chips

South Korea had 81 products that led global exports in 2024, including memory chips, solid state drives (SSDs) and face masks, a report showed Tuesday.

The report published by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) showed that the value of 81 Korea-produced items accounted for the largest share of global export value in their respective categories.

China was at the top with 2,087 items with the largest export market share, followed by Germany at 520 items, the United States at 505, Italy at 199 and India at 156.

South Korea had 19 items ranked between second to 10th in terms of export market share, KITA said, noting the country is likely to increase its number of globally leading products in the future.

The country’s top selling items included memory chips, electrical transformers, SSDs, lead-acid starter batteries for automobiles, rubber for automotive components and sheet masks.

Notably, Korea reclaimed the top spot for memory chips from China for the first time in five years in 2024, thanks to strong demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM) and other advanced products made by Korean companies, KITA said.

In the tanker segment, Korea lost the top spot to China on the latter’s strategy of securing large volumes of low-value vessels but is expected to retake the position in 2025 on the back of the recent boom in Seoul’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship orders, it added.

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In this picturesque North Yorkshire town, famed for its seafood and imposing abbey, I indulged in fish and chips, admired the views, and enjoyed a walk up a particularly famous set of steps

A seaside town with award-winning fish and chips, friendly locals, and a literary claim to fame can be summed up in one word. In an enviable assignment last weekend, I paid a visit to the picturesque North Yorkshire harbour town of Whitby, famed for its imposing Gothic abbey ruins, prominent links to Dracula and Captain Cook, and, of course, its nationally renowned fish and chips.

As I drove into town on a bright Saturday morning in March—one of the first truly sunny days of the year—I couldn’t help but notice a sign proclaiming Whitby as the “Home of Scampi” (or words to that effect), which immediately raised my expectations for the day’s task.

Whitby’s reputation for seafood is well known, with an abundance of chippies to choose from. Among them is Trenchers on New Quay Road – the proud winner of this year’s Best Restaurant at the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards.

In what was perhaps a testament to Trenchers‘ recent culinary acclaim, I was surprised to find a long queue already forming outside the restaurant when I arrived at around 10.30am.

Accompanied by my excitable cocker spaniel, Luna, I opted for Trenchers’ takeaway next door, where I found myself in the company of just one other patron, who was quick to praise the quality of Whitby’s seafood.

Opting for cod, chips, mushy peas and a side of curry sauce for £16 in total, I sat on a bench opposite the eatery and took in the seaside scene, where market traders catered to the busy foot traffic at pop-up stalls.

Quickly polishing off my chippy lunch, a delicious serving of fish with light, crispy (albeit slightly pale) batter and golden chips, I found myself hard-pressed to find anything to criticise, mentally awarding the meal a comfortable 8.5 out of 10.

Having disposed of the rubbish, I decided to take a stroll into the harbour area towards Whitby Swing Bridge over the River Esk, so I could access the other side of the town and the looming abbey on the hillside.

As I breathed in the sea air and admired the views across the water, my attention was drawn to an impressive ship, which I later discovered was The Whitby Endeavour restaurant.

Luna and I set off on a walk to the bridge, only to discover that it was temporarily closed. It meant that I had to walk some distance around to reach the other side, according to some friendly locals, but I was keen to walk off my meal, so we set off.

As I crossed a larger bridge, I was offered spectacular views over the entire town, the river flowing beneath me and many boats resting on the bank next to the train tracks awaiting their next outing.

I eventually worked my way around to the other side and passed the Tolkien-themed Middle Earth Tavern as I entered the narrow, shop-filled Church Street. There, I found myself ogling the many books, trinkets and baked goods on display.

Next, I made my way to the famous 199 Steps on Whitby’s East Cliff, which lead up to St Mary’s Church and the breathtaking 7th-century Whitby Abbey beyond.

In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the titular vampire takes the form of a dog and bounds up the steps to the church. In similarly exuberant fashion, Luna hauled me up all 199; though, in my case, it was likely a blessing for my fitness.

Stopping for several photos along the way, I couldn’t help but be left awestruck by how beautiful Whitby is; it’s something that you really notice as you ascend the steps, each level revealing a different angle of the town.

Once you arrive at the church, its distinctive Gothic atmosphere is palpable – dozens of gravestones overlook the town below, while a sharp sea breeze envelops you as you admire the coastal vistas.

Whitby Abbey is also a sight to behold, a majestic ruin that’s sure to inflame the imagination of any visiting history buffs, and to top it all off, there was a dog-friendly café nearby.

