Orange Chips

Orange chips are a regional chip-shop specialty primarily associated with the Black Country in the West Midlands, England. The dish consists of freshly fried chips (thick-cut fries) served with a vivid orange-coloured sauce. The sauce is traditionally made from malt vinegar, water, sugar, and a bright orange food colouring, sometimes with a small amount of flour or cornflour as a thickener. Its flavour is simultaneously tangy from the vinegar and sweet from the sugar, offering a contrast to the savoury, salty chips. A great version is distinguished by chips that remain crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, while the sauce should be just thick enough to cling to the potatoes without making them soggy, and the colour a consistent, vibrant orange—not pale or dull. The balance of sweet and sour is crucial; the best examples are neither cloying nor overwhelmingly sharp. Variations exist across the region: some shops add a touch of mustard powder or paprika for warmth, while others thin the sauce further to use as a dip rather than a coating. The origin of orange chips is debated, but they are widely believed to have emerged in Black Country chip shops during the mid-20th century as a cheap, distinctive alternative to standard salt and vinegar. Two venues frequently recommended by the review channel *Only Scrans* on ReTubeIt are Dr. Vinegars in Oldbury and The Black Country Chippy in Tipton, both of which are praised for upholding the traditional recipe and achieving the ideal sauce-to-chip ratio. Orange chips remain a beloved local staple, rarely found outside the region.