Cheap Eats Series #2: Mohr Fish

Location: Surry Hills

I can still remember how I was craving for this particular meal that day. I do not know why but there was just something about having it at that moment that would make me so happy. And you know what that was? Fish & Chips. Good ol' Fish and Chips, mate!

As I was scrambling to find something at that instant, I stumbled upon this article that vividly described what I would expect at Mohr Fish. Seeing that it is just a walk away from Central Station and how their Fish & Chips was within my budget, I did immediately caught the next train going there.

It was a hilly walk up from the Central station to the restaurant that by the time I saw the blue/aqua and white facade of dainty Mohr Fish at the corner of Devonshire and Steel, I was huffing and puffing and trying very hard to catch my breath. What you would exactly expect though if you are all eat but no exercise. But you know what? It was the perfect condition to eat some Fish & Chips as my craving and hunger shot up to its maximum.

There were only about 3 tables inside. Only one was occupied when I arrived. I sat on one of the seats lined up in front of the counter and told the waitress that I'll get the Fish & Chips. She asked, "What kind?". "Well, I am not sure, what are the options?", I replied. She then handed me a menu with all the types of fish that they can deep fry with the corresponding prices but none of those are below $10 and the lowest price that I have seen was over $20! "But...", she said. I turned and moved my head closer towards her. "...that's if you dine in here. If you'll order the Fish & Chips for takeaway then that will only cost you $9.50".

What?? How can that be? But of course, I just kept the question to myself. I was just happy to find what I was looking for!

"Do you want it grilled or beer battered?". I said beer battered without thinking twice.

Another table was filled up while I was waiting for my order. After a few minutes, another person came in and got 5 orders of Fish & Chips for takeaway. Apparently, everybody who steps inside knows what to do. If you are not after the Fish & Chips, sitting and enjoying the meal inside the restaurant is the most logical thing to do but if you are just after the Fish & Chips then just take it away and eat it on the pavement maybe or wherever but just do not pay that extra $15, especially if you can get it for $9.50.

Ten minutes into waiting, my Fish & Chips finally arrived. As I picked it up, I turned to the door and started to walk back to find a bench or a pavement in which I could sit on. Alas, I was able to find this lovely bench close to the Central Station.

Opening the take-out container, I found a nice heap of chips topped with two large fillets of flathead staring back at me. The deep-fried fish was so crispy outside and soft inside! Also, I love how tasty, fresh yet simple they were. It was like I was eating a home-cooked meal. But more than the fish, I also loved how crispy the chips were! Did a quick mental note that this is the place to be if I want some Fish & Chips. Anyway, I was not able to finish it in one sitting because I already found myself full when I was halfway into it. I did bring though the leftovers with me to nearby Coogee Beach and finished it there until I was ready to go. Anyway, cravings satisfied!