Why are Belgian fries called French fries?

In winter, when the river froze, the fish-deprived villagers fried potatoes instead. It’s said that this dish was discovered by American soldiers in Belgium during World War I and, since the dominant language of southern Belgium is French, they dubbed the tasty potatoes “French” fries.

Are French fries from Belgium?

Despite its name and popularity, the French fries are not French. The origins can be found in Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried in the late-1600s. According to Belgian lore, poor villagers living in Meuse Valley would often ate small fried fish they caught in the river.

How do you order French fries in Belgium?

Unlike American-style fries, Belgian frites are cooked to order. So, place your order and grab your drink while you wait for the starchy goodness to be fried to perfection (technically twice fried). You can always read up on random frites facts while you wait.

How are fries served in Belgium?

Fries are famously served in a paper cone by food trucks and frietkoten, but more often than not they are served in a more practical plastic or paper box. While in Brussels, visitors should try the local fast food invention – fries in a sandwich, called a mitraillette.

What is the difference between French fries and Belgian fries?

But some people say French fries are the thinner version of fries. Belgian fries are cut thicker. You can find a “friterie” or “frituur” (a place where they only sell fries) in even the smallest town. They are served with a wide variety of sauces and snacks.

What are French fries called in other countries?

frites
French fries (US) are called “chips” in the UK, and “frites” in French-speaking countries. In the UK and Ireland, what people in America call French fries are called “chips” and are famously served alongside fried fish.

What is different about Belgian fries?

Unlike their wimpy, vegetable-oil-fried American progeny, Belgian frites are always thick-cut, made with floury Bintje potatoes, and double-cooked in beef tallow. They’re first pre-fried at a lower heat and then briefly deep-fried at a much higher heat just before serving.

What is special about Belgian fries?

Does Belgium have the best fries?

The Belgians are known all over the world for having the best fries, so we set out to find the very best frites In Belgium. The good news is that whatever you call them, this little country is packed full of stunningly good frites.

What do the Dutch call French fries?

They are called ‘French fries’ or ‘fries’ in the USA, ‘chips’ in the UK, ‘frites’ in Belgium, ‘patat’ in the Netherlands, and ‘pommes frites’ in France.

What is so special about Belgian fries?