We noticed Simon’s Fish and Chips opening
up in Jomtien, on the short run-up between the Hanuman statue and the
Dongtan Police station. We watched for a few months, as some restaurants in
the inexpensive dining bracket in Jomtien have had a habit of closing before
their grand openings! But here we were six months later and after hearing
good reports from many people, we decided we should investigate ourselves.
The single shophouse is well signed, so you should not
miss it, but it is a single, so seating is limited. The d้cor is at best
minimal, wooden chairs and tables, though there are enough references to
Luton and its football club, to give it a thoroughly British ambience. There
is even a warning that the chips are traditional British chips, not the
crunchy string French fries (which actually came from Belgium anyway). Those
who wish to buck the system, can however order the French variety, but why
would you bother? Incidentally, the place is also very clean.
There is a Simon, of Simon’s fish and chips, and indeed a
Luton lad at that who had been trained by the National Federation of Fish
Fryers (there is one) in the UK. He adheres to their principles and even
imports his own Icelandic cod and his potatoes from Holland to ensure the
correct ingredients are used. He even makes his own tartar sauce.
The menu is bright and cheerful, and surprisingly has a
lot more than just fish and chips; however, there are many choices of and
sizes of fish on offer (provided he can get them, says Simon). Icelandic
premium cod fillets (with chips and peas) B. 230 (small) and B. 295 (large),
or New Zealand codling fillets (with chips and peas) at B. 265 or even a
large shark fillet in butter and lemon with chips and salad, also at B. 265.
However, that is only around 1/6th
into the menu offerings. There are also home-made pies of various types (B.
195-220) and even a Scotch egg for B. 60. The next section covers sausages
and grills (B. 120-200) and then the kid’s menu (B. 90-130) which has hot
dogs, chicken nuggets and even a “kid’s cod” with chips and peas.
Again going in the face of the “Fish and Chips” concept,
there are burgers, fried chicken, rolls and sandwiches, potatoes (including
the famous chip butty, and side dishes, then on the back are beverages with
coffee, tea, softs, beers (around B. 60) and even a Californian house wine,
white or red at B. 100 per glass.
However, I had come for fish and chips, and fish and
chips I was going to have. And so did Madame. We (and Simon) decided that I
would have the Icelandic cod, garden peas and chips, while Madame would have
the local white fillet with mushy peas and chips. The interest was going to
be whether the premium cod was worth the premium!
The chosen items arrived on large fish-shaped plates, and
were certainly generous portions, with equally as generous fillets of the
fish. We also split the fish so both of us could taste the local and the
imported.
The batter was simply perfect, light, tasty and not
greasy at all. Simon scored well there before we even got into the fish. The
chips were also the large, rough-cut English style and again, not
overcooked. Great! The fish were excellent too, with the Icelandic cod
winning, but not by much.
If you are looking for an authentic British fish and
chips, then you really don’t have to go past Simon’s Fish and Chips. This is
authentic British fare, and even more importantly, cooked correctly. We
enjoyed both types of fish, but for me, the premium Icelandic cod was worth
the premium. Nothing flash or fine dining, but good fish and proper chips.
Do try. I am sure you will enjoy it. They do takeaways as well.
Simon’s Fish and Chips, Thappraya Road (right hand side
heading towards the Dongtan beach after the Hanuman statue), 413/141 M12,
Jomtien Complex, telephone 038 267 080. On street parking. Open 12.30 p.m.
to 11 p.m. Closed on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
