Final answer:
Fish and chips traditionally uses white fish like cod or haddock, which were abundant due to the Industrial Revolution and became an affordable staple for the lower classes, symbolizing the cultural food shift of that era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The traditional fish served with fish and chips is typically a white fish; cod and haddock are among the most common types used. These fishes were favored partly because they were readily available, caught in the Atlantic or Pacific, and easily transported to Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
Originally, the less desirable parts of the fish, such as tails and fins, were utilized alongside chunks of potato to make this dish affordable and accessible to the lower classes. The combination of fried fish and potatoes became the world's first fast food item to gain widespread popularity, renowned for its greasy and salty flavor.
It was heavily salted and traditionally wrapped in cheap newspaper, becoming an iconic symbol of cultural changes in food consumption brought by industrial advancements.