Britain exports countless cultural phenomena across the world. From Adele to Agatha Christie novels, people the world over love what we make.
But in Spain, British cuisine has struggled to take a foothold for centuries. Britain’s often-stodgy, and rarely-seasoned, food pales in comparison to the light and exotic delicacies served on the continent.
The tide may soon turn in our favour, however, thanks to the hard work of two Spanish brothers who, for the last nine years have been tweaking the age-old British classic to suit Spanish tastes.
Majid and Mani Alam, two brothers who opened Barcelona’s first fish and chip shop in 2015, have aggressively grown their fish and chips empire, in part thanks to a recipe that few in Britain would recognise.
The Alam brothers, originally from Pakistan, use a batter made from cornflakes, a recipe they got from their grandmother.
Majid told the Times: ‘Our grandmother made the batter with cornflakes and we loved it, as it has a great crunch and taste, and so do the same now.’
They said that fish and chips is in their cultural DNA, as it shares a root with a Pakistani dish called ‘tali machli’, a fried fish dish made with a spiced batter.
‘Tali machli… is a staple of Pakistan, and fish and chips is also a legacy of the British empire there’, Majid said.
Majid and Mani Alam (pictured, centre and right) have spent the last nine years selling the idea of fish and chips to the Spanish
The brothers opened their first fish and chip shop in 2015
Their fish and chips use a batter made with cornflakes
Having spent the last few years selling this spiced variety of fish and chips, the brothers believe Spaniards are now ready for the classic British version.
Mani said: ‘We just opened an outlet in El Poblenou [in Barcelona] last week, not far from the beach, serving British fish and chips. Without cornflakes and with vinegar, mushy peas and, of course, curry sauce, a homage to the classical dish.’
The brothers set up their first fish and chip shop after having a deep craving for the dish on a night out in Barcelona.
Majid said: ‘Our family thought we were mad, and we had our doubts too. But the basis of our concept is to use the wonderful daily fresh fish of Spain and its extra virgin olive oil.’
The brothers also jokingly questioned how strong Britain’s claim to the meal really was.
Referring to a theory that Sephardic Jews settling in England in the 17th century brought battered fried fish with them, Mani said: ‘I was reading a bit about fish and chips and they come from Andalusia, no?
‘Fish and chips were born in Spain.’
Majid quipped: ‘The English have robbed everything. We are just giving it back.’
