Let’s get this straight, fish and chip shops are not meant to be places to relax and enjoy your meal. Chip shops are the original takeaway joint, a place to grab a quick, filling, tasty meal on your way home from work or the pub. Stick to that simple premise and Offshore won’t disappoint. It certainly won’t win any awards for style or location, stuck as it is between two dodgy bars. Still, it is easily the most authentic chippy in Bangkok thanks to the stainless steel counter and bank of deep fat fryers that dominate the small shopfront entrance. Takeaway is the popular option, but if you do want to eat in, a sliding glass door leads to tables and chairs in a converted back room—restaurant is too strong a word. It’s all distinctly tatty, from the chipped tiling to the faded posters. Despite the shabby environs you can’t complain about the taste. A chip shop stands or falls by the quality of its batter (everything is deep fried) and while a little bit floury the batter at Offshore is never overly greasy and certainly flavorful. In fact, the biggest disappointment is the chips which, due to the potatoes used, are a little bit dry. The fish is much better, even if it is square shaped and sometimes slightly overcooked. Choose from the traditional, beautifully moist cod or the cheaper red snapper or dory. A good alternative is the fish and bits, large hunks of tender deep fried fish. Not a fish fan, then try the meaty battered sausages, two big juicy frankfurter pork sausages, or their range of pies. The minced beef and onion is our favorite with a rich gravy, heavy filling and tasty pastry. There are plenty of extras like the dry and tasteless mushy peas, baked beans and bread which can be washed down with imported beers like John Smith’s and Guinness from the bar next door. Offshore is not a spot for fine dining and not a place for those with high cholesterol. But if you want good quality, authentic, take away fish and chips then there are few places that can match it for taste and price.
