This was a breakfast decided based on convenience. We had to charge our whip for the week, and the closest and fastest one is located in Kensington Plaza. So instead of waiting in the car, we decided to have a meal as it charged.
I’ve had a bad experience with the chain’s New Westminster location many years ago and since I’ve tried the new Vancouver one more recently, and liking what we had then was more optimistic of fish and chips in the neighbourhood today.
From the winter eats menu, we ordered the Deep Fried Pickles. These were exactly as expected, breaded and deep fried pickle spears served with our choice of What-What, Tzatziki, Ranch, or Garlic Aioli. We went with the tzatziki and found these served as a great pucker of tart tang in between more greasy bites.
We shared a bowl of their Cockney Signature Soup to start. This was premade and quick to scoop and serve. I forgot that they don’t do a chowder and assumed that this would be creamy. Instead it was a chunky chicken broth with halibut, vegetables, bacon, and clams. Full of flavour, but it didn’t quite hit texturally. The vegetables were gritty, the potato sandy, and a creamy base would have washed that away.
And you don’t visit a fish and chips shop without ordering fish and chips. Cod is the typical fish used, but we decided to try haddock instead with our 2 piece dish dinner. The fish is dipped in their famous batter and served with house cut chips, coleslaw, and a roll with butter.
Here, you are able to upgrade these sides to any of their appetizers at the difference of cost. This includes the garden salad, caesar salad, a cup of soup, or even their curry poutine. Or you can add on prawns and oysters to the platter for a more fulsome serving. However, we were craving the classic, and I was happy that they gave each table a full bottle of tartar sauce to enjoy with it. We just had to ask for the vinegar and lemon to season.
I really like the soft and crispy texture of the chips, but wish they were longer instead of the quarters they were cut into. A curious choice, but maybe they used small potatoes? The Haddock was definitely a fattier and more supple fish compared to cod, it just melts. A lush texture in contrast to the the crispy coating that enrobed it. Fresh and delicious we ate it all.
In closing, a descent spot for fish and chips, and so close to home too. Although, I tend to crave this only by the water, with the belief that the fish used then and there is the catch of the day.
Cockney Kings Fish & Chips
6574 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5B 1S1
(604) 291-1323
cockneykings.ca
