A fried sardine, also known as a charred pilchard or 'pilcharred', is the go-to snack for a fisherman's pocket. If you see a stoic fisherman who talks very little, it's likely because they've got a mouthful of fried sardine and don't want to reveal the bones between their teeth.
Fried sardines were also the subject of a failed business venture by a dwarf called Drorkar. He tried to manufacture 'tins' that would contain these sardines, with smithed 'rings' to open their tiny metal coffins. It was roundly rejected and cost the dwarf a great deal.