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An expat in Benidorm tested how much a familiar plate of fish and chips costs compared with Ireland — and was surprised by both the portion size and the bill. The encounter highlights how the Costa Blanca resort caters for British and Irish visitors seeking comfort food alongside traditional Spanish options.
A large portion, a modest price
Harry Poulton, an expat who regularly shares life in Benidorm online, ordered a small cod and chips with curry sauce and a Coca‑Cola from Ray’s Chippy. The shop carries around four out of five stars on Google reviews.
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When the meal arrived, Harry reacted in delight: “That looks absolutely amazing. Wow, look at that!” He later paid €13.50 for the food and drink and described it as an “absolute bargain” given the size of the portion.
How that compares to Ireland
In Ireland, a typical fish-and-chips meal usually costs between about €12 and €22, depending on whether you take away or sit down in a restaurant. Dine‑in prices tend to be at the upper end of that range.
By that measure, the Benidorm price sits at the lower part of the Irish scale. Still, Harry’s verdict underlines that you can find familiar, sizeable servings in coastal Spanish resorts that cater to British and Irish tastes.
Budget eating in Benidorm
Beyond the British‑style chipper, Benidorm offers plenty of low‑cost Spanish choices. One of the best value options is the menu del día, a set lunch that commonly includes a starter, main, dessert and sometimes a drink.
Smaller plates let visitors sample several dishes without spending much. Typical inexpensive items to look for include:
- patatas bravas and croquetas
- albóndigas (meatballs) and other tapas
- bocadillos — Spanish baguette sandwiches with fillings such as ham, tortilla or calamari
Spanish omelettes, pastries, gyros and pizza outlets are also widespread and wallet‑friendly. For travellers wanting a taste of home or a cheap local meal, Benidorm provides both paths in abundance.
