I had been told the best fish and chip shop on the Turquoise coast was at Leeman 44km drive north of Jurien Bay.
This is a big call as coastal towns abound with fish and chip shops. Leeman’s store lived up to all recommendations and expectations. The meal was perfect, one of the best serves I can ever remember having. The chips were the right chunky size, not a French fry at all. They were crispy on the outside, light and fluffy inside. This is the perfect way to cook chips. Of course I had chicken salt on mine. Chicken salt is an essential condiment in Australian fish and chip shops and something I really miss when travelling overseas. It is savory and explosively rich with flavours. (Yes, it does contain roasted, braised, dried and salted chickens, mushroom powder, white pepper, garlic and onion powder among other ingredients.) It is also delicious on freshly popped popcorn.
The fish was cooked to perfection. Nice and moist nestled inside its crispy batter coating. You can request another cooking method if you wish. The large serving could easily have fed two people. In fact, I did take some back and shared mine with a friend from Jurien Bay.
The staff were friendly and helpful in my choice of type of fish. While waiting for my freshly cooked delight, we chatted away.
On the wall of the shop is a loving tribute to the current owner’s grandfather who was on the HMAS Sydney II when it was sunk by Germans in 1941, off the Western Australia coast. Leslie Michael Blom was only 22 years old at the time he died, and left behind his wife who was 3 months pregnant with their child.
There is a sitting area if you wish to dine in, or you can take away and head down to enjoy your meal looking over the ocean.
I chose the latter option, but had to be super quick as seagulls thought I was providing them with a feed. They were quite aggressive, jumping up on the table of the rotunda and trying to peck my food.
I packed up and drove down to the jetty where I ate in my car whilst still enjoying the spectacular views.
I wonder why fish and chips always taste better when you are looking out over the ocean?
Happy Travels!
