World Party!

National Fish & Chip Awards announces top-pick international chippies

Food spots in Iceland and the Netherlands are hoping to blow the competition out of the water, following the news that they are finalists in the International Fish & Chip Operator of the Year category at the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards.

Fish and chips is an iconic dish here in the UK but businesses from around the world are pulling out all the stops to bring the traditional British culinary experience to customers in nations far and wide. Three have stood out from the crowd, presenting impressive credentials when it comes to sourcing, environmental and business sustainability, and authenticity of the cuisine.

The National Fish & Chip Awards is the platform where businesses at the top of their game take centre stage. With a focus of maintaining strict industry standards, entrants undergo a review process that honours greatness while presenting opportunities for growth.

The overseas fish and chip shops hoping to claim the ultimate prize are:

Iceland

Fish & Chips Lake Mývatn

Issi Fish & Chips, Reykjanesbær

The Netherlands

Beryl’s Fish & Chips & Veggies, Deventer

Andrew Crook is the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which runs the renowned event, and he says: “The National Fish & Chip Awards is in its 38^th year and the excitement of discovering exceptional businesses is something that never wanes for the judging committee. And when it’s a chippy from overseas it’s just another reminder of the special, cross-cultural appeal of fish and chips. That’s the power of great food - it transcends borders, languages and generations. It’s a great privilege that the awards team can help steer the finalists to their next levels of success.”

Fez & Cip in Brunei received the accolade at the 2025 award ceremony and the owners, Khairul Zainal and his wife Norlein, share some words of encouragement to this year’s lineup: “Firstly a huge thank you to the NFFF for creating this category, we were truly humbled to win the award as a small restaurant in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo Island!

“Winning the award made our year, as it had a snowball effect on us, with recognition globally and with the local public. We have already been known as an English-style fish and chip shop, but winning enforces that statement. It made us work harder as our business boomed after winning the award, and we will be opening a new outlet in 2026!

“Even being in the top three, you will already make waves in the industry! To the finalists for International Fish & Chip Operator of Year 2026, we wish you all the best! The award will change your stars as it did ours!”

The trio will be heading to London for the awards celebration on 25 February at the Park Plaza at Westminster Bridge, where hundreds of industry guests will see one of them being named as the champion.

Get your awards ceremony tickets from https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/. For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

Image credit: Gabriel Bush Photography (Elvis)

 About the National Fish & Chip Awards:

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is the organiser of the National Fish and Chip Awards and 2026 marks the 38^th edition. It is open to all UK 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 and boosting the local economy. The principal sponsor for the 2026 awards is Seafood from Norway.