Fish and Chips Dethrones Chicken Tikka Masala as UK's National Dish

Fish and chips have been voted the United Kingdom's national dish, overtaking chicken tikka masala in a recent YouGov survey. The traditional chippy meal secured 49% of the vote, while chicken tikka masala, once a strong contender, received only 3%.

This marks a return to popularity for fish and chips, which was previously considered the national dish. Chicken tikka masala, often cited as a symbol of British multiculturalism, had gained significant traction in recent years. In 2001, then-Foreign Secretary Robin Cook famously declared it "a true British national dish," highlighting its representation of Britain's ability to absorb and adapt external influences.

Beyond the top two, a roast dinner emerged as another popular choice, named the national dish by 24% of respondents. Despite this, roast dinner remains significantly behind fish and chips in the overall ranking.

The survey also noted that fish and chips were consistently favored across all age demographics. While 52% of Britons reported having a roast dinner at least monthly, compared to 35% for fish and chips and 21% for chicken tikka masala, the public's perception of the national dish has clearly shifted.

Other dishes considered, but less frequently nominated as the national dish, included the full English breakfast (2%), bangers and mash (1%), and cottage or shepherd's pie (1%).