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Lifestyle

I Tried Belgian Fries, and They Were Life Changing

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at SCU chapter.

Let’s talk about fries. Belgians have many guilty pleasures when it comes to food, but a top choice (perfect for drunk munchies or a sober indulgence) are Belgian fries.

You might be thinking, well aren’t fries just, well, fries?

Popular Fries vegetable pepper
Madison Shapiro

Believe me, that’s what I was thinking right before I ordered my first cone of Belgian fries. But, alas, these are not just any fries. In the U.S., fries are often fried once and then set aside. That usually means that your fries end up soggy and cold — which is totally unacceptable in my book.

The first thing you should know about Belgian fries:

Belgian Fries chips
Madi Helfrich

1. They are always made fresh to order, so they will always be hot.

2. They are double fried so they are extra crispy.

3. The fries are a thicker cut fry, so you get a crispy outside and a warm, soft potato inside.

But wait, it gets even better. 

difference between condiments and sauces chips potato
Madi Helfrich

Belgium isn’t just famous for its actual fries, but also for the numerous sauces that you can have with them. Having your fries with ketchup is just flat out wrong. Rather, opt for an andalouse sauce or samurai sauce (my two absolute favorites). Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy or sweet, every fry shop or truck should have the sauce that you’re looking for. Honestly, there are so many options it’s hard to choose just one.

#SpoonTip: You can always order multiple!

Sauce Break Down: All the Different Sauces You MUST Try With Your Fries

Creamy

Aioli: garlic mayonnaise 

Andalouse: mayonnaise with tomato paste and peppers

Spicy

Samurai: mayonnaise with Tunisian chili, spices, tomatoes and bell peppers 

Americaine: mayonnaise with tomato, chervil, onions, capers and celery

Pili-Pili: mayonnaise with tomato, onion, garlic, habañero chili and horseradish 

Sweet

Curry Ketchup: spiced, sweet ketchup

Brasil: mayonnaise with pineapple, tomato and spices

Like I said, the sauce options are endless. 

So the next time you’re hitting up a friterie, don’t be the typical American asking for ketchup with your fries. Instead, well, eat like a Belgian. Knock yourself out and order as many dipping sauces as you want! But from one fry lover to another… please get samurai sauce. It’s truly life changing.

I am a junior Marketing major, Economics minor at Santa Clara University. I am always down to try new foods and learn about different cultures. I am an absolute coffee addict-- I start my mornings off with a shot of espresso. More than anything I love sharing my food experiences with friends and family!