Ah, French fries—the ultimate sidekick to burgers, the star of snack time, and an all-around crispy delight. But despite the name, French fries may not actually be French! Let’s unravel the mystery behind this golden, crispy creation.

The Belgian Connection
One popular theory credits Belgium—not France—as the true birthplace of French fries. According to Belgian folklore, the idea of fried potatoes dates back to the late 17th century. The story goes that in certain Belgian villages, people would fry small fish caught from rivers. But during particularly harsh winters, when the rivers froze over, the villagers turned to potatoes. They sliced them thinly, fried them up, and voilà—fries were born!

Belgians will proudly tell you that they were the original fry masters, and to this day, "frites" (fries) are a beloved staple in Belgium, often served with a side of mayonnaise.

The Name Game
So, if fries are Belgian, how did they get the name “French fries”? Well, there’s a bit of a language mix-up at play. It’s believed that American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I were introduced to fries by Belgian locals who spoke French. The soldiers, associating the delicious snack with the French language, brought the idea back to America, calling them “French fries.” The name stuck—and the rest is crispy, golden history.

But Wait, There’s a French Claim, Too!
Of course, the French have their own version of the story. The French claim that “pommes frites” (fried potatoes) originated in Paris, where street vendors sold them along the Pont Neuf bridge as early as the late 18th century. They argue that France was frying potatoes long before the Belgians, and that the real origin of fries lies in the streets of Paris.

The Final Verdict
So, are French fries really French? Or are they secretly Belgian? The answer is a little blurry—both countries have a strong claim to the crispy crown. But no matter where they came from, there’s one thing we can all agree on: French fries are an international superstar, and we’re all better off for it!