In this article, we will explore some of the top places in Brussels to get your fry fix. From traditional friteries to trendy food trucks, we will uncover the hidden gems and well-established spots that serve these golden delights. Prepare to be amazed by the wide range of accompaniments and toppings available, from classic mayo to gourmet truffle sauces.
Whether you prefer your Fries smothered in sauce or simply salted to perfection, Brussels has something to satisfy every taste bud. So join us on a delectable journey through the city’s fry scene and discover where to get the best fries in Brussels.
The best food experiences and tours in Brussels
City Highlights Walking Tour and Food Tasting
Taste the many flavors of Brussels on a guided walk through the city to try some of the best local chocolates, beer, and waffles or fries. Visit the iconic Manneken Pis and the Grand-Place.
Beer Tasting Tour with 7 beers and Snacks
Journey through the history of Brussels’ beer brewing on a guided tour and sample some of the city’s most famous brews. Visit historic cafes, and learn all about beer
Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Tastings
Discover Belgian chocolate and learn how to make tasty treats during a workshop in Brussels with a chocolatier artisan. Satisfy your sweet tooth with tastings and learn why Belgium’s cacao is special.
Belgian Chocolate, Beer, and Fries Tasting Tour
Treat yourself to a gourmet-inspired guided walking tour of Brussels. Indulge in pralines made by master chocolatiers, taste traditional fries, and sample four different beers.
Are French Fries Actually Belgian?
French fries, despite the name, are actually believed to have originated in Belgium. It is widely accepted that they were first made by French-speaking Belgians in the late 17th century. Back then, Belgium was a part of the Spanish Netherlands, and people in the region would fry small fish to accompany their meals. However, during the winter months, when rivers froze and fish was scarce, they began cutting potatoes into long, thin strips and frying them instead as a substitute.
These crispy potato strips soon became popular not only in Belgium but also in neighboring France. The French soldiers, who were stationed in Belgium during World War I, first encountered this popular snack and began referring to them as “french fries”, associating them with the country where they were introduced to this culinary delight. Despite the misnomer, the true origin of this beloved fast food item lies in Belgium.
What Makes Belgian Fries Different?
Belgian fries, also known as “frites,” are renowned for their superior taste and unique texture. What sets them apart from regular fries is the way they are prepared. Belgian Fries are traditionally made from freshly cut potatoes that are first blanched in hot oil at a lower temperature to cook them through. They are then cooled and fried again at a higher temperature to achieve a crisp golden exterior. This double-frying technique is what gives Belgian fries their distinctive crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
Another element that makes Belgian fries stand out is the choice of potato. The ideal potato for Belgian fries is the Bintje potato, which has a high starch content and low moisture level. This particular potato variety crisps up beautifully when fried, resulting in fries that are light and airy on the inside while still maintaining their crispness.
Finally, Belgian fries are traditionally served with a variety of dipping sauces, ranging from simple mayonnaise to more unconventional ones like andalouse or curry ketchup, adding another layer of flavor to this beloved snack.
Are Belgian Fries Vegetarian?
Belgian fries are indeed vegetarian as they are made from potatoes, oil, and salt. The type of oil used in frying the fries can vary, but commonly it is vegetable oil, which is plant-based and therefore suitable for vegetarians. However, it is worth mentioning that the preparation process may involve frying the potatoes in the same oil as meat and other non-vegetarian items, which could lead to cross-contamination.
The best fries in Brussels
Friterie Tabora
Rue de Tabora 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
In the heart of Brussels, Friterie Tabora stands as a must-visit spot for the ultimate frites experience. Nestled near the Grand Place, this unpretentious gem offers the legendary “mitraillette” – a foot-long French-fry sandwich bursting with deep-fried spicy burger patties, mayo, and ketchup. But what truly sets Tabora apart is the mesmerizing sight of the counter guy hand-cutting the frites from fresh potatoes using an old-style metal press. These golden delights are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, served in a classic paper cone, and paired with a variety of mouthwatering sauces.
Frit Flagey
Pl. Eugène Flagey, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
Frit Flagey is a buzzing hotspot in Brussels, loved by locals and a must-visit for any food lover exploring the city. Situated at the heart of Place Flagey in Ixelles, this famed fritkot attracts sizable crowds, drawn by its reputation for some of the best fries in town. These fries are a true Belgian delight, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a tender interior. While the queues are notorious and the service might not be the friendliest, the experience is considered part of the charm. With an array of mayo-based sauces to choose from, including the highly recommended Samourai Sauce, Frit Flagey offers an indulgent and authentically Belgian feast that’s not to be missed.
