A prominent food critic has been left questioning her entire understanding of a British culinary staple after a social media user declared the nation has been eating fish and chips incorrectly for generations.
The Baffling Batter Revelation
Guardian restaurant columnist Grace Dent shared her bewilderment after a reader responded to her glowing review of the Angel Lane Chippie in Penrith, Cumbria. In her column, Dent had praised the shop's "glorious batter," describing the cod as "clogged with extra globs of thick batter." However, one individual presented a radically different perspective on the fried coating's purpose.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on December 25, 2025, Dent posted a screenshot of the comment that had "kept me awake." The reader's jaw-dropping assertion stated: "The batter is there to protect the fish during frying, you peel it off, throw it away, then eat the fish! If you bake a fish (or indeed a vegetable) in a salt crust, do you eat that too?"
Public Outcry and Historical Context
The reaction from the public and other celebrities was swift and overwhelmingly dismissive of the batter-ditching theory. Television presenter Kirstie Allsopp quipped: "If you throw away the batter what do you feed the children?" Another baffled respondent drew a parallel, asking if one should also discard sandwich bread because it acts as packaging.
One social media user joked, "I highly suspect this individual eats the heated towels at Indian restaurants," while another simply queried, "What kind of monster doesn't eat the batter?" Despite the chorus of disagreement, the man's certainty gave Dent pause, leading her to post: "But he's sure. He is so so sure. listen to him. ARE WE THE WRONG ONES?"
Amid the uproar, several commentators offered a historical angle, suggesting the theory might have roots in older cooking methods. They noted that batter may have originally served primarily as a protective layer during cooking, only later evolving into a cherished and integral component of the dish itself.
A Nation's Culinary Identity Questioned
The incident highlights the deep emotional and cultural connection Britons have with their fish and chips. The debate transcends mere food preference, touching on tradition, nostalgia, and national identity. For many, the crisp, golden batter is not just a byproduct but the highlight of the meal.
While the anonymous commenter stands by their unorthodox method, the court of public opinion, led by a baffled Grace Dent, has delivered a clear verdict. In the UK, the batter stays on. The notion of discarding it is, for the overwhelming majority, simply "crackers."
