JEDDAH, 27 November — Harry Ramsden was undeniably the most successful fish fryer in Bradford. He was the first person to offer a sit down fish and chip meal and his restaurant was the place to be seen. It wasn’t long before Harry Ramsden’s was in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest fish and chips restaurant. In fact, they’ve broken the world record three times for selling the most fish and chips in a day.
I certainly must say the place has its own distinctive style. The decor is very busy and colorful. They have photographs on the wall. To be honest, the atmosphere is a bit dull and dreary. Though I guess it was just an attempt to keep the same old atmosphere that made it a hit in the first place. I think it lacks that special something that attracts young people. But what really counts is the food. It is simply good.
It provides delicious fish dishes at prices within the reach of the average person. I think it is safe to say that it is the only restaurant in Jeddah that serves fish and chips the English way.
It really is high quality fish for it is so fresh, tender and savory. They serve najeel, hamour, cod and haddock in Harry’s unique world-famous batter. The chips are good as well. You also get to choose between rice, potatoes and boiled vegetables. Side orders are mushy peas, garden peas, mixed salad, extra chips, baked beans and rice.
They also have luscious shrimp. I enjoyed the shrimp cocktail that I ordered. I found the buttered toast kind of soggy though. For dessert they have delicious apple pie, gooseberry crumble, creme caramel, fruit jelly and luxury bread and butter pudding.
When asked about their Ramadan’s special, they announced the following offers — one meal free for a group of three, a VIP 15% discount for all food and drink purchases and one gift for every table. They even offer free group transportation for a minimum of ten people if notified 24 hours in advance.
Special discounts are offered for groups, hospitals and companies. To celebrate Ramadan, they offer seven set menus.
Best of all is the one that offers a choice of soup of the day or cauliflower soup, followed by a compo platter that includes: 2 haddock bites 2 najeel bites, 2 cod bites and gulf shrimp served with chips or rice.
And you may end this food journey with their rich Vanilla ice cream. For the drinks you can have orange juice and tea or coffee. And it’s only for SR54.
Their special kids’ menu with a very special price of SR20 includes a choice of chicken nuggets or fish bites or mini compo platter.
The dessert will be fruit jelly or ice cream and the drinks are either juice or soft drinks.
You don’t have to go to England to enjoy the world’s most famous fish and chips. Just stop by the place on the South Corniche. The Ramadan hours are from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
