Fun Facts from Around the World
Fries are one of the most popular snacks on the planet — crispy, golden, and delicious! The seagulls of Fry Cove absolutely adore them and were devastated when they went missing. Luckily, Fitzy joined the CIA (Chips Investigation Agency) to try to solve the mystery. But did you know that fries have a long and exciting history, with fun facts from all over the world? Let’s take a tasty journey together!
Many people think fries came from France — after all, they’re called “French fries” in English! But it’s actually believed that fries were first made in Belgium over 300 years ago. The story goes that Belgian villagers would fry small fish, but when the rivers froze in winter, they sliced potatoes instead and fried them to make a tasty treat!
During World War I, American soldiers stationed in Belgium encountered the dish, and because the dominant language in the region was French, they mistakenly referred to it as “French fries”. This label stuck and became widely used in the United States, leading to the dish being commonly known as “French fries” despite its Belgian origins.
In America, fries became super popular thanks to fast food restaurants. But did you know that fries come in all shapes and sizes? There are curly fries, waffle fries, crinkle-cut fries, steak fries, and even sweet potato fries! (The latter are my personal favourite).
Fries also have different names in different countries! Here’s how people say “fries” in other languages:
No matter what you call them, fries are loved all over the world! People enjoy them with ketchup, mayonnaise, cheese, or even chocolate sauce in some places. Be sure to try them with garlic mayonnaise and cheese! In the UK, people even put a special brown sauce on them, or just oodles of salt and vinegar. They’re a common treat when you go to the seaside.
Fries may seem like a simple snack, but they have an amazing history and bring people together from every corner of the globe. So next time you crunch into a fry, remember — you’re part of a very tasty tradition!
If you want to check out Steven F Seagull & The Missing Chips, you can now read it on Kindle Unlimited!