Fritland
Rue Henri Maus 49, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Nestled next to the Grand-Place, FRITLAND has been serving up traditional Brussels fries since 1978, offering a delicious array of freshly produced frites with a variety of classic sauces. With a prime location and quick service, this iconic friterie caters to both locals and tourists, providing an essential on-the-go potato fix with irresistible crispy fries and a range of mouthwatering sauces to top them off.
Café Georgette
Rue de la Fourche 37, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Café Georgette, a well-known friterie in the heart of Brussels near the Grand Place, delights visitors with its delectable twice-fried Belgian frites. For just 6.50€, you can enjoy a 350g cone of their light, crispy, and scrumptious fries, traditionally cooked in beef fat. More than just a chip house, Café Georgette also offers a restaurant and cafe experience, where you can savor authentic Belgian dishes along with their iconic fries. Whether you opt for the charming newspaper-wrapped cones, the skin-on fries for extra crispiness, or their delightful array of sauces, this friterie truly embodies the spirit of Belgian culinary excellence.
Maison Antoine
1040, Jourdanplein 1, 1040 Etterbeek, Belgium
Maison Antoine, a Belgian fry haven situated in the heart of Brussels’ Place Jourdan, is a must-visit for fry enthusiasts. With its large octagonal kiosk that’s become a city icon, Maison Antoine offers a feast of sizable and crispy fries, served in the traditional “cornet de frites” style, complete with a variety of sauce choices including the popular Maison Tartare. While their extensive menu features more than just fries, including snacks and sandwiches, the Belgian fries, deep-fried twice for the perfect crunch, remain the star of the show.
Frites Atelier
Rue Sainte-Catherine 32, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Frites Atelier Brussels stands out as the ultimate fry haven, owned by renowned Dutch Chef Sergio Herman, who embarked on an 18-month journey to perfect the art of making the finest fries. With a prime location near the Grand Place in Brussels, Frites Atelier focuses on creating exceptional fries that are crispy on the outside and irresistibly tender on the inside, using unique toppings like dried seaweed chips and Japanese furikake. Their creative offerings extend to burgers as well, making it a must-try culinary adventure for anyone visiting Brussels.
Patatak
Rue de la Bourse 34, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
For a genuine Belgian friterie experience that caters to all diets, head to Patatak, a tiny shop serving up Belgian fries and other classics like sweet potato fries, vegan burgers, and even mushroom croquettes. With options cooked in beef fat or vegetable oil, this chip shop offers a variety of sauces, including homemade ketchup, and artisanal beers, all at competitive prices. Patatak’s commitment to tradition, innovation, and sustainability makes it a must-visit spot for understanding the essence of Belgian fries.
Belgium is often credited with making some of the best fries in the world. Their unique cooking method of double-frying the potatoes in high-quality fats, such as beef tallow or horse fat, results in fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Additionally, the variety of sauces and toppings available for the fries, along with the cultural significance of friteries in Belgian society, contribute to the reputation of Belgian fries as exceptional. While other countries also have their own variations of fried potatoes, Belgium’s attention to detail and dedication to the craft have solidified their place in culinary history as fry connoisseurs.
In Brussels, as well as in many parts of Belgium, French fries are commonly referred to as “frites” or “frieten” in Dutch. The term “French fries” is not used as commonly as in some other countries, and instead, the local term “frites” is preferred.
Belgian fries are renowned for their exceptional quality due to their unique cooking technique of double-frying, the use of high-quality potatoes, and the choice of flavorful fats like beef tallow. The variety of sauces, cultural significance of friteries, and attention to detail further contribute to their appeal, making Belgian fries a standout culinary delight.
Belgians enjoy a wide variety of sauces to dip their fries in. Some popular options include classic mayonnaise, ketchup, Andalouse sauce (a spicy mayo and pepper sauce), Samurai sauce (a tangy and spicy mayo-based sauce), tartar sauce, curry ketchup, and more. The choice of sauce can vary based on personal preference, and many friteries offer an extensive selection to cater to different tastes.
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