Serve Fish and Chips alongside Tartar Sauce, Mushy Peas, Coleslaw with Lemon Vinaigrette, Pickled Onions, and Creamy Dill Sauce.
Tartar Sauce pairs well because it adds heat that rounds out the plate.
For a lighter option, try Creamy Dill Sauce. Creamy Dill Sauce is a lighter option if you want something less heavy on the table.
So, fish and chips are the dream team of the food world. Who doesn't love crispy, flaky fish paired with golden fries?
It's a combo that hits the spot every time.
We remember sitting by the seaside, devouring that quintessential dish, with salt and vinegar splattering everywhere. It's messy, it's salty, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Now, if you're wondering what to serve alongside this classic meal, we've got you covered. Side dishes can really amp up this experience.
From crunchy coleslaw to tangy mushy peas, there are plenty of options. Let's take a look at the best accompaniments that'll make your fish and chips even more memorable.
Top 15 Side Dishes for Fish and Chips
Here are the top 15 side dishes to serve with fish and chips - and fish pie side dish ideas for pairings:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Tartar Sauce | Mayo, pickles, capers, lemon | Tangy, creamy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Mushy Peas | Peas, butter, mint | Savory, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Coleslaw with Lemon Vinaigrette | Cabbage, carrots, lemon vinaigrette | Tangy, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Pickled Onions | Red onions, vinegar, sugar | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 24 hrs |
| Creamy Dill Sauce | Sour cream, dill, lemon | Creamy, herby | Easy | 10 mins |
| Grilled Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, lemon | Fresh, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Minted Pea and Potato Salad | Potatoes, peas, mint, mayo | Creamy, fresh | Medium | 25 mins |
| Baked Beans | Beans, tomato sauce, spices | Savory, sweet | Medium | 50 mins |
| Lemon Butter Broccoli | Broccoli, butter, lemon | Buttery, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Cucumber Dill Salad | Cucumbers, dill, vinegar, yogurt | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Bread and Butter Pickles | Cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, spices | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 24 hrs |
| Roasted Vine Tomatoes | Tomatoes, olive oil, herbs | Sweet, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
| Garlic Butter Mushrooms | Mushrooms, garlic, butter | Savory, earthy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Crispy Onion Rings | Onions, flour, breadcrumbs | Crispy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Classic British Malt Vinegar Slaw | Cabbage, malt vinegar, carrots | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 15 mins |
These side dishes go with the classic flavors of fish and chips, offering a variety of tangy, savory, and fresh accompaniments to improve the meal.
1 - Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is like the best friend of fish and chips. It's tangy and creamy, and it just feels right.
We love how it adds that extra zing to our meal.
The ? Making it is super easy!
Just mix mayonnaise, pickles, and a squeeze of lemon.
We can customize it with capers or herbs for some flair.
It also goes well with fried veggies or seafood - try bearnaise sauce side suggestions for seafood alongside it.
2 - Mushy Peas
Mushy peas: are they food or a science experiment? We lean towards food.
These bright green gems are classic with fish and chips.
They're made from marrowfat peas soaked overnight. We mash 'em up, add a bit of butter, and voilà!
They bring a lovely sweetness to the plate. We like to perk ours up with mint or a splash of vinegar.
They're soft, easy to eat, and perfect with crispy bites. Who can resist that bright green?
They go well with fish and chips, adding a sharp contrast - and purple hull peas side ideas for similar pairings work the same way.
3 - Coleslaw with Lemon Vinaigrette
Coleslaw is like the cousin who shows up to every family gathering. It's always there and somehow always makes things better.
This version doesn't drown in creamy dressings.
We whip up a refreshing lemon vinaigrette instead. It adds brightness and crunch.
Crispy cabbage and carrots create a lovely mix. Toss in some herbs or seeds for a nice texture.
It pairs nicely with that crunchy fish and crispy chips - and for other lemon-forward combos see lemon curd side pairings for sweet-savory balance.
4 - Pickled Onions
Pickled onions are those zesty little guys that add a fun crunch to our meals. They're tangy, sweet, and totally brighten up any dish.
Making them is so simple! Just slice up some onions, cover them in vinegar, and let them sit.
They go well with fish and chips, adding a sharp contrast - and complement pickled herring side suggestions for briny pairings too.
These tasty bites are a must-have for any spread. They bring a whole new vibe to the table.
5 - Creamy Dill Sauce
Creamy dill sauce is like the best buddy to our fish and chips. It adds that creamy touch we all crave.
Made with sour cream or yogurt, it's easy to whip up.
A squeeze of lemon brightens everything. Dill gives it that fresh kick.
We also love tossing in some garlic or onion powder for an extra punch.
Use it on sandwiches or roasted veggies too. It's a versatile sauce that makes everything pop!
Who knew a simple sauce could do so much?
Creamy dill sauce also pairs nicely with comforting starches - see creamy polenta side ideas for rich pairings.
6 - Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is like the cool side dish everyone loves to show off. These green spears are super easy to prep.
Just toss 'em in some olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill until they're tender.