After a quick latte and a Twix – while Luna enjoyed some water and a few meaty dog treats – we made our way back down the steps, just as the crowds began to gather in the early afternoon.

In a surprising but touching twist that may offer some insight into the beauty of the town, I even spotted a man going down on one knee and proposing to his girlfriend outside the church.

Once we were safely back in the car, I ultimately found myself wishing that I could have stayed longer. Whitby has found itself a lifelong fan, one who will most definitely be returning.

And, if I had to sum it up in one word, although this is a hard task with a place I like so much, it would probably have to be stunning.

Harry Poulton, who moved to the Alicante region from the UK, visited the Duke of Wellington pub and Ray’s Chippy in Benidorm to find out if they serve the best fish and chips in the city

A Brit living in Benidorm has voiced his astonishment at the cost of fish and chips in the popular holiday spot after popping into a takeaway in the Spanish tourism hotspot. Harry Poulton, who provides travel tips and insights into the Alicante region, paid a visit to the Duke of Wellington pub in the Costa Blanca resort, which also houses Ray’s Chippy.

“I’m here to find out if this really is the best fish and chips in the whole of Benidorm,” he kicked off in a TikTok video. Settling down, Harry chose cod and chips, served with a pot of curry sauce and a can of Coca-Cola to wash it down.

Once his meal arrived, he complimented the waitress, saying it looked “absolutely amazing” before tucking in.

Sprinkling salt on the chips and dunking one in the curry sauce, Harry expressed his delight: “Oh, proper chip shop fries. It’s really nice. You can’t beat a chip shop fry, can you?”

Turning his attention to the fish, meanwhile, Harry, who selected the smaller option from the menu, described it as looking “gorgeous” before taking a bite.

“That is amazing,” he proclaimed. “Super crunchy – the batter is really nice and it’s proper fresh. Really, really tasty – it’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Harry headed to the till to pay the bill afterwards which, at €13.50 (£11.69), he hailed as an “absolute bargain”.

On TripAdvisor, The Duke of Wellington and Ray’s Chippy boasts a rating of 3.8 out of five based on 289 reviews.

Reacting to Harry’s post, one TikTok user commented: “Great place, we go every time we are in Benidorm.”

A second visitor praised: “Very good when we both went. 10/10 Good prices too.”

While a third recommended: “You should try Gwen’s Bar in La Cala on a Friday tea time. Their fish and chips are unbelievable.”

Harry also offered guidance to Brits heading to Benidorm while the Cheltenham Festival is taking place back home. The annual horse racing spectacular is being held at Cheltenham Racecourse from today (March 10) through to Friday.

“It’s a little bit cloudy here at the moment,” Harry cautioned those planning to watch the races while abroad. “It’s quite cold as well – currently just 13 degrees and it looks there is more rain and wind on the way.”

He concluded by urging those travelling to the Costa Blanca this week to pack jumpers and jackets alongside summer clothing. “You know what Benidorm is like,” he remarked. “Cloudy one minute, but blue skies the next. It’s good to be prepared.”

The National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 has crowned the best fish and chip restaurants and takeaways in the UK, with a pair based in the same area taking top honours

What’s been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the seafood sector has now unveiled precisely where Brits should be purchasing their fish and chips, and the answer lies in Yorkshire.

The National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 spotlighted the finest establishments within the fish and chip trade, crowning champions in both the Restaurant and Takeaway of the Year categories.

Claiming victory in both sections were two Yorkshire-based venues, alongside their runners-up, cementing the county’s reputation as the authentic birthplace of fish and chips.

For those fortunate enough to sample a chippy meal from Yorkshire, it comes as little shock that the region boasts the nation’s finest offerings.

With coastal destinations such as Scarborough and Whitby leading the sector, serving thousands of portions each day, some of the finest establishments are surprisingly those tucked away inland, where travellers stop off along their journey through the county.

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The Scrap Box, York

Among these hidden gems is The Scrap Box in York, crowned 2026 Takeaway of the Year. The venture was established by two local brothers with ambitions of creating a chippy catering to all the villages scattered between York and Pocklington, whilst serving those travelling towards the coast.

Situated at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, the takeaway does precisely that. The two siblings running the establishment, Aman and Gavin Dhesi, discovered the site, which was formerly a considerably less appealing toilet block next to a layby, and imagined something remarkable for their business venture.

The roadside takeaway has accumulated an outstanding 200+ ‘excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews, with countless patrons raving about their experience.

One reviewer said: “I’m always wary of places that say ‘award-winning’ and never say what award they won!” However at this venue, the honours are clearly showcased for everyone to view.

