A British Tradition Abroad
- Stephen Peel
- Jul 26
- 12 min read
Updated: Aug 2
THE CHIPPY SPIRIT IS ALIVE ON THE SPANISH COAST
CHIPS
A chip shop owner told me that along the Spanish coastline, potatoes were just that, potatoes. Most chippies didn’t give much thought to where they came from or which variety they were, as long as they could get them and chip them. That might sound a bit blasé, but in my experience, it didn’t seem to matter. Almost every chippy I visited served up chips that were plump,
crispy, and surprisingly full of flavour. Whatever they’re doing with those humble spuds out there, it’s working.
MUSHY PEAS
Except for just two out of the eight chippies I visited, the mushy peas were made in-house, and it showed. Thick, flavourful, and with barely a hint of artificial colouring, they were a real highlight. There was a gentle sweetness running through them, and the texture was spot on. These chippies knew how to turn simple peas into proper, comforting mush.
BATTERED FISH
All of our favourite UK chippy fish species were on offer, including cod, haddock, plaice and hake. I also had the chance to try Panga (Pangasius), a freshwater, often farmed fish, from Southeast Asia. While it was pleasant enough on the plate, I must admit that I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of fish being farmed in such regions, particularly in terms of water quality and sustainability. That said, with transparent and verifiable farming practices, I could be persuaded to give it a fairer hearing in future.
Make no mistake, we enjoy all sorts of international food wherever we are in the world, and in Spain we had plenty of time and appetite for one of our favourites – tapas. There’s nothing quite like a cold beer and a few small plates of local specialities and staples as the sun begins to dip over the Mediterranean.
THE ROAD TRIP
As part of my mission to champion traditional fish and chip shops across the UK, I got chatting with a family who were planning to relocate to southern Spain to open a chippy. They said that the costs of running a business in Britain had become unmanageable, and they felt abandoned by a government that no longer seemed to support small enterprises. Like many other people in the UK, they were also struggling with the rising cost of living.
Spain, however? At first, it seemed a bit drastic, but the more they spoke, the more it resonated. The truth is, my wife and I have often daydreamed about retiring to Spain ourselves at the point of retirement. Sunshine warming the bones, a possibly healthier pace of life, and a country still proudly holding onto its culture and traditions, sound good?
That conversation stayed with me. So, not long afterwards, my wife and I loaded up The Chippy Tour truck, packed a few suitcases, and set off from Cheshire to the Costa Blanca. Our plan? To review eight chip shops along mainland Spain's sunny coastline and see what life might feel like if we decided to make the move ourselves in the years to come. Great food, warm people, and fish and chips beside the Mediterranean, what could go wrong?
I created The Chippy Tour in 2024 as a way to support and promote our cherished traditional fish-and-chip shops. At the time of writing, I have reviewed 140 chippies nationwide, including those featured in this article. With my culinary background and the benefit of more time on my hands now that I'm in my sixties, I feel ideally positioned for this crusade.
THE CHIPPY TOUR TRUCK
The road trip sounded like a dream, but was the truck really up to the challenge? We're talking about a 4,000-mile round trip over a couple of weeks, covering a variety of terrain, including some off-roading and the occasional stretch of beach driving.
Well, having already taken the 2.2-litre Ford Ranger Limited from Cheshire in the UK down to southern Spain, and then across to Italy and Switzerland, it was more than capable.
Kitted out with the pullout table on runners, a brolly for wet weather or bright skies, an electric food warmer, stools, a tablecloth, cutlery and plenty of other items, it was loaded and ready for the road.
LET'S GO!
It was a long day battling the traffic between Cheshire and Folkestone, en route to the Channel Tunnel, yet the sense of excitement kept us going. Ideally, if money had been no object, we would've broken the journey with an overnight stay in Folkestone before crossing into France.
The train ride through the tunnel was effortless, quiet, smooth, and swift, and before we knew it, we were driving along the French coast towards our first night's rest in an Airbnb in Dieppe. With an estimated round trip of around 4,000 miles ahead, we had barely made a dent in our journey.
We spent a night in Pornic and another in Boucau. Both beautiful locations along France's stunning coastline, before crossing the border into Spain. After a long day's drive, we finally arrived at our first Spanish destination, where we enjoyed a wonderful evening in Denia. Airbnb accommodation featured throughout this trip: some places were excellent, others merely acceptable, and a few, frankly, rather dreadful.
JAVEA
The next morning, a beautifully warm and bright day in April 2025, I stopped by Jávea Fish & Chips, located on an exclusive and picturesque stretch of coastline. It was here I tasted Panga for the first time.
Situated in a prime location just a stone's throw from Jávea beach, the shop was attractively laid out, offering spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas. The premises were immaculate and well-presented, and the staff were genuinely warm, courteous, and welcoming.
The Panga (Pangasius), a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia and mainly farmed, was plump with a subtly pleasant flavour. It was encased in a crisp batter, though slightly undercooked in places. The chips were enjoyable overall, though a few were slightly overdone for my liking.
A small yet thoughtful selection of pickles and pickled eggs offered a nostalgic nod to traditional UK chippies.