The smoky flavour adds a nice twist to any meal. We especially love them alongside fish and chips.
They're great for a quick dinner too. You can spice things up with garlic or lemon for an extra boost.
Plus, they look fancy on the plate!
Grilled asparagus makes a smart match with hearty fish dishes - grilled swordfish side suggestions for robust meals show similar flavor pairings.
7 - Minted Pea and Potato Salad
Minted pea and potato salad is a fresh twist on a classic. It's bright and full of flavour.
We simply boil the potatoes and mix them with peas. Adding mint brings a refreshing kick.
This dish is perfect for summer barbecues. It pairs well with almost anything.
We also sprinkle some feta on top for extra creaminess. Keep it simple and light.
It holds up really well in the fridge. Makes for a great leftover option too!
Minted pea and potato salad shares flavors with pea-based soups - split pea soup side ideas for pea-forward meals offer complementary pairings.
8 - Baked Beans
Baked beans are like the cozy blanket of side dishes. They're warm, comforting, and super filling.
We often grab a can for those lazy dinners.
These beans swim in a sweet tomato sauce that's hard to beat. Add a little bacon or onion for an extra kick.
They make a great partner for fish and chips or even as a stand-alone treat.
Don't overlook their versatility. They hold up well in the fridge and reheat like champions.
Who doesn't love leftovers made easy?
9 - Lemon Butter Broccoli
Broccoli is the reliable side dish that never steers us wrong. Lemon butter takes it up a notch.
We toss steamed broccoli with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice for zing.
This combo adds a nice contrast to the savory fish. We sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper for balance.
It's super easy and quick. Steam your broccoli, mix in that buttery goodness, and you're set.
Fresh and bright, it gives our meal a fresh vibe.
Simple and delicious!
10 - Cucumber Dill Salad
Cucumber dill salad is like a splash of freshness on our plates. It's light and super crunchy.
We usually slice cucumbers thin, mix in yogurt or sour cream, and sprinkle with dill, salt, and pepper.
This side is a fantastic coolant for spicy dishes too. Perfect for summer gatherings!
If you want a twist, add some diced tomatoes or red onion.
It makes every bite refreshing. Trust us, you'll want this on repeat!
11 - Bread and Butter Pickles
Ever wonder why we keep these sweet, tangy bites around? Bread and butter pickles are the perfect contrast to fish and chips.
They bring that punch of sweetness.
We love tossing them on sandwiches or enjoying them right out of the jar.
They add crunch and flavour without overwhelming the plate. Plus, making them at home is a breeze with simple ingredients.
Next time you serve fish, don't skip these zesty little delights. They really brighten up the meal with minimal effort!
12 - Roasted Vine Tomatoes
Roasted vine tomatoes. Are they just fancy ketchup?
Not at all! These juicy gems bring a punch of flavor.
We roast them until they're tender and a little caramelised.
Great with fish and chips, they add a sweet twist. We love tossing them in salads or on bruschetta.
For extra zing, drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
These tomatoes fit right in with summer vibes. They're super easy to whip up.
Just throw them in the oven and let the magic happen!
13 - Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Garlic butter mushrooms are those little flavour bombs we all need. They're simple to make and pretty tasty.
Just sauté sliced mushrooms in garlic and butter.
Voilà!
We love using a mix of mushrooms for a fun twist. Fresh herbs like parsley add freshness.
These guys are great next to steak or in pasta.
They only take a few minutes to cook. Perfect for quick meals or fancy dinners.
Keep them warm for the ultimate side that everyone will want more of!
14 - Crispy Onion Rings
Onion rings are like the crunchy side we didn't know we needed. We dip them in everything.
They're golden, crispy, and perfect with fish and chips.
Make sure to coat them well for extra crunch. These are best served hot!
Pair with different sauces for variety.
Use sweet onions for a fun twist. We sometimes really pile on the spice!
Perfect as a shareable side or snack.
You can't go wrong with onion rings!
15 - Classic British Malt Vinegar Slaw
This is not your average slaw. Malt vinegar slaw brings tangy freshness to the table.
It's a crisp mix of shredded cabbage with a zesty kick that cuts through rich meals.
We love how quick it is to whip up. Just toss the cabbage with some vinegar, sugar, and your favorite seasonings.
This slaw is surprisingly versatile. It goes well with everything from fish to sandwiches.
Serve it chilled for maximum crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
mushy peas, there are plenty of options. Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Grain dishes and roasted vegetables are the best candidates. mushy peas, there holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures intact.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
fish cakes side pairings to try work well with many items here. beer battered fish side suggestions for pub-style meals also match the same flavor profile.
Andrew Gray is a passionate food writer and recipe creator who built Gusto Meadow to celebrate delicious, approachable cooking. With years of experience in restaurants and catering, he brings a grounded, real-world understanding of flavors, technique, and what truly works in a home kitchen.
At Gusto Meadow, Andrew focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple methods that anyone can follow. His goal is to make cooking feel fun, doable, and rewarding — whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or exploring something new.