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?
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:
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.
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.