Bob's Fish & Chips, Dubai - batter up!

While the British may claim the culinary heritage of Fish & Chips, I think there are many of us non-brits out there who share fond childhood memories of munching away on huge piles of salty chips and crunchy battered fish. When done right, the smell, the taste and the texture transports me back in time to sitting on the beach unwrapping the hot newspaper filled bundle of deliciousness - when done badly you end up with a stomach ache and the dry horrors!

We ventured out early one evening to give Bob's Fish & Chips a try. We hadn't tried fish & chips in Dubai yet - why would you when you can eat at the fish shack? But, as is often the case in Dubai, we got sucked in by a voucher deal and so it was that we found ourselves committing food adultery by sneaking off to Bob's. Could Bob's shack better the fish shack?

As an initial observation, having many staff does not always equal better service. Often this works in reverse; more staff just equals more people who think someone else is looking after you and often results in groups of employees standing around having a good old gossip. While I don't normally harp on about service (a lot will be forgiven for great food), slow, unobservant and incomprehensible service just gets you off on the wrong foot.

Back to the food. The menu was interesting, offering a variety of different fish which could be battered and fried, or grilled for those opting for the healthier option. We came for the fish & chips so we went for the two most expensive on the menu to give this place every chance to shine - cod & chips and haddock & chips. The excitement was brewing....

A short time later, two heaped "plates" arrived on our table. The fish and chips was, somewhat strangely, served in large metal fry pans. An interesting look, but not sure I get the point. It was a HUGE serving, but perhaps rightfully so for the price. Kudos though for not serving 85% chips with a sniff of fish. The portion of fish was very generous and cooked to perfection. It was coated in enough batter to satisfy the batter lovers, without leaving you with the feeling that you have just eaten a fish-flavoured, deep fried loaf of bread. The batter was crispy and the fish was soft and moist inside.

Thankfully the fish was good enough to make up for the cold, limp chips. I was full by the time I even dug my way down that far! One serving is probably enough for two people who aren't starving  and it could definitely be paired with a side to make for a decent meal. Given the level of oil and salt consumption, it would have been nice to have some fresh salad or green vegetables to even out that food pyramid just ever so slightly.

RECOMMENDED

Would I go back? In all honesty, probably not. Not because the food wasn't good - for fish & chips it was pretty good. But it wasn't amazing and I think a heart attack on a plate really needs to be amazing to tempt you to roll those dice a second time. That being said, Bob's has something to offer, and if the fish & chip hankering overwhelms you then I don't think you would be disappointed. I, on the other hand, will retreat back to my beloved fish shack and see if they will take me back.
 

The bill (for 2):
1 x Cod & Chips - 54 Dhs
1 x Haddock & Chips - 52 Dhs

TOTAL: 106 Dhs (Approx. US$28)

Restaurant address: Dream tower 2, Opp Marina Bybloss Hotel Dubai Marina.

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