'Fish and chips are for everyone': Meet the man behind the acclaimed Leeds chippy named among best in the UK
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They’ve been rated one of the UK’s top chippies for a third year in a row by Fry Magazine - so what is the secret to Portside Fish and Chips’ success?
Could it be the portion sizes, or a certain method in which their stunning fish and chips (I speak from a lot of experience, admittedly) are prepared?
Owner Valjit Soor says it’s a combination of elements that has led to continued excellence across not just their Kirkstall location, but their other shops in Moortown and South Emsall, too.
“We only serve MSC-certified and Icelandic Haddock,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“The fish is always white, chunky and tasty, and we make our batter fresh on site many times throughout a shift, thus maintaining the quality and taste.”
There’s an element of tradition in the preparation, he also reveals, using an “old school” process of rumblings and washing farm potatoes and chipping them on site, ensuring “the quality of chips is the best every time.”
But the real secret is the expertise passed down from generation to generation, Valjit said.
“We try our best to pass on our knowledge and expertise through training, training and more training,” he added.
“Fish and chips are a family tradition and have been for decades. We have a love and passion for the industry and aim to continue growing and selling the product for as long as possible.”
As the rising cost of living means that families are now more selective with where they spend their Friday night takeaway money, Portside has regularly been praised on sites such as Just Eat and Uber Eats for its portion sizes and value for money.
It’s a testament to the efforts that Valjit and the team have gone to ensure that they don’t fall into what he calls the “under-selling trap.”
“We work on margins to cover the ongoing costs of running a business,” he explained. “While also making sure the product is still affordable.”
He said the establishment reviews its pricing structure regularly to make sure Leeds locals are “always paying a fair and affordable price,” highlighting the various meal deals that allow customers to make “substantial savings” on purchases.
Families often have different tastes, and Valjit empathises with the struggle of trying to cater for everyone, explaining that “having a family of my own, I know how difficult it can be to please everyone.”
That’s why, away from the traditional fish, chips, mushy peas and gravy sauce (or whatever your condiment of choice is), Portside also offers salt and pepper chicken and the recent craze of Irish Spice Bags.
Despite the rise in other culinary cultures, though, Valjit’s years running chip shops have shown that the classic dish is still one of the most popular in the city.
When asked if he noticed a change in eating habits with the arrival of new restaurants and cuisines in Leeds, he responds with a simple “no”. In his opinion, “fish and chips will always be enjoyed by folks of all ages and backgrounds.”
Valjit added: “We have young children enjoying their fish bites and chips, students and young adults enjoying the largest portion of fish and chips they can get through, and pensioners enjoying the smaller lite-bites.
“Everyone who is anyone eats fish and chips,” Valjit proudly announces. “At the very least, everyone will eat a portion of proper chippy chips.”
Following the success in the suburbs, could a new shop in Leeds city centre ever be on the cards?
“Never say never,” Valjit coyly responds. “Who knows what lies in the future?”
Looking for the latest Food Standards Hygiene ratings from December? Take a look at all the recent decisions made for restaurants and cafes in Leeds.