French Fries: From a Humble Root to a Global Cult It's golden, crispy, salty, and incredibly hot. It appears on tables in fast-food restaurants and high-end dining establishments, at picnics and official receptions. French fries are not just a side dish; they are a cultural phenomenon that unites countries, continents, and generations. But where and when did this divine snack originate? Who was the genius who first cut potatoes into sticks and threw them into boiling oil? And why, despite all the disputes, do we still argue about who the real father of French fries is? Let's embark on this delicious investigation and also learn how they are eaten in different parts of the world. The Belgian Trail: A History That No One Wants to Admit If you ask an American where French fries come from, they will probably shrug and say, \"Well, they're called French fries, so they must be from France.\" This widespread misconception persists in the public consciousness. However, most historians and culinary experts agree that the birthplace of French fries is Belgium. And there are substantial evidence for this. In the Belgian village of Namur, in the Wallonia region, there has long been a tradition of frying potatoes in oil. Local residents say that as early as the 17th century, poor families fried small fish from the Meuse River to diversify their diet. But in winter, when the river froze and the fish was unavailable, they cut potatoes into the shape of fish and fried them in oil. Thus, the idea was born that later became iconic. In Belgium, French fries are not just food; they are part of the national identity. There is even a saying: \"To understand Belgium, you need to eat its French fries.\" Belgians hold the tradition sacred: they fry potatoes twice — first at a low temperature to cook them inside, and then at a higher temperature to get that crispy crust. It is double frying that is the main secret of Belgian French fries. France as a Popularizer: How the Dish Conquered the ... Read more