French fries or or fries is a global snack that is famous for its savoury taste and can be found anywhere, even in the street stalls. This fast food is often enjoyed as a side or even a snack when you’re hungry. One bite of french fries is never enough, and you’ll keep on munching till it’s all gone.
What are French Fries?
French fries also known as fries and chips, is one of the most famous fast foods across the globe. With different versions of fries in several continents, fries are enjoyed and savoured with different flavours and spices. No matter the shape or form, these potato snacks are still loved by many.
Grab a bowl of fries, sit on your comfy sofa in front of the telly and now you are good to enjoy your favourite movie, with your circle of friends and family.
History of French Fries
Although the word ‘French’ is in its name, this snack is actually not from France. Fries actually originated from Belgium. During World War I, Belgium was flooded with the American, Canadian and British army. The American troops loved fries so much that it was a common part of their diet at the time. This is how French fries slowly began to spread across regions of the world.
French was actually the official language of the Belgian army; hence the name ‘french fries’ remains to date. Due to this, people are often mistaken about the origin of french fries. In that era, fries were enjoyed by the working class only. It is only till many years later that fries were enjoyed by the common people for potatoes are easily cultivated and found.
Fries in Belgium were served with delicious Belgian sauces and even as a complimentary dish with other main dishes. It is also believed that the word ‘French’ is an old-English verb which means to cut a slice in longer length.
Alternatively, it is said to originate from 1755, where a Frenchman was made famous for inventing crispy and salted fries. Fries were initially served in a white cardboard cone which was wrapped with paper and topped with the desirable sauce. These different origins of French fries signified that french fries is loved by people all around the globe.
Types of French Fries
Aside from the normal french fries that we know of, here are some of the french fries from other regions and places.
First, the first fries is from Spain which is known as patatas bravas. Patatas bravas has a larger cut of potato. Spanish people usually cut the potatoes into a 2cm square cubes and enjoy the boiled or fried chunks of potato with tomato sauce.
In France, the two famous french fries are called pommes allumettes and pommes paille. The difference between these two french fries is the size of both fries. Pommes allumettes are thin-cut fries made with large potatoes that are about 7 mm wide while pommes paille are potato straws that are about 3-4 mm wide.
In Canada, they have a different kind of french fries called poutine. The fries are enjoyed with a savoury cheesy curd and smoking hot gravy.
In Africa, the french fries is enjoyed differently by drenching the fried potato in the white vinegar. The fries here is also cooked separately with longer time of cooking to make it thicker and crispier than normal fries.
Where to Find French Fries in Malaysia
French fries can easily be found in one of the largest fast food chains in Malaysia, McDonald’s. You can definitely try the fries in KFC and Pizza Hut as well. This dish can also be found in Prank Fries. These restaurants serve the best french fries for you and your loved ones.
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