I based the following review on unscientific research during the last week of Lent. As usual in these matters, I limited the test to McDonald’s, Arby’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King. Since there isn’t that great a difference in fast food fish sandwiches, there’s no real need for a regimented grading system. Capsule reviews should suffice.Wendy’s Fish Fillet: a round filet with crumbly breading. A large leaf of lettuce. Fish has decent flavor but breading turns kind of pasty.
Burger King Big Fish: square filet, sesame seed bun, shredded lettuce. The lettuce makes this a dangerous car food. Fish has a kind of “darker” flavor. Mayonnaise is used instead of tartar sauce, eventually creating a rather tasteless mush.
Arby’s: I’m not even sure what their fish sandwich is called since the Arby’s I visited did not list the sandwich on their menu. The sandwich deserves better. A thick, triangular, flaky filet, on a sesame seed bun. Special credit for an appealing touch of lemon flavor. Again, the shredded lettuce makes this a tricky car food. Recommended.
McDonald’s Filet o’Fish: an old favorite. Probably the winner, beating Arby’s but only for sentimental reasons. Square, flaky fish filet with nice light tartar sauce. Two slices of cheese instead of lettuce.
