Fish and chips is practically a national treasure in the UK, but not all fast food fish fillets are created equal.
When you're craving that crispy, flaky goodness, it's worth knowing which chains deliver the real deal and which ones fall short.
Let's examine seven places where the fish doesn't quite swim up to standard, and three spots that are reeling in praise for their quality seafood offerings.
1. Subway's Fishy Business
Subway's tuna sandwich has been swimming in controversy lately. Legal battles have questioned whether their tuna is actually tuna at all!
Many customers complain it's mostly mayonnaise with suspiciously little fish content. The texture often resembles paste rather than flaky fish, leaving seafood lovers disappointed with each bite.
2. Burger King's Problematic Fish Royale
The Fish Royale might wear a crown, but its reputation is tarnished. Burger King sources from Icelandic suppliers, sparking boycott calls due to Iceland's controversial whaling practices.
Beyond ethical concerns, many find the fillet itself underwhelming – often thin, overcooked, and hiding beneath excessive tartar sauce to mask its mediocrity.
3. KFC's Fishy Side Hustle
Known for chicken, KFC's seasonal fish fillet feels like an afterthought. The batter, while crispy, often traps pools of grease that overwhelm any fish flavour.
Unlike their signature chicken, the fish lacks seasoning finesse. Many customers report an unpleasantly oily mouthfeel and bland taste that makes them quickly return to Colonel Sanders' original recipe instead.
4. Wendy's Forgettable Fish
Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet sounds promising but delivers disappointment. The name suggests quality, yet customers consistently report bland, unseasoned fish that barely registers on the taste buds.
The breading lacks crunch, often turning soggy shortly after serving. Even with tartar sauce and lettuce trying to add flavour, this forgettable fillet swims straight into the sea of mediocrity.
5. Taco Bell's Fishy Fiasco
Mexican-inspired fish tacos sound exciting until Taco Bell serves them. Their seasonal offering suffers from mushy texture that collapses with each bite.
Customers frequently note an overpowering fishy smell – never a good sign for quality seafood. The fish pieces often swim in excessive sauce, masking questionable quality rather than enhancing natural flavours.
6. Domino's Deep-Frozen Disappointment
Pizza masters they may be, but Domino's Fish & Chips limited pizza offering misses the mark entirely. Their fish clearly travels from freezer to fryer with minimal attention in between.
The fillets lack the freshness that good fish demands. Many customers report a cardboard-like texture and artificial taste that no amount of vinegar can rescue from frozen mediocrity.
7. Papa John's Peculiar Pizza Fish
Papa John's occasional seafood pizza venture leaves customers scratching their heads. The fish topping often arrives with a rubbery consistency that fights against every bite.
The flavour ranges from non-existent to oddly artificial. Pizza and fish can be magnificent together, but not when the seafood resembles eraser material more than ocean fare.
8. McDonald's Sustainable Surprise
The humble Filet-O-Fish deserves more credit than it gets. McDonald's uses wild-caught Alaska pollock certified by the Marine Stewardship Council – genuinely impressive for a fast food giant!
The simple combination of steamed bun, crisp-fried fish and tangy tartar sauce creates a reliable classic. While not gourmet, it delivers consistent quality that's earned loyal fans since 1962.
9. Long John Silver's Seafood Specialty
When seafood is your entire business model, you'd better get it right – and Long John Silver's does. Their Classic Battered Fish Fillet boasts a proper crunch that gives way to flaky, moist fish inside.
Unlike competitors treating fish as an afterthought, it's their main focus. The quality shows in each piece, with consistent thickness, fresh taste and attention to proper cooking techniques.
10. Harry Ramsden's Traditional Triumph
Britain's fish and chip royalty earned its crown honestly. Harry Ramsden's uses premium cuts of fish, typically cod or haddock, sourced responsibly from British waters.
Their secret batter recipe creates the perfect golden casing – crisp yet light, protecting rather than overwhelming the fish. With decades of expertise behind each fillet, they maintain the gold standard that other chains attempt to imitate.