The cod was impressively thick, coated in a well-balanced batter and bursting with flavour. The curry sauce stood out, rich, smooth, with a subtle kick. The mushy peas were spot on, hearty, thick, and reassuringly traditional.
MORAIRA
After a couple of restful nights at our villa in Denia, where we recuperated from the journey to the Costa Blanca, we moved on to another villa in Javea for three nights, which proved terrific. Having a private swimming pool was wonderful, although the water was a bit too chilly for us to enjoy fully.
Javea is a stunning, upmarket destination compared to many other locations along the Costa Blanca, with beautiful beaches, bars, and restaurants. However, our sights were set slightly farther along the coast, on a couple of popular chip shops in Moraira—another impressive and upscale area.
The first chippy review here was Fishy Fishy, just a short walk from the beachfront and adjacent to a substantial free car park. It was another beautiful, warm, and sunny day. While touring the Costa Blanca on behalf of The Chippy Tour, I'd heard a lot of good things about Fishy Fishy, so I made sure to include it in my visit, and I’m so glad I did.
Parking was no issue, with a large free car park conveniently situated just across the road between Fishy Fishy and the beach. The shop itself was well organised, with a classic, traditional chip shop atmosphere, complemented by additional outdoor dining. The chippy was spotlessly clean and tidy. The staff were pleasant, polite, and helpful.
The food was delicious. The hake came encased in a light, crispy beer batter, with the flesh perfectly cooked, almost rattling around inside rather than sticking to the batter. The cod was equally delightful, again in that tasty batter, a generous, thick portion. The chips were pale golden, crispy in places, with a pleasant, slightly firm texture.
Creating the perfect battered sausage is a skill, and Fishy Fishy’s version, although quite firm, offered the taste and texture of a quality sausage, with the light crispy batter holding on beautifully.
The in-house coleslaw had plenty of crisp, fresh salad strips, lightly dressed without being overwhelmed by mayonnaise. The mushy peas were thick and plentiful.
I visited two very nice chippies in the beautiful and scenic town of Moraira. The day after Fishy Fishy, I made my way to The Codfather, tucked just off one of the main roads leading into town.
Pulling into the car park beside a small row of shops, I found an ideal spot to carry out the review. This turned out to be where I had some of the best salt and pepper chicken I think I’ve ever had. It reminded me of home in Cheshire. My wife Sue agreed — in fact, she said it was the best she’d ever had, though she did wish there had been a little more in the portion.
The Codfather is a great chippy and restaurant in Moraira, a beautiful part of the Costa Blanca. It's set back from the road and nestled among a row of other shops, with plenty of parking available. Serving great chippy fare, they also offer a variety of dishes, including breakfast options.
The staff were warm and friendly, and I believe the owners are from Liverpool, now living in Moraira. Inside, the shop is decorated with Liverpool memorabilia.
The tables and chairs are well laid out, providing ample space, and additional seating is available in the covered outdoor area, where people with dogs can also sit.
The food was excellent. The salt and pepper chicken and chips were the highlight—tender cuts of boneless chicken in a light coating of wonderful spices. I would have liked more vegetables with the chips, such as chilli, peppers, or onions, to round it off.
The large, thick cod came in a light, crispy batter and was delicious. It was served with a slice of lemon and tartare sauce. The chips were okay, though I’d have liked more of them, but that’s just me.
The curry sauce was quite lovely too, with that familiar chip shop curry flavour, and the mushy peas were just as I like them – thick and minimally seasoned.
BENIDORM
As we travelled down the coastline, we arrived in Benidorm, and it was heaving. We stopped by at Ray’s, though things got a bit confusing, as there’s another Ray’s in the Old Town, often referred to as Ray’s 1, and yet another in the heart of Benidorm, known as Ray’s 2. From what I’ve been told, Ray’s at The Duke of Wellington, where we were, and Ray’s 1 are owned by the same people, while Ray’s 2 is run by someone else entirely.
Set up like a small courtyard bar, restaurant, and takeaway, it’s tucked on the edge of town near a large gravel car park, just a few hundred metres from Ray’s. The shop was clean and tidy, with plenty of seating available. The staff were warm and friendly, although they seemed pretty busy given the small number of patrons at the time.
The cod and chips were delicious. Thick cuts of cod, coated in crispy batter, were laid over a bed of chips in a generously sized foil tray with a lid. The chips weren’t the best, but they were acceptable. The mushy peas had a pleasant consistency, though they could have been firmer.
The curry sauce was mild but flavourful, with a subtle kick. The in-house chicken and mushroom pie was delicious, generously filled and wrapped in a sweet shortcrust pastry casing. The chicken Caesar salad was also tasty and generously portioned.
CIUDAD QUESADA
Seventy miles farther south, we arrived in a part of the Costa Blanca known for its numerous fish and chip shops, some of which are rated among the best in Spain. We settled into our Airbnb in Quesada and nipped across the road for a few drinks while mapping out some chippies. This would be our final stop before beginning the journey back across Spain and France to return home.
