Catfish is a staple food in the Magnolia State. Nearly every city, big or small, has at least one restaurant that specializes in Southern fried catfish that many enjoy. So, what’s with our love for catfish? It appears that catfish and Mississippi go back a long time…
Catfish and Mississippi have been interlocked since the 1960s. Catfish farming became popular in the mid-60s— especially in the Mississippi Delta. Farmers starting raising catfish to diversify their crop and for the simple novelty of raising catfish. By the 1980s, catfish farming grew tremendously, nearly doubling in size. From there, the catfish business continued booming. By the 1980s, Mississippi was responsible for nearly 60% of United States catfish acreage and processed roughly 82% of the catfish produced in the country. From the 1980s onwards through the 1990s, the catfish farming industry became one of the most popular and successful agricultural industries in the Deep South.
Because of this, catfish became a popular commodity amongst southerners— especially Mississippians. Catfish is eaten as a stand alone dish, an entree with sides, or is paired with bread and one’s favorite condiments for a sandwich. It’s fried, baked, or grilled— although most Mississippians prefer theirs deep fried. Mississippi is packed with catfish eateries. Some of the most popular include:
- Charlie’s Catfish House. One of the raving reviews exclaimed that the catfish is “cooked to perfection”. Charlie’s Catfish House is located in Ellisville, MS.
- Newt’s Catfish, Seafood, and Steaks. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, Newt’s has glowing reviews. It proudly sits at 4.6 rating. One reviewer even says that the catfish is comparable to eating a home cooked meal at grandma’s house!
- Jimmy K’s Catfish. Jimmy K’s is a catfish restaurant in Petal, MS. With a 4.8 star rating, it is apparent that this restaurant has mastered the craft of cooking catfish.
- Kane’s Catfish, Seafood, and Steakhouse. This place is one of Foxworth, MS’s local treasures. With a 4.6 review rating, one of the reviewers boasts of the tastiness of the catfish and the impeccable service they received.
- Carl’s Catfish. Laurel, MS has one of the most popular catfish eateries in Mississippi. It has a 4.7 rating. One reviewer says that the catfish is “full of flavor”.
From farming to feasting, catfish seems to be synonymous with Mississippi living. From our favorite restaurants, to our family members who cook it, catfish has been here for a long time, and I don’t foresee it going out of style anytime soon. Where have you eaten the best catfish? Has it been at a restaurant? Did you cook it? Did you eat it at a family member’s home? Let us know in the comment section on Our Mississippi Home’s Facebook page!
