Scotland’s Chip Shops Embrace Deep-Fried Festive Cheer
Scotland, a nation often playfully chided for its enthusiastic embrace of deep-fried delicacies, has added another unique item to its culinary repertoire this holiday season. The Dunkeld Fish Bar, a well-known establishment, is offering a full Christmas dinner, reimagined with a deep-fried twist, much to the delight of adventurous eaters.
The unconventional festive menu features a range of traditional Christmas elements prepared with the signature deep-fried treatment. Patrons can enjoy battered turkey fillets, sage and onion stuffing balls, and even Brussels sprouts, all coated in a crispy batter. Instead of the usual roast potatoes, the meals are accompanied by a generous portion of chips and a dollop of cranberry sauce.
Adding to the festive indulgence, the Perthshire eatery is also serving deep-fried mince pies. These traditional sweet treats are coated in a light and crispy tempura batter, offering a surprising and delicious alternative to the usual baked mince pie.
Scott Davie, the 51-year-old owner of the Dunkeld Fish Bar, has found that his innovative approach to traditional fare is proving incredibly popular. “We’ve got all the things you’d expect at Christmas but deep fried in batter – and it’s proving very popular,” Mr. Davie stated. He noted that customers often come in for their usual fish supper but are tempted by the Christmas menu, leaving with items like foot-long pigs in blankets and battered Brussels sprouts. “It’s been a game changer for us,” he added.
A Festive Feast of Deep-Fried Favourites
The demand for these deep-fried Christmas specials has been significant. Mr. Davie reported selling dozens of pigs in blankets in a single week and hundreds of battered Brussels sprouts. “The sprouts have been really popular – they’re flying out the door,” he enthused. “I’ve done 10 kilos (22lb) so far this week.” He elaborated on the appeal of his deep-fried sprouts, contrasting them with the often overcooked, mushy versions served at Christmas. “A lot of people over-boil sprouts at Christmas and they come out mushy, but we prep and batter them and they have a lovely, crunchy bite. Add a little vinegar and it just pops the flavour.”
In a heartwarming gesture of seasonal goodwill, the Dunkeld Fish Bar is donating money from the sale of its deep-fried sprouts to the Fishermen’s Mission charity.
The deep-fried mince pies have also emerged as an unexpected hit. Mr. Davie described them as a revelation: “Putting mince pies into batter takes them to a different level – they’re genuinely delicious.”
Customers have the flexibility to order individual components as part of a supper with chips, or as side portions, such as the Brussels sprouts and stuffing balls. For those who wish to experience the full festive medley, a Christmas dinner in a box is available, containing a selection of each item.
Beyond the traditional elements, the menu also features a Christmas-themed Italian-style pizza. This unique creation is topped with brie, cranberry, crispy bacon, and mini pigs in blankets, offering another innovative take on festive flavours.
Local Acclaim and Culinary Adventure
The deep-fried Christmas dinners have garnered widespread popularity among Dunkeld residents, tourists, and local businesses alike. Carol Gillespie, 60, who works at Palmerston’s Cafe just a short distance away on Dunkeld High Street, shared her positive experience. “We’ve ordered lots of food from Scott’s Christmas specials for our staff evening,” she said.
Despite her usual reservations about Brussels sprouts, Ms. Gillespie admitted she was willing to try the deep-fried version, acknowledging the buzz surrounding them. “I usually draw the line at Brussels sprouts but I’ll try a deep fried one – everyone is talking about how good they are.” She also praised the battered mince pies, stating, “I’ve already tried one of their battered mince pies and I must admit it was surprisingly nice.”
The Dunkeld Fish Bar has a reputation for culinary experimentation, having previously been recognized as Scotland’s best fish and chip shop. Mr. Davie and his team are known for their adventurous spirit, regularly featuring a different deep-fried sweet each week. “We like to be adventurous,” Mr. Davie affirmed, underscoring their commitment to innovative and exciting offerings.
