Mushy Peas: The Essential Side for Authentic British Fish & Chips

When we think of iconic British food pairings, the first that likely comes to mind is Fish & Chips, a duo that's hard to beat. Crispy battered fish served with golden fries, and when done right, without any greasiness. But there's a co-star on the plate that often gets overlooked by us, the tourists: the humble Mushy Peas. If The Beatles have Ringo, Fish & Chips have the Mushy Peas.

About two years ago, I visited my British teammates in Nottingham. We were sitting in what was once a church, now, as strange as it sounds, a pub. The pub had an incredibly high ceiling and beautiful Gothic architecture, which made for a truly unique experience. It was even more special because this was the first time I was meeting in person the people I had only seen online. We were all sitting together for lunch, and even though a fancy dinner was awaiting us later that day, I couldn’t pass up the chance to have a traditional dining experience, so I ordered Fish & Chips and... mushy peas, in a church.

A Fish & Chips with a touch of Mushy Peas on the side, from a travel to London.

For the first time, I had the chance to try mushy peas, and it was a revelation for me.

While my British teammates didn’t hype them up much, to me, they were an essential, refreshing element that tied the whole meal together with their gentle sweetness and hearty taste, perfectly complementing the fried potatoes and fish. They also added a vibrant green color to a plate that otherwise gleamed with golden hues.

So, what exactly are Mushy Peas?

As the name suggests, they're peas, and yes, they’re mushed. But there’s just a little more to it. Traditionally made from dried Marrowfat Peas (mature peas that are naturally dried and have the perfect texture for mushing), they need to be soaked in water overnight (similar to chickpeas or beans), then cooked, mashed, and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Some may add mint and a squeeze of lemon, finishing it with a knob of butter. While not the most traditional, it’ll give the peas an extra layer of freshness and make them even more flavorful.

Whether you're a fan of peas or not, next time you're in the UK and craving traditional Fish & Chips, don’t forget to get your greens for the full traditional experience! You’ll find mushy peas in just about any chippy (Fish & Chips shop). Check out our London guide to find the best local restaurants to eat fish and chips in London.