Best fish & chips in Singapore

BOOMARANG BISTRO & BAR

In a joint more known for its hearty Aussie-style brekkies and macho steaks, the Fish and Chips is the silent star. Its beer batter is fried to an enticing golden crisp, but what steals the show is the fish—the Aussie favourite catch of barramundi. It is a delight to savour: it’s clean, flaky flesh bears a subtle, creamy taste. Go easy on the mayo; just a few dashes of vinegar are all you need to perk up the delicate flavours of the fish. 60 Robertson Quay, #01-15 The Quayside. Tel: 6738 1077

DISTRICT 10 BISTRO

Their signature Beer Battered Fish & Chips is reminiscent of what you’ll find at English gastropubs—the Hoegaarden batter includes rice flour for added crunch, while the slivers of snowy dory flesh are deliciously moist. Though their side of garden mint mushy peas are a little on the dry side, the overall dish is still mighty pleasing. For a break from the norm, the Gourmet Beer Battered Fish & Chips features the freshest catch of the day, such as orange roughy, barramundi or cod. #01-514/515 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6822 2886. Book a table at District 10 Bistro with Chope.

DURTY NELLY’S [TEMPORARILY CLOSED]

We were half expecting this Irish joint to serve its chippies in a basket lined with faux newspaper, so we were rather surprised when the staff brought it to us in a pan. The batter of Nelly’s Irish Styled Fish ‘n’ Chips is such a piquant, crunchy carapace that we would gladly mop up an extra side of batter bits to go with our beers. The dory fillets stand out for their bright, white flesh and tender profile, while the toothsome thick fries, when smeared with green pea mash, are an irresistible snack. This is one fish and chips you can chomp on every week. 6 Raffles Boulevard, #01-01/02/03 Marina Square. Tel: 6338 8023

GREENWOOD FISH MARKET & BISTRO

Be careful not to burn your tongue when you try the Hervey Bay Whiting Fish & Chips which is served steaming hot. It possesses an undeniably crisp batter which encases lightly sweet, delicate flesh that flakes off easily. The fish is not salted, as chef Alan Lee believes that its natural salts and the savoury batter should be enough to impart a balanced flavour. No. 34 & 38 Greenwood Avenue. Tel: 6467 4950. Book a table at Greenwood Fish Bistro with Chope.

MOLLY MALONE’S

Since 1995, this Irish stalwart in the local pub scene has been the go-to place for good chippies, and its reputation has not faltered. The fillets of dory are soft and moist, and their crisp, aromatic beer batter holds rather well when slathered with the rich homemade tartare sauce. We love the plump fries, which are almost like potato wedges. 56 Circular Road, Tel: 6536 2029

ORIOLE CAFE AND BAR

The beef cheek tagliatelle has always been our most favourite dish to order at this coffee-centric café, but the fish & chips is shaping up to be a close second. We are talking about four fairly luscious, 12cm-long fish fillets, and thick potato wedges served in a nondescript bread basket. The batter is crispy with only a smidgen of oil, the fish is all flaky-fresh goodness, and the tartar sauce faintly sweet without being cloying. Just dive right in. 96 Somerset Road, Tel: 6238 8348

PS.CAFE @ HARDING

What makes a good fish and chips? It’s the light crispy batter, fresh fish that flakes apart to release puffs of steam into the air, hot hand-cut fries and let’s not forget the dipping sauces. The Fish & Chips at PS Café (Harding Road) scored highly in all categories and even exceeded our expectations. The threadfin fillet is coated with beer batter and served with veggie sticks and two dipping sauces—a homemade tartare and a saucy kaffir lime alio to add an extra kick to the traditional British fare. 28B Harding Road. Tel: 9070 8782