Is there a knack to getting the good chips?

[Greystray]

Every time I get a chippy dinner it's always disappointing and puts me off for ages.

The chips are the worst offender. I envision golden perfectly fried chips with some crunchy bits at the bottom of the bag. I get a bag of limp old looking chips that look like they've been through some things. I end up digging through the bag for the few presentable chips for DS and DD and just pick at what's left. Most of it goes in the bin.

Is it okay to request good chips or does that go against chippie etiquette?

I don't think you can request good ones 🤣 they probably think all their chips are good at your chippy, maybe try a few and see if you can find a better one, I feel your pain though, nothing worse than no crunchy bits

I think it depends on the chip shop. Some are great some terrible.

I quite like them a bit soggy though!

Take them home and put them in the oven for a bit. It works wonders.

It depends on the chip shop. You just need to find a good one

A good chippy is worth travelling for, start trying all of them within a reasonable radius of your house.

Going to the chippy I like involves a lengthy detour on my journey home from work, a couple of insulated bags and a phone call home to let them know my ETA (for plate warming, condiment fetching and tea making duties).

Look for a shop that fries in beef dripping. The old fashioned way of frying that you are remembering.

It’s the chippy that’s the issue here OP. You need to ask around what’s the best chippy in your area or else just do the rounds yourself trying them all out until you find the good chips.

Beef fat but rare these days

Wait at least half an hour after it opens. They usually heat up the leftover lunch time chips to start with. After that you should get a fresh batch.

Not all chippy’s are created equal.

You can definitely ask for scraps/bits/batter if they don’t offer though. (A good one should offer).

I think you need a better chip shop!

Oh and always go and collect, don't let it sit around getting soggy in a Deliveroo

IMO ALL chip shops in the UK sell the same limp, unevenly sliced, soggy chips. Never had this issue abroad where they are dry, crispy on the outside and soft in the centre and look like a chip! I have no idea what the issue is?

Our local chippy is really good but at the minute they’re frying new potatoes so they’re sad soggy limp things rather than their usual nice chunky non greasy ones.

OK this has filled in the picture for me, thanks. I will draw up a strategy next time!

I find the chips a bit soggy and anaemic so I put them in my air fryer for 10 mins when I get home and then they are PERFECT!

I find if they put the wrapped chips into a plastic bag they go yuck.

Nothing beats home made chips, use King Edward potatoes for crunchy chips.

I second the air fryer/oven!

Also don't have any vinegar added in the shop, add it at home (after the air fryer/oven).

I've not had fish and chip takeaway for ages as it's really expensive round here and I can't stand chip disappointment! None of them really offer scraps either

Our nearest one isn't great but we tried one from the next town today recommended on Tripadviser and their fish and chips were amazing so definitely worth trying different places.

@RaindropsonPiglets

Beef fat but rare these days

Depends where you are. Here in Yorkshire, almost all chippies use beef dripping, so if you're vegetarian, you're out of luck.

However, the chips are still as the OP describes, because that's how chip shop chips should be.

OP what you want is chips from the Chinese takeaway. They're exactly as you describe, or they are from the one we go to at least.

No plastic bag even after paper. The chips sweat and go limp 🤢

Come to Scarborough. We have some lovely chip shops here

Come to the Black Country and have some Orange Chips.

Lovey bits of batter everywhere. You’ll never look back.