I frequently make note of the fact that one of the best parts of traveling is the food — but even better than simply enjoying local delicacies in general is being able to compare and contrast how different countries and cultures prepare the same item. Take, for example, the humble potato: Pretty much every location in which potatoes are available has a variation on the theme of fried spuds — but the sheer variety of ways French fries are prepared around the world will blow your mind. I mean that in the best way possible, though, so here — take a look at 10 global French fry options, as illustrated by BuzzFeed's latest video creation.
First, a little history lesson: There's some debate over whether French fries are actually French; there's been a longstanding rivalry between France and Belgium over which nation is responsible for introducing the delightfully crispy strips of potato to the world, and each maintains firmly that it was them. Either way, though, we know they entered the lexicon somewhere around the 19th century — Thomas Jefferson reportedly had “potatoes served in the French manner” at the White House in 1802, and the phrase “French fried potatoes” was first seen in print in 1856.
Since then, though, they've made their way in some way, shape, or form across the entire globe. The best part? Most of the ingredients involved for each variation are readily available at grocery stores these days. So hey, if you feel like sprucing up your chips tonight, this might be just the inspiration you need to do it.
Here are my five favorites; scroll down to watch the full video.
1. Vietnam: Khoai Tay Chien
It's not unusual for some places to serve sugar where most Americans would use salt; in France, for example, you've typically got the option to get sweet popcorn instead of savory at the cinema. Knowing this, it's not quite as surprising to find that Vietnamese French fries feature sugar and butter, as opposed to salt and ketchup — and I'm not going to lie: I'm kind of curious about what they might taste like. At least it's fairly easily replicated, right?
2. Canada: Poutine
Think of it as the northern equivalent of disco fries. Not in Canada? No problem. Here's how to make poutine at home. Yum.
3. Kenya: Masala Chips
I would like to jam all of this in my face right now, thank you very much. All those spices on the side get turned into a sauce in which you then toss the freshly-cooked chips — and it sounds magnificent. It's also doable for the home chef, so get ready to raid your spice cabinet and get to work.
4. The Netherlands: Pataje Oorlog
You've probably seen fries in a paper cone before. You've probably also seen fries served with mayo before, even if it's not your thing. Fries topped with peanut sauce, though? That's a new one for me — and even though it sounds a little unusual at first, let's not forget that “peanut sauce” is not necessarily the same thing as peanut butter. Chicken satay involves peanut sauce and it's delicious, so why shouldn't fries with peanut sauce be just as tasty?
5. Spain: Patatas Bravas
Not unlike Kenya's masala chips, Spain's take on fried potatoes involves making all those delightful-looking spices into a savory sauce and tossing the chips in it. The finished result is garnished with a drizzle of aioli.
Watch the full video below. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go totally overhaul my dinner plans, because I really want fries now.
Images: KidItamae/Flickr; BuzzFeedVideo/YouTube (5)
