The Waikato’s best fish and chips can be found in Cambridge, only a 20-minute drive from Hamilton. They are made by a team of fryers led by two qualified chefs who won for Cambridge’s Queen Vic Chipping the regional title for Best Chip Shop at their first attempt.
To help identify the best fish and chips in New Zealand, we’ve drawn on many sources including which fryers have taken awards at the national Best Chip Shop competitions. These awards have run since 2006 and are a useful guide to identifying the best in the country and in each region.
Our guide to the best fish and chips in the Waikato includes the following recommendations:
Top choice
85c Victoria Street, Cambridge, Waikato
Having opened only in 2013, this English-style fish and chip shop uses qualified chefs and offers gluten-free options. They pack their takeaways in cardboard boxes and, yes, they serve mushy peas. Regional winner of the Best Chip Shop competition in 2013.
Next best (not in order)
Seafood Bazaar
Rototuna Shopping Centre, 44 Horsham Downs Road, Rototuna, Hamilton
Extensive menu and part of one of Hamilton’s newest shopping centres. Highly commended in the regional Best Chip Shop competition for 2013.
Happy Snapper ‘n’ Chips
113 Tirau Street, Putaruru, South Waikato
Known for its large portions (and king-sized gourmet burgers). Highly commended in the regional Best Chip Shop competition for 2013.
Horotiu Food Centre
6195 Great South Rd, Horotiu, Waikato
A short distance north of Hamilton, this doubles as a convenience store. Highly commended in the regional Best Chip Shop competition for 2013.
DK’s Burger Bar
72 Broadway, Matamata
As the name suggests, DK’s are known for their burgers which include a bumper-sized fish burger (made with snapper when available). Highly commended in the regional Best Chip Shop competition for 2013.
Our guide to the best fish and chip shops in New Zealand
Northland & Far North Ι Auckland’s North Shore Ι Auckland Ι Waikato Ι Coromandel Ι Tauranga Ι Rotorua Ι Taupo Ι Hawkes Bay Ι Manawatu Ι Taranaki Ι Wellington Ι Nelson Ι Blenheim Ι Christchurch Ι South Canterbury Ι Otago Ι Southland
