On a scorching summer’s day, nothing hits the spot quite like golden, crisp battered fish with a hearty pile of thick-cut chips. It’s such a nostalgic meal for Aussies that we often forget it didn’t actually originate here. While the Brits usually claim credit for our favourite takeaway dish (they do love their salt and vinegar), it turns out Portugal is the true motherland of this dynamic duo. Regardless of where fish and chips were invented, we’re happy that you can find them at just about every waterside location across the country. But where exactly are the best fish and chips in Australia? Albany, it turns out!
This month, Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the peak body representing Australia’s seafood industry, hosted its second National Seafood Industry Awards. The event spotlights seafood businesses and industry heroes across the nation, with one of the night’s top honours going to the best takeaway fish and chips shop.
Hooked On Middleton Beach, located in Western Australia’s coastal city of Albany, reeled in the title of Australia’s Best Takeaway Fish and Chips in 2024, adding yet another accolade to its trophy shelf. The family-run business also won the same award at the WA Seafood Industry Awards earlier this year, beating out Stanley Seafoods in Tasmania and Fisheries on the Spit in Queensland for the national crown.
Not just a “fish and chip restaurant”, Hooked is a celebration of the sea, serving up the freshest daily catches from local fishermen in Albany, Denmark and Bremer Bay. A classic fish and chips here will set you back just $17, with your fish available lightly battered and fried, or grilled with a choice of lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning. A generous portion of thick, crispy chips seals the deal, and for a touch of nostalgia, you can throw in a pineapple fritter or Chiko roll. The best part? You can stroll five minutes to Middleton Beach for a sundown session with your takeaway in tow.
Another highly anticipated award was the Best Seafood Restaurant in Australia, which went to family-owned Hursey Seafoods in Stanley, Tasmania. What sets these guys apart is that they source the state’s best wild-caught seafood directly from their own fleet of red fishing vessels. A show-stopping seafood platter for two presents all their signature catches, including grilled, crumbed or battered gummy flake and striped trumpeter, alongside scallops, salt and pepperberry squid, oysters, marinated octopus, chips, salad and sauce – all of which you can savour while soaking up views of the bay.
You can check out the rest of the winners at the National Seafood Industry Awards here.
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