Men are from Mars, Fries are from Belgium

It might have taken the country many months to form a government but one thing that all Belgians will rally around in an instant is their Fries...
Call them Frieten, Frietje or Frites, this is the local fast food.
Only in America do people name Frites 'French Fries'.
File it with 'French Dressing' and 'Lemon Peel with Espresso' in the bin of food bits that tend to annoy me.

As for the Belgian fries, what got my mind on this topic in the first place was Back to the Frituur by David Atkinson (FT Week-End, February 23, 2008).

Potatoes best suited for Belgian Fries are according to his piece Belgian Bintje.
Frituurs are the local fast food 'restaurants' where people indulge in their fried food passion.

Outdoor stands called Frietkoten actually preceded them.
These free-standing stands, shacks and food mobiles might be in danger if I am to trust The future of the frietje...Is the nation’s favourite food in danger? by Steven Tate (Flanders Today). They have been in existence since the 19th century but might fall victim of health and safety regulations.

Check this short review of Frituur Peter in Bruges on Boo.com.

Want to share your Belgian Fries best, in words or pictures, please do.

Related: Ragout or why some American Chefs want to call a Cat a Dog?
and Trappist Monks, Beer, Belgium, Religion and History