Out of this World!
Best international chippies announced by National Fish & Chip Awards
Three businesses from around the world have been named as finalists for the National Fish & Chip Awards’ International Fish & Chip Operator of the Year title in recognition of their outstanding efforts to bring the great British export to overseas customers.
This year’s competition sees chippies from Australia, Malaysia and the Netherlands securing the category’s top three spots at the industry’s most respected awards, which is organised by fish and chip association, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).
International Fish & Chip Operator of the Year is a celebration of the eateries which have fully embraced the UK’s undying love for the classic dish, bringing it to new communities while maintaining the standards, quality and traditions which go hand in hand with the king of takeaways.
Running for the 39th year, the National Fish & Chip Awards is the sector’s official competition, designed and overseen by experienced entrepreneurs who know the trade inside out. While it’s free to enter, participants are challenged to have their chippies assessed in unrivalled detail over the course of several rounds.
The trio of finalists hoping to successfully showcase their ability to deliver a traditional fish and chip experience in their home markets like 2026 winner Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn in Iceland, are:
Australia
Northern Soul Chip Shop, Melbourne
Malaysia
The Netherlands
Beryl’s Fish & Chips & Veggies, Deventer
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, says the communities in the finalists’ locations no longer have to travel across oceans for an excellent chippy meal, as they now have the high-quality favourite local to them: “Fish and chips is highly treasured in British food culture, but we are seeing how its appeal is crossing borders far and wide. It’s exciting to see business from around the world working hard to source the finest produce and keeping the dish authentic. Huge congratulations to the finalists!”
Sarah Petursson, owner of Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn, the most recent recipient of the title says: “Winning the International Fish and Chip Operator of the Year award through the NFFF was an incredibly proud and unforgettable moment for us all. It was a tremendous achievement and a real recognition of the hard work, passion and dedication we have put into building our business. To receive such prestigious recognition on an international stage was both humbling and rewarding, and something we will always be incredibly proud of.
“Receiving the award has been a significant milestone for our business, it has brought us valuable media exposure, raised our profile internationally and helped put our family business on the map. Since winning, we have seen an increase in sales, which has enabled us to expand our team by hiring an additional member of staff to meet growing customer demand.”
Sarah continues: “Our success has also inspired us to take the next step in our journey. Just one week ago, we proudly opened our second fish and chip shop, Fish & Chips Vík í Mýrdal, in the south of Iceland. This expansion marks an exciting new chapter for our business, and we are delighted that winning the award had helped contribute to our continued growth.
“We would strongly encourage other international fish and chip operators to enter the National Fish & Chip Awards. The competition provides an excellent opportunity to gain recognition, increase business visibility and showcase the quality of fish and chips being served around the world. Beyond the benefits to individual businesses, we believe the awards play an important part in celebrating excellence, sharing best practice and helping to maintain and raise standards across the industry.
“Winning this award has been a truly rewarding experience for us, and we are grateful for the opportunities it has created. Another highlight was the study trip to Norway and getting to meet all the award winners from the UK. We hope that our journey encourages other international operators to participate, showcase their businesses and experience the benefits of being recognised among the very best in the industry.”
The judges will be putting the finalists under the spotlight once more time to decide on the next champion, with the winner to be revealed at the awards ceremony on 24 February at the Park Plaza at Westminster Bridge, London.
For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.
Image caption: Iceland’s Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn - International Fish & Chip Operator of the Year 2026
Image credit: National Fish & Chip Awards
About the National Fish & Chip Awards:
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is the organiser of the National Fish & Chip Awards and 2027 marks the 39th edition. It is open to the UK’s 9,000 fish and chip businesses, with overseas operators welcome to enter the international category. As it’s run by the industry’s association, the expert guidance offered to entrants is of an exceptional level. In-depth scrutiny within the judging process covers every aspect of businesses – food, hygiene, sustainability (produce and operational practices), customer service, and industry knowledge. This ensures the nation receives high-quality food and an overall standout experience, while professionals in the industry have access to opportunities to further their growth.
The awards also recognise fish and chip shops which are investing in their communities, making a difference to the environment around them, boosting the local economy and employment opportunities. Seafood from Norway is the principal sponsor for the 2027 awards.
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