True to its namesake, Fish & Chips near Camp Humphreys, South Korea, serves battered fish deep-fried golden brown with perfectly crisp chips. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
America’s favorite fast-food franchises have staked out territory inside nearly every U.S. military base.
If you’ve reached the saturation point and want something new, try South Korea’s take on an English staple. Not far from Camp Humphreys’ main gate is the catchy Fish & Chips.
Sandwiched between two realty offices, this small and cozy eatery has a lot of personality. It reminded me of a beach house with nautical decorations and a 2022 Best of Pyeongtaek poll proudly displayed on the wall.
True to its namesake, the restaurant serves battered fish deep-fried golden brown with perfectly crisp chips — aka french fries. Good as they are, they come in a plain old white wrapper and brown paper bag, not the traditional newspaper of their English cousins.
I entered the restaurant to find welcoming staff and a disciplined menu that lists only fish or shrimp and chips. But the portions are large, and diners may have both on one order for between 15,000 to 18,000 won, the equivalent of $11.23 to $13.48.
A basic order of fish and chips and a soda came to 16,000 won.
Fish & Chips, not far from the main gate at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, is a cozy eatery with lots of personality. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
My food was delicious and made to order, so the fish and fries were piping hot and took only 10 to 15 minutes. The fish arrived crisp, light and seasoned perfectly. The fries came the same way without being drenched in oil.
So, if food court burgers and chicken sandwiches are getting stale, check out Fish & Chips for a classic done right.
Fish & Chips
Location: 136-10 Anjeong-ri, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hours: Open noon to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; Noon to 8 p.m., Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; Closed Monday.
Prices: Most entries cost between 15,000 won and 18,000 won.
Dress: Casual
Directions: About a 15-minute walk from Camp Humphreys’ main gate.
Information: 031-655-0130
