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The term french fries, known actually worldwide as "french fries", does not do justice to a reality that not many people are aware of: french fries are Belgian.
And they are not just anything, they are part of Belgian culture and everyday life. Even more so if we travel to the capital. In Brussels there seems to be a stall on every corner, known as Frietkot, Friterie or Frituur.
Although you'll find a wide range of fried dishes here, there's certainly nothing to rival their fries. And once you've had them? It's time to add the sauces.
There are a wide variety of options in the world of sauces, the most common being mayonnaise, regular and curry, ketchup, both regular and curry, samurai sauce, mayonnaise-based and spicy, American, cheese and riche. These are just a few of the many options you have. Do you dare to try them all?
Of course, the first step is to find a quality potato to cook with. It is best to avoid frozen potatoes. Once you've cut them up, throw them into the oil over medium heat. But you'll have the right oil, won't you?
Belgian fries are always fried in animal fat. Although in the past a mixture of horse and beef fat was used, nowadays the method has changed. Nowadays they are usually fried in a mixture of beef fat and vegetable oil.
Once you have everything ready, take good note because this is the big secret, they are fried twice.
The first time they are fried at 150 degrees. When they are ready, they are removed from the frying pan or deep fryer and left to cool. Once they have cooled down, they are fried again, this time at a slightly higher temperature, around 175 degrees.
The result? A piece of Belgian history. They will be golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect.
Now that you've got the basics of fries down, you're ready to hit the streets in search of the best place to enjoy them. But you're not alone in this mission, we'll give you a hand by naming the best places and stalls in Brussels.
Place Jourdan 16, 1040 Etterbeek
Credits: deecuisine
We begin our list with a name of its own, a Brussels institution: Maison Antoine. Founded by Antoine Desment in the middle of the 20th century, in 1948, it quickly became an important place in the daily lives of the people of Brussels.
Considered by many, locals and foreigners alike, to be the best fries in Brussels, it offers its customers quality, large portions and good prices. No matter when you go, you will find a queue of people waiting. That's the price to pay when you go somewhere good, nice and cheap in Brussels. Just 20 minutes by public transport from the Grand Place.
Place Flagey 1, 1050 Ixelles
Credits: smarksthespots
We are still skirting the historic centre of Brussels for the time being, but for a very good reason: the quality of good fries. About 25 minutes by public transport from the Grand Place, this Frietko is a regular meeting point for students and workers in the area.
Golden and known to be among the best in the city, they are the perfect accompaniment as you admire the Art Deco buildings throughout the area.
Place Saint-Josse 1, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
Credits: yelp
Opposite the Church of Saint Josse, a majestic neo-baroque building, you'll find this Friterie that will spice up your afternoon of strolling and sightseeing. What should we highlight above even their golden potatoes? The homemade sauces, which are mild but full of flavour.
Place de la Chapelle 15, 1000 Bruxelles
Credits: mapstr
We move on towards the historic centre and have to stop at another place where quality is a religion. Located between the working-class Marolles district and the beautiful Sablon. It has fantastic prices and a great selection of sauces, many of which are not the classics you'd expect to find. Want a tip? Try them all.
Rue de la Fourche 37
Credits: foursquare
Just a three-minute walk from the Grand Place, there's no excuse not to stop off at this place where, surprise surprise, you can sit down and enjoy your wonderful fries.
The potatoes at Friterie du Café Georgette have a secret: their oil. They use three different types, each at a different temperature. The result is best to see for yourself because there is no way you can explain how delicious they are. To drink? A good Belgian craft beer.
Rue Henri Maus, 49
Credits: tripadvisor
In the heart of the city, next to the Brussels Stock Exchange building, this is where Fritland's beats. With large shipments of fresh potatoes on their doorstep on a daily basis, they have been offering quality at very affordable prices for more than 40 years.
Rue de la Bourse 34
Credits: tripadvisor
Here's the long-awaited vegan option. Wait a second, where's the meat in the fries? Remember that tradition tells us that they should be fried in animal fat oil. But not here, at Patatak we find vegetarian and vegan options in both their fries and sauces, without losing any of the flavour. Belgian tradition in the 21st century.
Rue de Tabora 2
Credits: tripadvisor
We finish our list two minutes away from the Grand Place, ready to recharge our batteries at one of the best places to try the most Belgian fries in Brussels.
This fantastic fritkot offers over 40 different sauces, you read that correctly, and the fries are as tasty as the location is central. You can have them plain or ask for them to be put on a sandwich. Either way, this should be a stop on your route through the historic centre of Brussels.
