ICELANDIC CHIPPY WINS INTERNATIONAL TITLE AT NATIONAL FISH & CHIP AWARDS

Icelandic chippy wins international title at National Fish & Chip Awards. It’s the coolest outcome for Iceland’s Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn which is celebrating huge success after the chippy by the water was announced last week as the National Fish & Chip Awards’ International Fish & Chip Operator of the Year winner.

The iconic meal has been a staple on British menus for generations and its appeal is crossing borders all around the world, with fish friers from far-away nations putting sprinklings of their own style on it with but with the same respect for tradition and authenticity, as well as passion for quality and sustainability.

The 38^th edition of the UK’s official and hottest industry competition, which is run by expert fish friers who have created the most in-depth assessment of businesses, honours excellence and drives standards higher. The category highlights standout overseas operators flying the flag for the treasured dish, with sourcing, sustainability and authenticity at the heart of the judging.

The event was fronted by TV host and entertainer Stephen Mangan and hundreds of guests from the fish and chip world saw Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn taking the prestigious title ahead of Issi Fish & Chips in Reykjanesbær, Iceland and The Netherlands’ Beryl’s Fish & Chips & Veggies in Deventer.

The judging committee awarded the chippy by the water the top prize for its sustainable approach. The streamlined menu has Icelandic cod as the star ingredient sourced from an award-winning vessel which prioritises sustainable managed resources. The fish is prepared lightly crumbed to reflect traditional cooking methods which hooks in travellers seeking an experience authentic to Iceland.

Fishing is deeply rooted in the family-run business’ heritage, so freshness and quality are key driving forces, alongside cultural pride, with family recipes used in homemade sauces for a distinctive touch.

Sarah Petursson, owner of Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn, says of its new award-winning status:

“We are absolutely thrilled that Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn has been named the International Fish & Chip Operator of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026! We would sincerely like to thank the National Federation of Fish Friers for the fantastic opportunity to participate in this great competition, which is already creating an unforeseen adventure with endless possibilities in the future.

“This recognition means so much to us, as our family lives have been shaped by fishing for generations. This award celebrates our entire team, and our commitment to using only high-quality, sustainably sourced fish, delivering fast, friendly and memorable service, and proudly combining the tradition of fish and chips with our Icelandic identity.”

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is the industry association which brings the illustrious event to life. It’s also the sponsor for the category and its President Andrew Crook says:

“Fish and chips hold the most special place in British food culture and there’s a deep connection to Iceland, with its crystal-clear waters producing the freshest seafood which is supplied to fish and chip outlets all over the UK. This is a win for the industry as well as Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn, there’s so much appreciation and respect for each other’s expertise and customs.

“The business has stunning product to work with to recreate authentic fish and chip meals and to win an award from the nation that’s obsessed with the dish, is such a special achievement and a full-circle moment. International Fish & Chip Operator of the Year is a fantastic result for Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn and things are about to get even busier for the wonderful team!”

Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn and the other winners from the awards have been invited on an exclusive study trip to Norway, hosted on board the long-liner vessel Geir, where they will see first-hand how Norwegian seafood is responsibly sourced at sea. The visit will give operators direct insight into the country’s science-led fisheries model, helping to bring origin, provenance and sustainability to life.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.nfff.co.uk/awards.

Image: NFFF