15 Surprising Facts About Beloved Foods From Around The Globe

7. Fish and Chips (UK): A Global Icon with Immigrant Roots

Fish and chips, Britain’s iconic comfort food, owe their existence to immigrants. Jewish communities introduced fried fish to England in the 17th century, while Belgian and French settlers brought fried potatoes. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the two came together in seaside towns, creating the classic pairing. During World War II, fish and chips were one of the few foods not rationed, providing a much-needed morale boost. Today, this humble dish is celebrated as a symbol of British identity, with variations appearing everywhere from Australian beach shacks to New York gastropubs.