“F@&k off”

“No it’s true, I know someone who puts a chocolate caramel bar inside a chip butty, apparently you got to put it in the middle of the chips”

That’s fries to any non native readers and a chip butty is a chip sandwich, barm or roll depending on which part of this tiny little island you come from.

But in the wild world of culinary experimentation, few things surprise me anymore. Yet, every so often, a new contender emerges to challenge our taste buds and our sensibilities.

Now who knew a caramel chip barm was a thing: a traditional British chip barm, or bread roll filled with lovely deep fried chips, then you go bang in a chocolate caramel bar in between the layers of savoury potatoey goodness.

It sounds as bizarre as a deep-fried Mars bar, which is definitely a thing.

The Caramel Chip Barm: A Sweet and Savoury Addition to Your Diet

The idea of combining a caramel chocolate bar with a chip barm might raise a few eyebrows, but let’s break it down.

The contrast of the salty, crispy chips against the sweet, melting caramel and chocolate creates a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate. It's a mix of textures and tastes that can only be described as a guilty pleasure, one that blurs the lines between dessert and main course, although I haven’t tried one I can imagine it works.

This culinary oddity has its roots in the same adventurous spirit that brought us the deep-fried Mars bar, a Scottish delicacy known for pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine.

Like its fried counterpart, the caramel chip barm invites you to embrace the unexpected and indulge in a moment of pure, unadulterated flavour fusion.

Weird and Wonderful Food Combinations

The caramel chip barm is far from the only strange food pairing that has captured the imagination of daring eaters.

History and global cuisines are full of surprising combinations that somehow just work. Here are a few other intriguing examples:

Chili and Chocolate: This pairing dates back to the ancient Aztecs, who combined the heat of chili peppers with the rich bitterness of cocoa. Today, it's a common ingredient in mole sauce and can be found in gourmet chocolate bars that offer a spicy kick.

Peanut Butter and Pickles: This American sandwich filling may sound odd, but the creamy, nutty flavour of peanut butter combined with the sharp tang of pickles creates an unexpectedly satisfying snack.

French Fries and Ice Cream: The hot-and-cold, salty-and-sweet combination of dipping fries into a soft-serve ice cream or milkshake is a beloved treat for many fast-food fans.

Watermelon and Feta Cheese: The juicy sweetness of watermelon paired with the salty, crumbly texture of feta makes for a refreshing summer salad that balances both flavours beautifully.

Ketchup on Fish Pie: A Culinary Faux Pas

While some combinations are delightful surprises, others are considered outright blasphemy by culinary purists, like me for instance.

During the same conversation with the above person, they also informed me his partner pours ketchup, that’s red sauce for native speakers, all over their homemade fish pie. I nearly died, I actually contemplated calling the police or Rick Stein.

This classic dish, traditionally topped with creamy mashed potatoes and ideally served with a parsley sauce, is a British classic. Adding ketchup to it is akin to an insult to its delicate flavours and carefully balanced ingredients. Its outright criminal, if you’re going to do that just get some fish and chips in from the chippy. Just no, I mean it persons partner, just no.

Embracing the Unexpected

What drives people to explore these unusual food pairings? Perhaps it's the thrill of discovery, the joy of finding that perfect, unexpected match, or simply the love of breaking culinary conventions. While some combinations might remain personal guilty pleasures, others could become the next big food trend.

So, the next time you’re feeling adventurous in the chippy, why not give the caramel chip barm a try? Ask the chippy to bang in a chocolate caramel bar, at least do it to see how they react and take some fun pictures.

Or, if you’re more of a traditionalist, maybe stick with the classics – just don’t reach for the ketchup if there’s a fish pie involved!

Summary

In the end, food is about exploration and enjoyment.

Whether it's the oddball charm of a caramel chip barm or the refined elegance of a well-paired dish, the world of culinary creations is vast and varied.

Embrace the weird, celebrate the wonderful, and always keep an open mind – you never know when the next delightful discovery will come along, just don’t put ketchup on fish pie or I’ll get Rick onto you.