EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Lent season is upon us and so is the arrival of fish sandwiches at area restaurants.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has introduced a spicy Cajun Flounder Sandwich. We all saw how competitive fast food sandwiches can get in 2019 when Popeye’s made a chicken sandwich that was so popular that they had trouble keeping it in stock. It ignited a friendly chicken sandwich “war” between Popeyes and Chick-Fil-A.
That being said, we were interested in whether Popeye’s fish sandwich lived up to the chicken sandwich.
I liked the Popeyes Cajun Flounder Sandwich and thought it was similar to Culver’s battered North Atlantic Cod Sandwich, which is also a popular fish sandwich.
It may take a little while to get the fish because it is hand-battered and cooked just for you. When I paid, the cashier gave me a number and told me to wait at the window. But by the time I got there, it was already out.
The Culver’s cod sandwich is popular for a reason. The fish is mild, flaky, and thick, and the breading is nice and golden but not crispy. It comes on a soft, sweet, yellow long roll that tastes great by itself. There is mild tartar sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, and mild orange cheese grated on top.
Overall, a good word for this sandwich is “gentle. ” The texture is soft, and there isn’t anything strongly flavored about it, although it is quite tasty. I thought it was a bit small for the price, but the fish is good, and I’d buy it again.
Also, during certain times of the year, Culver’s serves the Northwoods Walleye sandwich, which comes on the same bun with lettuce and tartar sauce but no cheese. It’s a freshwater fish with silver “skin” on one side of the filet. Stick with the cod if you like mild ocean fish. But try the walleye if you like the lakey taste of bluegill or catfish.
It’s thinner than Culver’s cod, but it’s wider, so you get about the same amount of fish on what looks like a bigger sandwich. The flounder is also mild and flaky. It’s coated in a lightly spicy, orange-tinted batter that is thicker and crunchy on the edges.
The shiny brioche bun is full-sized and round, although not as sweet as some brioche. The sandwich has a liberal slather of tangy, pickle-heavy tartar sauce and two thick-cut dill pickles.
My take? While the fish itself was superior on the Culvers sandwich, I preferred the Popeyes version. I thought it was better value for money because it was crunchy, spicy, and had a great zip from the pickles. To eat. The fact that it was larger and cost less didn’t hurt.
Culver’s is best known for its ButterBurgers and custard, but did you know they also offer a tasty fish sandwich? The North Atlantic Cod Sandwich provides a lighter alternative to beef burgers for seafood lovers.
An Overview of Culver’s Fish Sandwich
Yes, Culver’s does serve a fish sandwich on their menu. Here’s what you can expect from the North Atlantic Cod Sandwich:
-
Made with hand-cut. wild caught North Atlantic cod
-
Cod fillet is hand battered and cooked to order
-
Served on a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll
-
Toppings include Culver’s tartar sauce, lettuce, and Wisconsin cheddar
-
Tartar sauce features olives capers. and sweet relish
The cod sandwich provides a crispy fried fish fillet paired with cool, creamy tartar sauce. It falls somewhere between fast food and a restaurant-style fish sandwich.
Nutrition Information on The Fish Sandwich
One North Atlantic Cod Sandwich from Culver’s contains approximately:
- 630 calories
- 36g fat
- 18g protein
- 57g carbs
- 2g fiber
- 790mg sodium
While not the healthiest option, it offers lean protein with cod. The majority of calories come from fat in the battered coating and tartar sauce. Overall, it’s a indulgent, fried treat in moderation.
How Fish Sandwich Originated on The Menu
Culver’s added the North Atlantic cod sandwich to menus nationwide in 2013. Here is some background on how it joined the menu:
-
Tested in select Midwest markets in 2012
-
Initial test had positive feedback and strong customer demand
-
Expanded to all restaurants by early 2013
-
Uses the same wild-caught cod as the restaurants’ fish fry dinner
The successful test launch showed customers craved a fish option from Culver’s. The sandwich provides a lighter alternative to their signature ButterBurgers.
Where Culver’s Sources The Fish
Culver’s cod fish comes directly from the icy North Atlantic waters off the coast of New England and Nova Scotia. They only partner with suppliers adhering to sustainable fishing practices.
By serving wild caught cod, they help support small fishing communities in Canada and the Northeastern United States. The cold northern waters provide high quality, delicious tasting cod.
