Serving crisps with sandwiches? Do you?

[JDM625]

I moved to the UK 20yrs ago. PIL always put crisps on the side of the plate if having a sandwich there. I assumed it was just a thing they did. In a cafe recently, they did the same.

Not a packet of crisps such as in a meal deal, but just loose on the side of the plate. We are in the SE. Is this commonly done in the UK?

Yes, even at home sandwiches are usually served with half a bag of crisps on the side, and also a similar volume of 'salad' (lettuce/cucumber/tomato - no dressing or more complicated things).
Putting the crisps out rather than serving a packet of them with the meal looks better as you don't have the bag (like putting milk into a milk jug to serve) and it also hides that the portion is smaller...
I think it works because you don't add salt to a sandwich whilst making it so the crisps salt the food, and the crunch makes everything feel fresher.

😁

Yes. Seen it in Ireland too, but nowhere else. It's a bit old fashioned now and I'd say it's a good example of unhealthy British cuisine.

I’ve never done it at home but if I go to a cafe they tend to do it.

Yes very commonly done especially in cafes, pubs etc

Absolutely! I can’t enjoy a sandwich unless I have crisps with it. I think it’s the lovely, salty crunch that compliments the softer bite of the sandwich 😍

Without fail.

Few crisps and a little salad garnish - we serve this at church and it’s popular.

Not something I’ve ever done, although my grandma used to so maybe I will, in memory of her :)

Par the course

I hate crisps and I don't like being given crisps on the plate with a sandwich - this just spoils the sandwich. A side salad is good - salad goes with sandwich and better put together at the last minute so no soggy bread.
The first time I ever saw crisps with a meal was years ago in Spain. The hotel used to serve crisps with dinner instead of normal potatoes.
My colleague used to put crisps in her canteen sandwich to improve the flavour - if I liked crisps that would make sense with a poor quality sandwich.

Yes, for my UK friends and family always. Not for others where I live as crisps are more of an apero thing.

As dictated by the legend Alan Patridge - a crescent of crisps and a side clump of cress. And a hot egg. 🤣

I don't at home but like it when it occurs out. I like to sandwich the crisps in a piece of crust, turning the dull, unfilled edge into a treat.

But they are both a main carb thing! That's like chips with pasta. Or a garlic bread and jacket. Madness.

Yes? What's weird about that?!

I fail to see the issue.

I always stick my crisps in the sarnie.. mmmm

Oh maybe I am the odd one here!

I just think of pasta, potato, rice, bread as something you don't double up. All too similar to have multiples of on the same plate!

@BertieBotts

I think these days continental style breads, sourdough etc have gained a lot of popularity in the UK. I haven't had white sliced bread for years. Even as a child in the 90s my parents started buying wholemeal as soon as it was more readily available, then granary, crusty rolls etc. I didn't realise this wasn't common. I don't eat a lot of bread, but when I do, my favourite is a rustic granary loaf. I make my own rolls too. There nothing like a thick sliced buttery white toasted bacon sandwich though, but once in a blue moon! I prefer other breads for most things.

Oh definitely both go well together.

It's really common, not 'madness'.
Pie and chips, burger (in bun) and chips, pizza and garlic bread, lasgne and potatoes, chip butty - you have surely seen all these?

Pub menus have been full of these double carb options since forever.

Done in the USA as well.

Now if you want uniquely British -- lasagne and chips!

Yes i always do for my kids and myself (from southeast), love putting the crisps in my sandwich.