Fries aren’t French. They’re Belgian.

The origin of Belgian fries goes back to the 17th century. In those days potatoes were already being fried by people living in the Meuse valley region (in Belgium, that is). They sliced the potato and fried it (as you would fry fish).

Then why are they called “French fries”?

Well, we have to go back for a century to find out. During World War I (1914-1918) American soldiers were fighting in Belgium. They were introduced to fries, of course. At that time the official language of the Belgian army was French, hency they nicknamed the fried potatoes “French fries”. But now you know better: they’re Belgian fries. That’s settled, then?

Or should you say “chips”?

French fries or French-fried potatoes, chips or finger chips, frieten or frites: it doesn’t come as a surprise that such a delicacy have been giving many names. In fact, we don’t mind all that much. As long as you know where to find the original Belgian fries.