How Fish Sandwich Compares to Other Options
The cod sandwich offers a nice break from beef burgers. Here’s how it compares nutritionally to other Culver’s sandwiches:
-
More calories than grilled chicken or turkey bacon sandwich
-
2/3 the fat of a ButterBurger
-
Lower sodium than most options
-
Similar protein to other sandwiches
While not the healthiest choice, it delivers less fat and sodium compared to most of Culver’s indulgent sandwiches and burgers. The lean protein stays satisfying.
Side Options to Pair With The Sandwich
What sides go well with Culver’s fish sandwich? Here are some tasty options:
- Seasoned fries
- Cheese curds
- Coleslaw
- Applesauce
- Mandarin oranges
- Side salad with light dressing
Fries, coleslaw, or cheese curds make perfect pairings as classic fried fish accompaniments. For a balanced meal, fresh fruit or a salad work nicely too.
Tips for Customizing Your Fish Sandwich Order
Some ways to make your cod sandwich order healthier:
-
Select a grilled chicken sandwich instead to cut fat
-
Substitute a side salad or fruit for fries
-
Ask for light tartar sauce to reduce fat and sodium
-
Choose 1% milk or water instead of soda
-
Request no butter on the bun to lower calories
With smart customizations, you can still enjoy the flavor while limiting fat, carbs, and sodium.
Guest Reviews of The Fish Sandwich
Overall, the cod sandwich earns solid feedback from Culver’s guests:
-
“The fish was so fresh and flaky – you can tell it’s quality.”
-
“Way better than any fast food fish sandwich I’ve had.”
-
“Fries and coleslaw were the perfect sides for the sandwich.”
-
“Tartar sauce was unique with olives and capers – really tasty.”
-
“A nice option compared to beef burgers when I want something different.”
Guests praise the fresh tasting cod and unique tartar sauce recipe. It stands above typical fast food fish sandwiches.
Why Try Culver’s Fish Sandwich
Here are top reasons to give Culver’s North Atlantic cod sandwich a taste:
-
Delicious wild-caught cod from sustainable fisheries
-
Hand battered and cooked fresh when ordered
-
Unique tartar sauce with robust, tangy flavors
-
Provides a lighter break from beef burgers
-
Receives high marks from Culver’s guests
With its signature tartar sauce and flaky cod, the sandwich offers a gourmet twist you won’t find at other quick service chains.
Is Culver’s Fish Sandwich Worth a Try?
Culver’s goes beyond fast food with the North Atlantic Cod Sandwich. The wild-caught cod provides top-notch seafood quality paired with a zesty tartar sauce. It gives you a reason to enjoy Culver’s even when not craving a burger.
While it’s higher in calories and fat than some sandwiches, the fish sandwich makes an indulgent break from the regular burger and chicken rotation. The rave reviews from guests confirm it’s worth a delicious detour.
Next time a ButterBurger doesn’t tempt you, give the cod sandwich a taste. The tender cod and tartar sauce create a sandwich seasoned to perfection.
Culver’s Walleye Fish Sandwich Review #Culvers #fishsandwich #walleye
Does Culver’s have seafood sandwiches?
Seafood sandwiches and dinners are now available at Culver’s restaurants across the U.S., but only for a limited time. Culver’s North Atlantic Sandwich features a hand battered North Atlantic cod fish with olives, relish, lettuce, Wisconsin cheddar cheese, capers, and tartar sauce on a buttered hoagie roll.
What is Culver’s signature fish sandwich?
Culver’s signature fish sandwich is called the North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich. It’s made from hand-battered North Atlantic cod, Culver’s family recipe tartar sauce, lettuce, and Wisconsin cheddar on a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll.
Does Culver’s have a walleye sandwich?
Inspired by its Midwest roots and the region’s traditional Friday night fish fry, the chain offers a variety of fried seafood, including the North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich and butterfly jumbo shrimp. And just in time for Lent, Culver’s is bringing back another crowd-favorite from the ocean: the Northwoods Walleye Sandwich.
Does Culver’s fish have bones?
Note: Seafood may contain bones. Caught in the icy North Atlantic, our fish is hand cut, hand battered and cooked to order. Topped with a Culver’s family recipe tartar sauce featuring olives, capers and sweet relish, crisp lettuce and Wisconsin Cheddar. Served on a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll. Note: Seafood may contain bones.