Britain exports countless cultural phenomena around the world. From Adele novels to Agatha Christie, people around the world love what we do.
But in Spain, British cuisine has struggled to gain a foothold for centuries. British food, often heavy and rarely seasoned, pales in comparison to the light, exotic delicacies served on the continent.
However, the tide may soon turn in our favor, thanks to the hard work of two Spanish brothers who, for the past nine years, have been modifying the 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 chip empire, in part thanks to a recipe that few in Britain would recognise.
The Alam brothers, originally from Pakistan, use a dough made with corn flakes, a recipe their grandmother taught them.
Majid said the times: ‘Our grandmother made the dough with cornflakes and we loved it, because it has a great crunch and flavor, and now we do the same.’
They said fish and chips is in their cultural DNA, as it shares roots with a Pakistani dish called ‘tali machli’, a fried fish dish made with a spiced batter.
“Tali machli… is a staple food of Pakistan, and fish and chips is also a legacy of the British empire there,” Majid said.
Majid and Mani Alam (pictured, center 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 from cornflakes.
After spending the last few years selling this spicy variety of fish and chips, the brothers believe Spaniards are now ready for the classic British version.
Mani said: ‘We just opened a shop in El Poblenou (in Barcelona) last week, not far from the beach, serving British fish and chips. Without cornflakes and with vinegar, pea purée and, of course, curry sauce, a tribute to the classic dish.’
The brothers opened their first fish and chip shop after feeling a deep craving for the dish during a night out in Barcelona.
Majid said: ‘Our family thought we were crazy and we had our doubts too. But the basis of our concept is to use the wonderful fresh fish from Spain and its extra virgin olive oil.’
The brothers also jokingly questioned how strong Britain’s claim on food really was.
Referring to the theory that Sephardic Jews who settled in England in the 17th century brought battered fried fish with them, Mani said: “I was reading a little bit about fish and chips and they come from Andalusia, right?
‘Fish and chips were born in Spain.’
Majid joked: ‘The English have stolen everything. We’re just giving it back.’