Following their Takeaway of the Year triumph, Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

The Trenchers of Whitby, Whitby

The Restaurant of the Year champion at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards was a local Whitby restaurant, known as the Trenchers of Whitby.

Just a short stroll from the tourist hotspot of Whitby Beach, the eatery has firmly positioned itself at the centre of the coastal town, naturally attracting visitors throughout the year.

Whilst the enviable location certainly plays its part, they secured first place thanks to their self-described “traditional method of beef dripping”, enabling them to deliver the “best possible product”.

It’s these deliberate approaches to preparing their mouth-watering dishes that have allowed the establishment to distinguish itself from rivals. Popular choices on their menu feature seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish alongside homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, and numerous vegetarian alternatives.

One delighted diner praised the “gravy is out of this world”. They shared: “We travelled to Whitby for a weekend away. We popped into Trenchers Friday night, we were seated in a booth, and the drinks arrived promptly once ordered… The butcher’s gravy was absolutely delicious, and we would return just for the gravy.”

Runners Up

The Yorkshire chip shops aren’t the only ones celebrating success, outperforming other venues across their respective regions. Shaw’s Fish and Chips of Dodworth, located in Barnsley, Yorkshire, secured second place in the Takeaways category, making it the nation’s second-best fish and chip takeaway.

Additionally, the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 named Whitby’s Restaurant and Take Away in Rotherham, Yorkshire, as the third-best restaurant of the year.

The Fry Awards

Further cementing Yorkshire’s reputation as the go-to destination for fish and chips, the esteemed Fry Awards unveiled their definitive list of the UK’s best chippies in January this year. A staggering number of establishments from the top 50 hailed from the county, with Trenchers of Whitby earning another commendable nod in their top 10 restaurants list.

Here are all the Yorkshire fish and chip shops that made it to the Fry Awards:.

• Auckley Friery, Auckley, Doncaster
• Hird’s Family Fisheries, Halifax, West Yorkshire
• Kirbys of Horsforth, Horsforth, Leeds
• Kirbys of Meanwood, Meanwood, Leeds
• Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough, Flamborough, East Yorkshire
• Portside Fish & Chips, Starbeck, North Yorkshire
• Portside Fish & Chips, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
• The Codfather, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
• The Fish Bank, Sherburn in Elemet, North Yorkshire
• Your Plaice or Mine Mobile Van, Thorne, South Yorkshire

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THE quiet town of Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex is set to be a TV star.

ITV presenter Josie Gibson was seen filming at the pretty destination on the Dengie Peninsula last week known for its top-tier sailing scene and fresh seafood.

Josie, along with a film crew, were seen at various different spots in Burnham-on-Crouch, which sits on the River Crouch.

The town that is just an hour outside of London was called “wonderfully understated” by The Telegraph and it even questioned whether it’s “the most peaceful town in England.”

While it might be quiet on land, Burnham-on-Crouch has a busy harbour, as well as a quayside, boat-building yards, listed buildings and sailing clubs.

Thanks to its location and popularity within the sailing circle, Burnham-on-Crouch is nicknamed ‘Cowes of the East Coast’.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

GRUBS UP

Best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex – by Sun readers & locals

This is after the world-renowned Cowes on the Isle of Wight which is the “Yachting Capital of the World”.

Throughout the year are sailing events, but what Burnham-on-Crouch is most famous for is Burnham Week.

The major sailing regatta is held every year at the end of August with plenty of competitive racing for various yacht and dinghy classes.

This year it will kick off on August 29 until September 5, 2026 – and it is a major week in the sailing calendar.

Last week though, the TV crew were spotted on dry land filming outside The Cabin Dairy on the High Street.

The cafe has been in operation since the 1990s, serving up breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, toasties, tea, coffee and ice cream.

Another spot that was seen in front of the camera was The Quarterdeck restaurant.

The seafood restaurant and bistro bar sits on the waterfront, serving dishes like the seafood board with Maldon cured smoked salmon, crevettes, pickled roll mops and anchovies.

Of course you can pick up fish and chips too, as well as a Sailor Sandwich with fish goujons, and oysters.

For oyster fans, check out Burnham Seafood and Oyster Bar which is a fish stall open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Here, locals can pick up top quality seafood from lobsters to crab, and of course, oysters.

Seafood is a big part of the town’s history as it used to be a thriving oyster port.

In the 19th century, the River Crouch was filled with oyster beds, which were then harvested and traded into London and across Europe.

Next door to The Quarterdeck is Harbour Delights, an American retro diner that serves up tasty drinks and desserts.

You can choose from ice cream sundaes, Belgian waffles, bubble tea, milkshakes, and enjoy a coke float.

