It’s no wonder that Taylor Swift trained like an athlete to prepare for The Eras Tour, or that Beyonce followed a strict regimen in advance of her 2018 Coachella headliner performance. Singing and dancing for hours in front of millions of fans is a physical sport that asks a lot of a performer.
And to keep your energy up while on stage, you need fuel—and plenty of it, which is maybe why some musicians enthusiastically talk about their favorite pre-show pastas, baked goods and sandwiches. If you’ve ever been curious about what’s kept legendary musician Bono fueled through the concerts and songwriting for U2, we recently came up with a possible answer. Spoiler alert: It’s so simple and very Irish.
When asked about the best sandwich by Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, Bono wasted no time and replied, “a chip butty.” Bono goes on to explain that the classic sandwich is made up of french fries sandwiched between slices of buttered white bread.
Colbert’s response was what viewers at home were likely thinking. “That is the most Irish sandwich I can imagine,” Colbert chuckled. “It’s potatoes on bread with butter. That does sound fantastic. You know what that could use? A little more starch.”
Are you familiar with the chip butty, a sandwich celebrated throughout the United Kingdom? If not, here’s what you need to know.
Related: Tony Danza’s Favorite Italian Sandwich Is Surprisingly Easy to Make
What Is a Chip Butty?
In British English, the term “butty” refers to a very basic sandwich, primarily made with bread, butter and chips, aka French fries. This carb-on-carb creation might sound radical, but the chip butty is a nostalgic food for many in the United Kingdom.
The sandwich’s origins date back to the late 1800s in Northern England and it’s popularity continues today. Chip butty is served in pubs or fish and chip shops, made at home for a quick food fix or as hangover food for university students. The sandwich combines ease and carb-based comfort in one squishy, salty, crunchy bite.
It’s a comfort food that represents the British and Irish identities in so many ways, but above all else, it’s transcendent—as many good foods can be. British journalist Tony Naylor once said this about the chip butty: “Hard liquor and soft drugs aside, the chip butty is the most reliable way we human beings have to mentally shut out this harsh world and, momentarily, transport ourselves to a happier, more innocent place.” In this Colbert Questionert spiel about the chip butty, Bono said “I grew up on them, I love them.”
Related: Bruce Springsteen’s Favorite Sandwich is Surprisingly Relatable
😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔
How to Make A Chip Butty
A chip butty is easy to prepare in theory, but getting the components right is essential if you want to make the best version of this classic sandwich. “The bread must be white, the butter must be soft enough to spread, and the chips should be hot,” writes Genevieve Yam of Serious Eats. Apart from heat, the french fries must be shaped in thick wedges that are fluffy on the inside, and crisp on the outside. You could buy frozen steak fries from the grocery store, or you can make them from scratch.
Once you’ve gathered the right bread, butter and chips, it’s time to assemble. Liberally slather softened butter on two slices of bread, then pile on the fries on one slice. Top with the other slice of bread, press firmly to adhere the chips to the bread and dig in. If desired, you can season the chips with salt and malt vinegar. Chip butty connoisseurs will say a squirt of ketchup or HP British brown sauce is also a welcome addition.
Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Crab Cakes, According to Stephen Colbert and His Wife
