Are French fries really French?

Are French fries really French?

The most beloved culinary delight across the world is none other than the French fries. But where did this culinary marvel originate? The name itself suggests a French origin, but the story is far more interesting and involves a delicious tiff between France and Belgium.

Belgium claims the fry as their own. According to popular legend, villagers in the Meuse valley traditionally fried small fish caught in the river. When the river froze during the harsh winter in the late 17th century, they sliced and fried potatoes as a substitute. This, they claim, was the birth of the French fries.

Furthermore, many Belgians believe that an American soldier stationed in Belgium during World War I ate these fries in Belgium but since the Belgian soldiers also spoke in French, the American soldier named these French fries. Many French people appreciate the French fries street vendors in Brussels and find them better than the French fries sold in France. 

France, of course, has its own version of the story. Parisian street vendors, known as "frites" or "pommes frites" sellers, were already frying potatoes in the late 18th century, particularly on the Pont Neuf bridge. Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a French agronomist, played a crucial role in popularizing potatoes in France during this period. He seriously promoted the agriculture of potatoes, leading to their widespread consumption in French families. No wonder, you find potatoes everywhere in Europe and is the most easily available vegetable.

The truth is, pinpointing the exact origin is challenging due to limited historical documentation. You may blame the American soldier but regardless of its origin, the fried potato has transcended national boundaries to become a global culinary icon.

So, the next time you savour “fries”, take a moment to recall its muddled history and enjoy the Belgian French fries!