When it comes to comfort food that brings instant joy, few things can compete with a crispy, golden plate of French fries. Whether you like them crinkle-cut, curly, shoestring, or waffle-style—French fries are a universal favorite.
Every year, July 13 is celebrated as National French Fry Day, giving us the perfect excuse to indulge in this delicious snack and appreciate the humble potato in its most iconic form.
A Quick Bite of History: Where Did French Fries Come From?
Despite the name, French fries are believed to have originated in Belgium, where villagers were frying small fish—until the rivers froze in winter, and they used potatoes instead. The “French” part likely comes from the American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I, who tasted the fries and called them "French" because French was the language spoken in the region.
Regardless of origin, fries have found a home around the world—from Indian masala fries to American loaded fries and British chip-shop classics.
Why We Love French Fries
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Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—the perfect texture combo!
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Goes with everything: Burgers, sandwiches, or just ketchup.
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Highly customizable: Add cheese, sauces, spices, or even dips from around the world.
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Instant happiness: Let's face it—fries make everything better.
How to Celebrate National French Fry Day
1. Make Your Own Fries at Home
Get creative in your kitchen with these varieties:
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Classic salted fries
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Sweet potato fries
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Masala fries (spicy Indian version)
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Garlic parmesan fries
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Baked or air-fried for a healthy twist
2. Try Fries from a New Restaurant
Celebrate the day by discovering fries from a local food truck, cafe, or international chain. Who knows—you might find a new favorite!
3. Host a "Fries Only" Party
Invite friends over for a fry-tasting session. Everyone can bring a different type of fries or dipping sauce—from cheese dips to spicy mayo or garlic aioli.
4. Share Your Fries on Social Media
Snap your perfect plate of fries and post it with hashtags like #NationalFrenchFryDay or #FriesBeforeGuys
French Fry Fun Facts
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McDonald's serves over 9 million pounds of fries daily worldwide!
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July 13 isn’t the only fry celebration—“International Fries Day” is also observed in some places.
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In Belgium, fries are served with mayonnaise, not ketchup!
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The world's longest fry was over 34 inches long.
Conclusion
Whether you call them fries, chips, patatas fritas, or finger chips, one thing’s for sure—French fries are more than just a side dish. They’re a cultural icon, a comfort food, and a crispy celebration of joy.
So, on this National French Fry Day, grab your favorite version, share a plate (or don’t!), and honor the food that always delivers happiness—one crunchy bite at a time.
