Spain falls in love with fish ‘n chips… thanks to a bizarre ingredient – CORNFLAKES

Britain exports countless cultural phenomena around the world. From Adèle novels to Agatha Christie novels, people around the world love what we create.

But in Spain, British cuisine has struggled to establish itself for centuries. British food, often heavy and rarely seasoned, pales in comparison to the light, exotic delights served on the continent.

But the tide may soon be turning in our favor, thanks to the hard work of two Spanish brothers who, for nine years, have been tweaking the age-old British classic to suit Spanish tastes.

Majid and Mani Alam, two brothers who opened Barcelona’s first fish and chip shop in 2015, have aggressively expanded their fish and chip empire, thanks in part to a recipe few Brits would recognize.

The Alam brothers, originally from Pakistan, use a cornflake batter, a recipe they received from their grandmother.

Majid told The Times: “Our grandmother used to make the dough with cornflakes and we loved it because it has a delicious taste and crunch, and we do the same now.”

They said fish and chips are part of their cultural DNA because it shares a root with a Pakistani dish called “tali machli,” a fried fish dish prepared with a spicy batter.

“Tali Machli… is a staple food of Pakistan, and fish and chips are also a legacy of the British empire there,” Majid said.

Having spent the last few years selling this spicy variety of fish and chips, the brothers believe Spaniards are now ready for the classic British version.

Mani said: “We just opened an outlet last week in El Poblenou (in Barcelona), not far from the beach, serving British fish and chips. Without cornflakes and with vinegar, mashed peas and, of course, curry sauce, a tribute to the classic dish.’

The brothers opened their first fish and chip shop after having a craving for the dish on a night out in Barcelona.

Majid said: “Our family thought we were crazy and we also had doubts. But the basis of our concept is to use the wonderful fresh fish of the day from Spain and its extra virgin olive oil.’

The brothers also jokingly wondered how much of a claim Britain actually had on this meal.

Referring to a theory that Sephardic Jews who settled in England in the 17th century brought breaded fried fish with them, Mani said: “I was reading a bit about fish and chips and they come from Andalusia, right?

“Fish and chips were born in Spain.”

Majid joked: “The English stole everything. We just give it back.