. Add the health trend — people feel better about the “fish” part, which helps them justify the chips — and you get strong demand for something that’s no longer cheap to source.
I don’t have a favourite fish-and-chip shop because there are many, and my choice depends entirely on where I am and what my taste demands in the moment.
In Fish Hoek, the Pakistani-run fish shops offer reasonably priced (though not cheap) alternatives to the old stalwarts that have been around for donkey’s years.
The important thing is to avoid the tourist traps — Hout Bay and Simon’s Town being prime examples — unless you’ve got a wallet as long as an eel.
Kalk Bay Harbour has two fish and chip shops but people complain that the fish and chips from one of them is too oily. Yet, both places are usually full which means they must be doing something right.
Fish Hoek Fisheries is a convenient stop because you can eat your parcel on the beach or, on a cold and windy day, in your car.
One place that truly surprised me was Fish Hook in Darrenwood, Johannesburg. The original Chinese owner ran a tight ship, produced superb fish, and passed the shop on before moving to Canada. The new owners assured me nothing has changed — and the quality proves them right.
A Few Other Mentions:
These I can’t personally vouch for, but people speak well of them:
• Durban: The Fish Plaice
• Bloemfontein: Classic Fish and Chips
• Kimberley: Old Style Fish & Chips
And yes, we mustn’t forget Fishaways, which many swear by — though where I live now, there isn’t one in sight.
If you think fish and chips are expensive in South Africa, consider the UK:
£10–£12 is standard for cod or haddock and chips, and some London shops charge over £20. A typical portion in mid-2024 sat around £9.88 — more than 50% higher than in 2019. Energy prices, import costs, and inflation have all done their damage.
If you enjoy fish and chips — then treat yourself. It’s not an everyday meal for most people. Maybe once a week, if that.
But for the truly great experience, buy a good piece of fresh hake from a reputable fishmonger — Fish Hoek Fisheries, or Seven Seas in Johannesburg — fry it yourself, make your own chips, and enjoy the unbeatable taste of fresh, home-cooked fish and chips.
