🍫🔥 Deep-Fried Mars Bars: Scotland’s Most Infamous Treat!
If you’ve ever wandered into a chippy in Scotland and spotted “Deep-Fried Mars Bar” on the menu—you weren’t hallucinating. This curious, calorific creation is one of the country's most iconic (and controversial) culinary claims to fame. But where did it come from? Why do people love it? And how can you try one for yourself?
Let’s unwrap the story behind the bar. 👇
🧐 A Chocolate-Coated Origin Story
The deep-fried Mars bar is widely believed to have been born in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, back in the mid-1990s. A local chip shop, the Carron Fish Bar, began offering battered and fried Mars bars as a novelty item—and it caught the public’s imagination. 🗞️
Soon, the media pounced. Headlines like “Scotland’s Heart Attack on a Plate” appeared across the UK and beyond. What started as a joke became a talking point—and a strangely beloved snack.
🧪 What Is It, Really?
Imagine this:
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A chilled Mars Bar 🍫
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Dipped in rich, golden batter (the same kind used for fish!) 🧈
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Fried until crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside 🍯
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Served hot, often wrapped in paper like a bag of chips 🍟
The result? A melting, molten, crunchy, sweet-salty explosion of texture and taste that’s impossible to forget. It’s sweet, greasy, indulgent… and totally Scottish.
📊 The Controversy
The deep-fried Mars bar has become both a point of national pride and international parody. Critics call it a symbol of Scotland’s unhealthy eating habits, while fans defend it as a fun, once-in-a-while treat.
🍴 Love it or hate it, it’s undeniably part of modern Scottish food culture—and has inspired dozens of spin-offs, from deep-fried Snickers to battered Creme Eggs.
🧑🍳 Fancy Making Your Own?
Here’s a simple recipe to try at home (no passport required):
🧾 Ingredients:
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1 Mars Bar (chilled in the fridge)
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½ cup plain flour
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¼ tsp baking soda
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Pinch of salt
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⅓ cup water (adjust as needed)
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
👨🍳 Method:
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Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and water until you get a smooth batter.
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 180°C (350°F).
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Lightly coat the Mars Bar in flour, then dip it in batter.
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Fry for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels and serve while warm.
⚠️ Warning: It’s dangerously delicious. 😋
📍 Where to Try One in Scotland
Still not convinced? You can grab one in person at places like:
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Carron Fish Bar, Stonehaven (the original!)
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Clam Shell, Edinburgh
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Blue Lagoon, Glasgow
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Various chip shops in tourist-friendly areas like the Royal Mile or Inverness
🛑 Not every chippy offers them, so always ask!
❤️ Final Thoughts
The deep-fried Mars bar may be absurd, excessive, and outrageous—but that’s exactly why it works. It represents a uniquely Scottish sense of humour, rebellion, and indulgence. 🏴✨
So whether you’re a local defending the honour of your favourite treat, or a visitor looking to take your tastebuds on a wild ride… give it a go.
You just might fall in love with the madness. 💥🍫
💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you tried one? 🍽️
Do you think it's a national treasure—or a deep-fried disaster?
Share your thoughts, photos, and local recommendations below on ScotViews.com!
