An award-winning chippy in Perthshire has introduced a new top seller to its menu — salmon suppers have become a hit at The Dunkeld Fish Bar. The chippy, which was once crowned Scotland’s best fish and chip shop, now offers customers the option of adding salmon to the traditional line-up of haddock, battered puddings, and other classic chippy offerings.
Scott Davie, the owner of The Dunkeld Fish Bar, shared that tourists and avid anglers have been flocking to try the deep-fried salmon delicacy. He highlighted that while haddock and cod are popular white fish choices, salmon stands out for its unique taste and health benefits. Scott explained, “Salmon is an oily fish, and while some may believe it should only be grilled, when battered, it tastes phenomenal — the fish literally melts in your mouth. Once people try our salmon supper, they love it. It’s really taken off.”
Dunkeld, located on the banks of the River Tay, has a longstanding reputation for its association with salmon. The area gained fame on October 7, 1922, when Georgina Ballantine caught a 64lb salmon, setting a British record for a line-caught salmon. Although fishing for salmon in the River Tay is now catch and release, anglers still enjoy the experience and often opt for a salmon supper from The Dunkeld Fish Bar as a tasty alternative after a day on the river.
Scott, aged 50, noted, “Dunkeld is renowned for salmon, but all fishing on the Tay is catch and release now, so we offer the solution. Many fishermen stop by after a day’s fishing to get a salmon supper for their tea on the way home.” Additionally, the salmon suppers have become a favourite among tourists passing through Dunkeld, especially those on tour buses who are eager to sample the local delicacy.
The salmon used at The Dunkeld Fish Bar is sourced from a fish merchant in Arbroath. Scott prepares the salmon by cutting pre-prepared sides into 8oz fillets, butterflying them, and then frying them to order in beef fat to achieve a light and crispy batter. He explained, “I use the best salmon available, and the result is a light, crispy batter that enhances the wonderful flavour of the fish.”
A variety of deep-fried items are also available at The Dunkeld Fish Bar, from brussels sprouts at Christmas to the shop’s famous weekly deep-fried sweet. While some experimental choices didn’t quite work out, such as marshmallows and chocolate Crunchies, Scott and his team remain adventurous with their menu offerings.
Visitors to Dunkeld gave the battered salmon rave reviews, with art teacher Tina Templeton, 40, commenting during a visit from Glasgow with her family, “It’s delicious. We love fish, but I’ve never seen salmon in a fish and chip shop before. I’d definitely order a salmon supper again.” The unique addition of salmon to the chippy menu has proved to be a resounding success, attracting local patrons and tourists alike with its distinctive and flavourful offering.