THE quest for Ipswich’s best fish and chips sparked plenty of debate and you didn’t hold back.
From old-school institutions to tucked-away local gems, the nominations rolled in thick and fast.
Everyone has their favourite. Everyone has an opinion. And honestly … that’s exactly how it should be.
Because great fish and chips isn’t just food – it’s tradition.
It’s Friday afternoons.
It’s paper-wrapped parcels by the river.
It’s that unmistakable smell of salt, vinegar, and hot oil hitting the air.
But sentiment alone doesn’t win this title.
For Week 1 of the Best of Ipswich campaign, the online response was massive – 12,175 views and 7610 Ipswich locals jumping in to read, react, and rally behind their favourite fish and chip spots.
For many, it wasn’t just about a quick takeaway – it was about loyalty, tradition, and the places that never miss.
As the responses rolled in, one thing became impossible to ignore.
One name kept rising above the rest.
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- Charlie De Cod.
It wasn’t just mentioned – it dominated with 64 per cent of the vote.
Other honourable mentions.
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- Booval Seafood – 17 per cent
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- Brassall Seafood and Takeaway – 8 per cent
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- Fish Burger (Augustine Heights) – 6 per cent
I visited Charlie De Cod on Saturday afternoon to see for myself if this West Ipswich institution truly lived up to the hype.
Greeting me was a packed house – the seats at the front of the Pound St shop were filled with patrons waiting
to indulge in what many clearly see as a fish and chip mecca.
I went with the Family Cod Pack, and being a batter fan, this fish delivered.
Light and golden, the batter hit from the first bite. It had that crisp crackle you’re chasing, with fresh, flaky fish underneath.
The chips were lightly oiled and, for mine, just lacking that extra crunch.
While I usually lean towards a thick-cut chip, these thinner cuts still held their own and showed why Charlie De Cod polled so strongly – just not quite a standout on texture.
Calamari was a must, and it walked the line perfectly – crumbed well with that slight chew that signals freshness without tipping into rubbery territory. A solid inclusion.
So, does it live up to the hype?
In many ways, yes. The batter alone makes a compelling case, and the consistency across the order shows why it’s a clear community favourite.
But no place is flawless.
