bkluvsNola

I had posted this on the European forum, but it seemed many Americans wanted to chime in, so I figured I'd post it here too for comments.

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The UK version of fish and chips features cod/haddock breaded in "Tempura" style or what some would call "beer batter". The "chips" are cooked in the same oil as the fish.

The Southern US version features catfish coated in cornmeal with french fries also cooked in the same oil as the fish.

My inlaws from Switzerland just couldn't get enough of fried catfish when here in the US. They stated there was nothing comparable in Europe, and that cornmeal was much preferred to the thick battering that occurs in the UK.

In contrast, a coworker from Ireland stated that he couldn't stand catfish because of its "earthy" taste.

I just wanted some honest feedback from those of you that have tried both styles.

djkbooks

I like them both.

But, I found, depending on where you go in the UK, the fish was not that good.

Some people don't care for the gritty texture of corn meal.

"Fish and Chips" is really just fried fish with French fries.

stumpworks73

I like both but appreciate going with the local version as I travel.

The catfish/cornmeal version is significantly different than the UK. Not better or worse.

I'm not sure many true southerners would consider catfish, fries, hushpuppies and cole slaw to be fish and chips rather than the catfish basket.

bkluvsNola

stumpworks,

You have to remember that my original posting was on the Europe forum.

If I asked Europeans what they thought of a "catfish basket", there would be many question marks flying around.

So, I related it in their terms - fish and chips.

I realize that a catfish basket always includes hushpuppies and coleslaw, but I was more interested in the entree's than the side dishes.

nytraveler

Well I like catfish - but NOT farmed - and don;t like it as "fish and chips". Nor do I like the British version - way too much batter and the fries taste "fishy". I prefer the NE US version - made with cod, but with a very light batter - and fries cooked separately - so everyone's fries aren't "fishy". Ad yes, there should be cole slaw as well.

november_moon

I like them both, although the catfish basket has an edge IMO. Perhaps it is the hushpuppies that do it I don't know that I've ever had anything made of corn that I didn't like.

bkluvsNola

nytraveler,

I actually like the fries cooked in the same oil as the fish - adds flavor.

I didn't see a response about the cornmeal batter, what do you think about it? It definitely makes the catfish crispy and not greasy.