Whether you enjoy them thin and crispy, thick and greasy, or slathered in sauce, most people can agree that few things compare to the salty satisfaction of a French fry. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the world has a wide variety of French fry styles, dishes and serving suggestions for you to try out!
That’s why, in honour of this year’s French Fry Day on 12 July, Expat Explore is celebrating the invention of this tasty treat with the best French fries around the world as well as some insight into the origin of French fries. Read on for a delectable look at the different ways the countries of the world make and enjoy their fried potatoes.
A fry by any other name
Now, before we go any further, we have to clear up some time-old confusion. While the name suggests differently, French fries were in fact (according to historians) created in Belgium in the late 1600s. Why call them French then, you ask? Well, it is said that American soldiers discovered this tasty treat in the southern parts of Belgium, which is largely French-speaking.
Fun fact: French fries are called pommes de terre frites or just frites in French-speaking countries!
Take a look at the world’s best French fries:
Fish & Chips, UK
Before you get worried; no, we don’t have our wires crossed for including chips on a fries roundup. Firstly, “chips” are generally what the Brits say when referring to what Americans and other parts of the world will know as “fries”. Secondly, the exact style of “fries” that the Brits refer to as “chips” is also a bit more specific than the universal term “fries”. Chips, as you’ll find them in a British fish and chips shop, are usually the short and thick variety. That also happens to be the preferred way the Brits enjoy their “chips” – alongside a crispy piece of fresh, battered fish.
Related: Book one of our multi-country tours to the UK for your fill of fish & chips!
Patatas Bravas, Spain
The next global dish to spark your love of French fries comes straight from the tapas lineup in Spain. Patatas bravas are essentially French fries and condiments with a bit of a twist. Firstly, the potatoes are cubed instead of the long and thin fry shape. Secondly, the sauce on top has a little bit more going on than your average ketchup. Patatas bravas are covered in a spicy red sauce made with olive oil, smoked paprika and tomato paste.
Related: Continue your tasting journey with the top tapas in Spain!
Gyro, Greece
When you think about French fries, you would be forgiven for picturing a rather simple side dish. It often accompanies a variety of more exciting foods that usually take centre stage as the star of the plate. However, if you love fries as much as we and the Greeks do, you’ll agree it can be a meal on its own or, better yet, an ingredient in a delicious (albeit slightly over-the-top) dish!
Our next entry is all the way from the Isles of Greece. If you love fries, you’ll go absolutely bonkers for a gyro, which is essentially a pita stuffed with meat, fried potatoes and garnish. Try this popular dish when you visit, or variations thereof in Greek-style establishments around the world.
Related: Try a gyro in each of the 5 top destinations in Greece!
Chilli Cheese Fries, USA
Still on decadent interpretations of French fry meals, the USA has a real treat for fries lovers! Chilli cheese fries are a classic American dish that can either be enjoyed on its own or as a side. It’s made by smothering a bowl of French fries in a deliciously spicy chilli (made with ground beef, onion, spices, beans and tomato). Then, drench it in a thick and creamy cheese sauce. If that sounds like pure indulgence to you, be sure to pay the USA a visit to try it for yourself.
Related: Try a French fry at these top American events and festivals!
Poutine, Canada
Perhaps the Canadians who invented poutine were partially inspired by the American chilli cheese fries. Or perhaps they were on a mission to give us the most indulgent French fries ever! Either way, we cannot help but thank them for coming up with the genius idea of putting cheese curds and brown gravy on French fries. While it’s not entirely dissimilar to the American chilli cheese fries, the Canadian version is a bit more hearty thanks to the richer, more home-style ingredients that top the French fries.
Related: Explore the beauty of North America on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape tour!
Salchipapas, Peru
Peru is next to enter their version of fries, meat and tomatoes with a dish beloved all over Peru and Latin America! Salchipapas are essentially French fries covered in sliced sausage, spicy peppers, mayonnaise and tomato sauce (ketchup). This dish perfectly combines the spiciness of the peppers, the crispiness of the fries and the heartiness of the sausage for a perfectly satisfying mouthful, bite after bite.
Related: Take a look at these tips for travelling to Latin America!
Moules Frites, Belgium
Last but certainly not least is the country with claims to inventing the French fry. You might expect them to be fry purists and only eat them plain. But you’d be surprised to find that in Belgium, French fries are often enjoyed in Moules Frites. Moules Frites quite literally translates to mussels and fries, which is exactly what this delicious dish consists of. First, the mussels are cooked in a simple white wine and garlic sauce. Then, it’s served with French fries and some optional mayonnaise on the side for dipping. But how could you resist mopping up that delicious mussel sauce with some fries?
Related: Discover the best things to do around Belgium!
That wraps up our list of the best French fries and fried potato recipes from around the world! We hope you’re inspired to try them all out this French Fry Day. Or, better yet, try them in their home countries on tour with Expat Explore.
Book a tour on one of our single or multi-country tours to any of the must-see travel destinations on our list. Get ready to tuck into some crispy and delicious pommes frites!