One place the crew weren’t seen filming at, but is a Burnham hotspot is the Jolly Fryer.

The fish and chip shop in previous years was voted as the Best Chippy in Essex.

You can pick up a medium cod for two with large chips and either curry sauce or mushy peas for £21.99.

As for what’s nearby, from certain points in the town you can see across the river to Wallasea Island which has been turned into a nature reserve.

Visitors can visit by ferry, which will cost around £5 each way, to see wading birds as well as rare butterflies.

For wine fans, head to family-run Clayhill Vineyard which makes Bacchus (often referred to as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc) and chardonnay.

One Sun Writer who visited said: “I particularly loved the English sparkling wine and at £19 per bottle it’s much cheaper — and in my opinion nicer — than champagne.“

The vineyard has views of the River Crouch, and has a small cafe for lunch, tea and cake – and you can taste its wine here too.

For train enthusiasts, head to nearby Mangapps Railway & Museum which is a working railway and museum on a farm in Burnham-on-Crouch.

It has a three-quarter mile passenger line with restored stations, signal boxes, and visitors can go on as many train rides as they like with their ticket.

One visitor on Tripadvisor wrote: “Nice little museum. Lots of different trains and even a well-kept, older station where you can enjoy a small ride on an old train.”

It’s open on weekends between 11.30AM to 5PM. Ticket prices are £15 per adult, £8 per child and under three’s go free.

For anyone who is a fan of The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, then you might want to head up to Tillingham.

Fans of the book will know that village is where the narrator’s younger brother escapes to when London is invaded by Martians.

Burnham-on-Crouch is served by the Crouch Valley branch line.

From London Liverpool Street, it can be reached in just over an hour with one transfer at Wickford.

This Essex town has been called a ‘Cotswolds alternative’…

Senior Consumer Reporter Adele Cooke visited Saffron Walden…

She said: “Its Saturday market is often a place to spot TV chef Jamie Oliver. We admired the great artisan stands, but sadly didn’t spot Jamie.

“Coffee in hand, we took a stroll to St Mary’s Church, which dates to Norman times and is still the tallest building in Essex with its spire topping out at 193ft. Then it was on to Bridge End Gardens and its maze –  before a pint at the Cross Keys Hotel, also known for its great food.

“The fun continued with a visit to one of Essex’s Tiptree tea rooms. I knew Tiptree as the makers of tasty jams, often served in little jars at posh hotels.

“We got the day off to the best of starts at Tiptree’s Courtyard tea room in Saffron Walden with their traditional breakfast, a Full English complete with tasty local sausages, bacon, egg and even some traditional Tiptree brown sauce.”

For more on Essex, Britain’s smallest town named one of the coolest spots in the country with cosy pubs and coastal walks.

And this pretty village is regularly named ‘UK’s most beautiful’ is a perfect weekend break.

This seaside spot has been crowned the best fish and chip restaurant in the UK at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards, beating over 10,500 chippy operators nationwide

Fish and chips remain a beloved staple in British homes as the ultimate dining-out indulgence, and Yorkshire has now been confirmed as home to the finest establishment serving this classic dish across the entire nation.

This highly-rated Whitby restaurant has just been crowned the best fish and chip restaurant in the UK at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards, and based on customer feedback, the accolade is thoroughly deserved.

Competing against more than 10,500 chippy operators eligible for the competition, Trenchers of Whitby’s triumph in the ‘restaurant of the year’ category represents a remarkable accomplishment.

Shortlisted establishments must demonstrate ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ alongside exceptional skill in preparing the most delicious fish and chips.

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Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

The Trenchers on New Quay Road uses the “traditional method of beef dripping” for frying to guarantee they’re delivering the “best possible product”, according to its website.

These deliberate cooking techniques have propelled the establishment above its fierce rivals. Yet the offerings for genuine food enthusiasts extend far beyond your standard fish and chips, though that naturally remains the restaurant’s cornerstone.

Menu choices feature seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish alongside homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, plus numerous vegetarian alternatives.

A recent guest shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, stating: “Friendly service, nice atmosphere, incredible food and prices. Eaten here many times over the past few visits to Whitby and have never been disappointed. Absolutely recommend.”

Another diner described the “gravy is out of this world”. They added: “We travelled to Whitby for a weekend away. We popped into Trenchers Friday night, we were seated in a booth, and the drinks arrived promptly once ordered… The butcher’s gravy was absolutely delicious, and we would return just for the gravy.”

Located within walking distance of Whitby Beach, merely a 12-minute walk away, the eatery is positioned in the town centre, attracting visitors throughout the year. However, this doesn’t diminish their dedication to the art of preparing fish, as they continue to expand their modest empire.

