This is THE local fish and chip place: Roma Fish & Chips. It’s been around for years and years. Multiple generations of customers have come and gone. Including members of my own family. But sturdy as Stonehenge sits the Portuguese lady that runs the joint. She’s been there damn near 30 years I think. Behind the counter in the small shop space, in front of the fryers where the action takes place. She’s either sitting near the register ready to wrangle your money into change or she’s pacing between the massive trough of uncooked fries and the fryers.
Although it’s small, it’s always packed for lunch, but they churn out the chow like there’s no tomorrow. Want a big portion for a few bucks and quick? This is where you get it. Always to go. There is no seating so you’re taking your order away. Regardless if you’ve ordered fish, russian or vienna sausages, you’re going to want to pair it with a portion of good ol’ South African slap chips.
You’ll wait a short time while the whole lot gets chucked in the fryers but soon enough it will all be piled up on a couple leaves of paper. You’ll be given the question that’s been asked since the place opened: “Salt and vinegar?” – she is not a woman of many words when at work. I recommend assenting to the request and enjoying the salty, sharp flavour. Once the dousing is done the whole lot is wrapped up with the kind of expertise only experience can bring, into a brown paper package.
On the drive or walk home the simple seasoning will spread across the entire meal so when you unwrap it at home everything is ready to go. Don’t expect anything fancy but do expect to get enough food to feed as many people as you may need. The shop itself might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but when you’re looking for some good old battered and fried fish and chips in this part of town, it’s hard to beat. Bring cash. I’ve never seen any other form of payment accepted here.
Service
Takeaway
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
R 100-150
