11 Incredible Ways People Relish French Fries Across the Globe

From pairing them with combo meals to generously smothering them with sauces and salt, French fries are enjoyed in countless ways around the world.

These crispy potato slices might carry a French name, but they are believed to have originated in Belgium. Legend says French fries trace their roots to the Belgian city of Namur, where locals once frequently consumed fried fish. When a harsh 17th-century winter froze the Meuse River, halting fishing, people began frying potatoes instead. (The term 'French fries' was coined by American soldiers in the French-speaking region during World War II.)

French fries have become a global favorite, making their way onto menus and dinner tables everywhere. Here are 11 different ways people indulge in these crispy delights.

1. Poutine

This hearty dish of French fries drenched in brown gravy and topped with cheese curds was born in the dairy-rich region of Centre-du-Québec, Canada, where fromageries craft its distinctive cheese, in the 1950s. Though poutine is often linked to Montreal, it holds the title of being Canada's national dish.

2. Garbage Plate

This beloved dish from Rochester, New York, became a sensation and was trademarked at the restaurant known as Nick Tahou Hots. The Garbage Plate is a heaping combination of various ingredients such as fries, baked beans or macaroni salad, white or red hots or different meats, an optional addition of onions and mustard, all topped off with a flavorful, spicy meat sauce. Having existed for over a century, its name is believed to have originated from local students requesting a plate 'with all the garbage on it.'

3. Currywurst

This classic German dish features sausage chunks drenched in ketchup and curry powder, served with a side of French fries. It was created in Berlin by Herta Heuwer, a German housewife, in 1949. Heuwer received the ingredients from British soldiers stationed in Germany and began selling her tasty snack from a food stall in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin. Her contribution to German cuisine is honored at the Currywurst Museum, a Berlin attraction that unfortunately closed in 2018.

4. Fish and Chips

The origins of the iconic pairing of crispy fish and golden French fries remain somewhat unclear—both Lancashire and London lay claim to being the birthplace of this beloved dish. During the Industrial Revolution, fish and chip shops began to spring up across England, and by the 20th century, this combination had become so significant that it was even exempt from rationing during both World Wars.

5. Chipsi Mayai

This dish, a staple of Tanzanian street food, is essentially an egg-and-potato omelet (with mayai meaning 'eggs' in Swahili). To prepare it, fries are spread out as a base layer, and the egg mixture is poured on top, sometimes with added vegetables like bell peppers or onions. This egg-and-potato combination is never served alone; it is often accompanied by a fresh tomato and onion salad known as kachumbari.

6. Salchipapa

This popular Latin American street food takes its name from the two main ingredients: sausage (salchi) and potatoes (papas). Beef sausages or hot dogs are sliced and served alongside crispy French fries. A range of sauces—such as ketchup, mustard, or the tangy ají amarillo sauce—elevates this combination. Though the dish is strongly associated with Peru, it is also enjoyed in other parts of Latin America, including Colombia and Ecuador.

7. Truk’i Pan

The name Truk’i Pan, meaning 'bread truck' or 'sandwich truck,' refers to the food trucks that are a key part of the late-night party culture in Curaçao. These trucks dish out barbecued meats, shrimp, or conch paired with fries, salad, or bread, operating from 9 p.m. into the early morning hours. You can top your meal off with sauces like peanut sauce, pico de gallo, chimichurri, or relish.

8. Moules-Frites

Mussels and fries represent another classic French-Belgian combination. While this dish is believed to have originated in Belgium, it is also widely enjoyed in France. In France, various types of bivalve mollusks are used for this seafood-and-fries pairing, with regions like Brittany, known for its Bouchot mussels, playing a key role in its preparation.

9. Furaido Potato

In Japan, French fries are called furaido potato. The potato itself was introduced by Dutch traders in the 16th century, and today, fries are a staple in Japanese fast food culture. They can be ordered in the traditional 'Belgian style' or enhanced with flavorings such as furikake, a savory blend of seaweed, sesame seeds, and other seasonings. In 2014, when McDonald's in Japan faced a shortage of fries, they responded by offering only small-sized servings.

10. Chorrillana

This Chilean specialty is a hearty pile-on of scrambled or fried eggs, sliced meat, fried onions, and crispy French fries. Chorrillana's substantial nature makes it perfect for sharing, and it’s commonly served in pubs and restaurants in the city of Valparaíso, where it is said to have originated.

11. Slaptjips

In South Africa, the Afrikaans word for 'slap' refers to something limp or flabby, which perfectly describes slaptjips—a variety of fries made by soaking cut potatoes in water before deep-frying them. Once cooked, they're generously seasoned with salt and vinegar and wrapped in paper. These fries are also a key ingredient in the popular 'Gatsby' sandwich, which is filled with not just slaptjips but also meat, cheese, eggs, and salad.