Although about 15 minutes from the coast, we liked Ciudad Quesada. It felt like a self-contained little region, ideal for the ancient generation like Sue and me, with bars, restaurants, shops, and all the facilities you’d need. Everyone we met was incredibly friendly. It’s somewhere we’d like to return to and stay a little longer next time.
As part of our tour reviewing eight chip shops along the Costa Blanca, Quesada Fish and Chips was one I’d been particularly keen to visit. I’d heard plenty of positive things beforehand, and with my wife and I considering this area for retirement, though some years away, I was eager to see if it lived up to its reputation. I’m pleased to say, it certainly did.
Parking was straightforward, with ample spaces available nearby. The restaurant itself is large and welcoming, offering a choice of covered outdoor seating as well as comfortable indoor tables. It was spotlessly clean and immaculately kept, and the staff were warm, attentive, and professionally presented.
The menu was both extensive and varied, catering to traditional chippy lovers while also offering some creative alternatives. I opted for the haddock, which arrived thick-cut and generously sized, encased in a beautifully light and crispy batter. The fish had a slightly sweet taste and an aroma that spoke to its freshness.
The chips were just as I like them: plump, lightly golden, with that perfect balance of firmness and soft, squashable texture inside. The curry sauce deserves special mention, as it was sweet but not cloying, with a gentle complexity that added real depth. The mushy peas were perfection, thick enough to hold a fork upright and offering a clean, subtle flavour that complemented the meal without overpowering it. Portion sizes were excellent.
The coconut fish curry was a real standout. It featured a variety of seafood, including large, succulent prawns and hearty chunks of fish, all bathed in a mildly spiced, creamy sauce with a touch of sweetness and a gentle kick. The rice was light and fluffy.
It was also a pleasure to see Saveloys on the menu. All in all, Quesada Fish and Chips is a top-tier fish and chip shop and restaurant. I look forward to returning.
EL SALADILO
It was such a beautiful day that we visited RV’s Traditional Fish and Chips in El Saladillo, Murcia, after a 70-mile drive from Quesada. This pristine traditional-style chippy serves some pleasant surprises, including pickles and pickled eggs. RV’s is a top spot for traditional fish and chips on the Costa Calida.
Parking was effortless, thanks to a large car park. Inside, there was plenty of space, with large menu boards showcasing a wide range of chippy favourites.
The shop was immaculately clean and well organised, and the staff were warm and welcoming. Prices were very reasonable, too. As for the food, it was simply outstanding. The haddock was coated in a light, crispy batter, and the fillet itself was fresh, thick, and full of flavour. The chips were exactly how I like them, thick, light, and fluffy on the inside, with a perfectly crispy exterior.
The Hull pattie was a lovely surprise and delicious. Other unexpected treats included the battered saveloy and battered white pudding, both of which were full of flavour and wonderfully cooked.
PLAYA FLAMENCA
Playa Flamenca is situated on the southern end of the Costa Blanca and boasts a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, with a stunning coastline. Not to mention a few chippies and some superb Spanish eateries, though Diana’s Fish and Chips proved underwhelming.
This one came recommended, but sadly, it didn’t deliver for me. I wouldn’t class it as a proper fish and chip shop. Diana’s Fish and Chips might do better with a rebrand as maybe just Diana’s, or Diana’s Café.
The place itself was clean, spacious, and well-maintained, offering ample indoor and outdoor seating. There’s even a bar serving alcohol and a menu that stretches well beyond your usual chip shop fare. But that’s part of the issue; the traditional chippy stuff felt like an afterthought, not the primary focus.
Service wasn’t excellent either. It was a reasonable time of day, but it felt like we’d walked in just before closing. There was confusion over what was a simple order, which didn’t fill me with much confidence.
SAN FULGENCIO
Join The Chippy Tour for one last feast as we wrap up our Spain adventure with fish and chips before hitting the road for the long drive home. The Chippy was recommended to me, so I had to give it a try. This was our final review of eight chip shops on the Costa Blanca during this trip, so we bought a little extra to keep us going for the drive.
The staff seemed busy, and the shop was clean and tidy. There was, of course, the takeaway option, as well as the choice to eat inside or outside under a canopy, which was a nice touch. A large car park is located across the road, with additional parking spaces along the street, so there were no issues there.
The chips were quite lovely, thick and plentiful. The large cod came in two pieces and was both chunky and tasty, though the batter was holding on to a little too much oil. The in-house coleslaw was good, with generously shredded vegetables.
The mushy peas were thick and delicious, served in a reasonably large tub. The in-house Thai fishcakes were also tasty, packed with lots of familiar and flavourful ingredients.
CONCLUSION
The Chippy Tour along the Costa Blanca had come to an end, and the journey home began with a stop halfway across Spain and a night in an Airbnb, followed by stays in three more Airbnbs across France. It was great to finally get home, if only because I was shattered from the drive. We loved every minute of it, though, with no rain, warm evenings, fantastic Spanish tapas, and meeting some charming people along the way.
CALL TO ACTION
If you’ve enjoyed the journey and would like to support my mission, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. It’s free, and it makes a real difference in helping me continue the tour and shine a light on our much-loved traditional fish and chip shops, wherever they may be.
All the best, Steve.
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Great write up. Well worth a read.