When a social media food critic with over 810,000 followers visits a chip shop claiming to be England's best, expectations run high. Harrison Webb, known for his popular TikTok explorations of London's dining scene, recently put Camden's viral Funky Chips stall to the test, delivering a verdict that has sparked considerable debate online.
The Viral Chip Experience
Webb's latest food adventure took him to the heart of Camden Market, where Funky Chips has been serving what they describe as exceptional chips since 2021. The establishment boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Google and proudly proclaims itself the purveyor of the best chips in England.
In a video posted to his substantial following, Webb documented his experience trying their small portion of loaded fries, for which he paid £12.20. His order featured crispy onions, cheese, and masala spice seasoning. There's a lot going on, he observed at the outset, noting the substantial queue that had formed at the popular stall.
A Mixed Bag of Impressions
Webb didn't hold back in his assessment, offering both praise and criticism. He acknowledged the insane cheese pull and nuts portion size, but questioned the value proposition. £12 for fries though, like you've got to be Bill Gates to be coming here, he remarked pointedly.
While he found the crunchy onions good (though they required an extra payment) and the toppings generally satisfactory, his review turned to the foundation of the dish. In the middle though, we've just got chips and masala seasoning, and a bit of cheese, he noted, suggesting the core offering didn't fully justify the premium price tag or the hype.
The Final Verdict and Public Reaction
Concluding his review, Webb gave Funky Chips a rating of 3.2 out of 5 – a score that falls notably short of the establishment's near-perfect Google reviews. His video quickly gained traction, amassing 85,000 likes and hundreds of comments reflecting a divided public opinion.
Many viewers echoed Webb's scepticism about the value. One commenter laughed at the £12 price, comparing it unfavourably to cheaper and supposedly superior chips available in Belgium for just £2. Another simply declared the offering bang average.
However, the stall had its defenders. Some insisted the chips were indeed the best and well worth the money, with another commenter describing the creation as looking insane.
According to its official website, Funky Chips views its products as not just snacks but a palette for culinary experimentation. The company states its journey began with creating loaded fries that had never been seen before, sourcing quality potatoes and crafting their own signature sauces.
With small portions of options like Masala Chips and Cheesy Chips starting at £8.40, the debate over whether these innovative chips justify their price continues to simmer among London's food enthusiasts.