BRUNEI CHIPPY RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD AT INDUSTRY CEREMONY

Brunei chippy receives international award at industry ceremony. Fez & Cip in Bandar Seri Begawan has become the latest winner of the International Fish and Chip Operator trophy at this year’s National Fish & Chip Awards, compered by television presenter Matt Baker.

While the UK’s passion for fish and chips runs deep, global appreciation for it is reaching more corners of the world. Businesses from overseas nations have come forth to show an industry judging committee how they too have been delighting customers with their comparable versions of the comfort food classic.

The International Fish and Chip Operator category, which was added to the prize line-up last year, is a ‘shell-ebration’ of those raising the profile of traditional British cuisine while upholding the high standards associated with the fish and chip industry and of course replicating the all-important flavours and textures of a chippy meal.

Also competing for the title were Beach Buns in County Sligo, Ireland and Affenbar in Tokyo, Japan, which were challenged to illustrate the efforts to deliver high-quality authentic food, and their approaches to sustainability and customer service.

 Brunei-based Fez & Cip topped the list and co-owner Khairul Zainal is delighted by the acknowledgement: “We have always looked at how the NFFF is there for the chippies in the UK, and we feel so alone doing everything on our own from so far away, and we were so surprised and honoured that we were in the top 3 for International Fish and Chip Operator.

“To actually win, it is such a humbling experience and a privilege to be recognised by the NFFF, and it all started because we miss how fish and chips is in the UK. Thank you NFFF for putting us on the global map as an authentic UK chippy.”

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which oversees the event, congratulates the 2025 winner:

“Fez & Cip has such passion for fish and chips and ensuring customers enjoy a top-quality time from the moment they arrive at their premises right through to the last bite of a great meal. It’s been exciting to see where the business has come from, and we look forward to what’s next as we know the team is full of fantastic ideas for the future.”

Steve Calvert is the owner of Premier1 Filtration, the award sponsor, which for more than 25 years has been a distributor of filter machines, papers and pads to fish and chip shops, takeaways, restaurants, schools and hospitals across the UK, Europe and Australia. He is pleased for the winner’s new success:

“Firstly, a huge congratulations to this year’s International Fish & Chip Operator winner Fez & Cip! Your dedication, hard work, and passion for the industry are truly inspiring, and you should be incredibly proud of this achievement.

“At Premier1 Filtration, we are honoured to sponsor this category, which celebrates the global reach of fish and chips and the incredible operators who bring this beloved dish to customers beyond the UK. Having supplied businesses across the world, from France to New Caledonia, we’ve seen first-hand the commitment it takes to maintain quality, consistency, and excellence in this industry.

“Sponsoring this award is incredibly important to us because it reflects the core values we stand for – innovation, quality, and a relentless drive to support fish and chip businesses in achieving their best. Seeing operators from around the world uphold these values and deliver outstanding fish and chips is truly rewarding. Once again, congratulations to Fez & Cip and all the finalists – you are a testament to the strength and success of this industry on a global scale.”

 For over a decade, the Norwegian seafood industry has proudly supported the fish and chip industry through the National Fish & Chip Awards. This year, Seafood from Norway will again welcome award winners to an exclusive study trip to Norway for an immersive three-day experience, highlighted by a day program aboard Langøy, one of Norway’s advanced frozen-at-sea vessels. This trip underscores the shared commitment to sustainability and excellence between Norway’s fishing industry and the UK’s fish and chip community.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.