Trenchers has established a sister venue, Tide by Trenchers, on Bridge Street in Whitby, which is scheduled to reopen in March 2026. It promises to “bring over four decades of award-winning tradition to Bridge Street”, offering seafood and additional meat options.

A somewhat newer and more upmarket alternative to the traditional fish and chip shop, one patron described Tide’s cuisine as “heaven on a plate”.

They added: “Wonderful. We had the special lobster dinner last Thursday of the month – would highly recommend, absolutely lush! Great wine selection, loved the Sauvignon Blanc.”

Claiming the top spot at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 was The Scrap Box in York, which scooped the coveted first place prize.

The shop’s two co-owners and brothers, Aman and Gavin Dhesi, are absolutely thrilled with their remarkable achievement. Following their victory, Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

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With a two-mile long beach, a charming high street and great food, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip

A coastal suburb located just 15 minutes from a major UK capital city deserves a spot on your spring getaway list right now. Although it’s not quite warm and sunny yet, a seaside trip is an excellent way to clear your head, and nothing quite compares to those stunning views across the water.

I visited Portobello near Edinburgh late last year, and I’m amazed I hadn’t made the journey earlier. With a high street packed with independent retailers, fantastic cuisine, and excellent transport connections, it’s truly an ideal destination if you’re looking to venture slightly off the tourist trail.

The bus journey from the city centre took just 15 minutes, dropping us directly in the town’s centre, and it was instantly apparent that this location was something special.

Unsurprisingly, our first port of call was heading straight to the waterfront for a leisurely stroll along the coast. The conditions were gloriously sunny and clear, albeit cold, but it was quite invigorating following the hour-long train journey from Glasgow.

Portobello’s shoreline stretches for two miles, boasting a Victorian-era promenade and panoramic views across the Firth of Forth. Given it was a bright Sunday morning, the area was reasonably busy, with numerous families out strolling and dogs bounding across the sand.

The first thing that struck me about the beach was its cleanliness. It’s evident that the locals of Portobello, or ‘Porty’ as it’s fondly referred to, take immense pride in their environment.

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I regret not visiting during the summer months, as I can see this being a fantastic spot for sunbathing and perhaps even taking a dip in the sea. But it’s not long now until it’ll hopefully be warm enough to do just that.

In 2024, Portobello was named the second-best coastal town in the UK by JoJo Maman Bebe, and its beach has also been honoured with a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, proving its allure.

After a leisurely stroll along the beach and working up an appetite, we decided it was time to grab a bite to eat. The seafront at Portobello beach is lined with a huge array of dining options, from enormous pizza slices at Civerino’s to brunch and coffee at The Beach House.

Many of these places offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine practically on the beach, and it was lovely to see so many people doing just that.

We chose to visit Shrimp Wreck, a seafood joint boasting a small yet appetising menu. This street food stall was featured on BBC’s My Million Pound Menu and is renowned for its fish finger sandwiches – even securing a finalist position in the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017.

Naturally, this is what I opted for, and I can see why it’s so popular. Battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and the best chips I’ve ever had, all served in a soft roll, was perhaps the messiest meal I could have chosen, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Next, it was time to properly explore the high street where the bus had left us. It’s situated just behind the promenade, and whilst it wasn’t as bustling as the beach itself, there were still plenty of people milling about – and importantly, a good number of shops open for business.

One of the standout spots for me was The Portobello Bookshop, a delightful independent bookshop brimming with novels, cookbooks and much more. The space was light, cosy and inviting, the sort of place where you could easily spend hours browsing without getting bored.

They also host events, such as Q+A’s with authors, so it’s worth checking out their schedule if you’re planning a visit.

Cove is another must-see if you’re a fan of gift shops. This one was packed with every trinket imaginable, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, not to mention lovely cards and tempting chocolate bars too.

Portobello’s high street might not be the largest, but it’s certainly one of the most charming I’ve seen. There are additional food and drink options here, as well as pubs and even an Aldi, so you’re unlikely to run out of options anytime soon.

One spot we didn’t manage to visit, which I’m eager to return for, is the swim centre. Here in Portobello, you’ll discover a genuine Victorian Turkish bath, one of only 11 in the UK, as well as a gym and fitness studio, so this is certainly on the list for our next trip.

If you’ve never been to Portobello, it truly is the ideal location for a weekend getaway – even in chillier weather. Its proximity to the lively city of Edinburgh makes it perfect if you’re looking to escape the city rush and spend some time dining, drinking and unwinding by the water.