How fish and chips are bringing together faiths in a Leeds suburb

Fish and chip shop Marlow’s British Kitchen on Street Lane in Moortown and the Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue and Bakery are good neighbours.

The chippie is co-owned by Arabaab Munir, known as Paddy, who started selling Kosher fish and chips when it first opened in September of this year after a suggestion from Rabbi Anthony Gilbert.

He said: “Selling kosher fish and chips helps bring the community together which is the main objective. When people walk through my door it doesn’t matter what faith you are, people want to eat toegther.”

Paddy added: “We don’t want to alientate everyone. Word is starting to get around a little and hopefully people love the food.”

Kosher" means "fit" or "proper" and refers to foods that comply with the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut. These laws, found in the Torah, dictate which foods are permitted and forbidden, how they must be prepared, and how they can be combined. A key rule is the strict separation of meat and dairy products.

The process involves all the ingredients such as the white fish and oil being kosher and separate fryers for the fish and the chips. A Kashrut supervisor also has to be present.

Rabbi Anthony Gilbert of the Leeds Beth Din and Etz Chaim Synagogue said: ““It is the first time in 50 years we have a recognised Kosher fish and chip shop in the heart of the community. In a time of turmoil it is good to have people of all faiths coming together, working together and eating together.”

He added: “The food is very popular and the fish and chip shop is respected by the community.. They respect our customs and we respect theirs.”