Welcome to the Belgian Fries Website! (established 1995)

A quick tour

Of course we start with the 'secret' recipe: how to make real Belgian Fries. But not only fries: a lot of people asked me for a recipe for our famous mayonaise and mussels. I did not put in a recipe for waffles because they don't go with fries :-)

In the next chapter you'll find a short history of Belgian Fries: where it (presumably) all started and some other facts on fries. The fry dictionary will tell how they are called throughout the world (updates are welcome!).

As far as I know Belgium is the only country in the world where you will find a frietkot (fry shack). Although they are disappearing due to new regulations, you can find pictures of some fine samples in the overview-section. And for those of you who've never been in Belgium: a look insite a typical frietkot. The final chapter discusses fry manners: how to order and how to eat them as a real connaisseur.

Belgian Fries are worldwide known as French Fries and they must be one of the most popular foods. This chapter will give an overview of Fries around the World. I visited the US a few times (where some entrepreneurs try to copy the Belgian Fry concept) and of course I have pictures of fries in other countries.

Fries and Art, do they go together? As you will find out in this chapter, they certainly do. Especially in Belgian comics, another product we can be very proud of.

For those who would like to try out the recipe at home: check out these pages and find out what equipment to use. The 'Stupid Inventions' page deals with automatic machinery making fries: most of them failed...

During the last 5 years, a lot of people wrote to me that they wanted to start a 'Belgian Fries' business (most of them Americans as you can guess). At this moment I exported a few hunderd thousands of paper cones to the US. That's probably why they call me 'King Cone' (get it? :-))

Since 1995, this website was regularly in the press, on television and of course on the net. An overview is on this page.

Belgian Fries in Mexico!

Ivo Tzankov opened a fry shop in Playa del Carmen, Mexico (feb. 2006). Check him out on 10 Av.across Plaza Pelicanos.

Latest news on Belgian Fries in the USA

Recently opened by Jessica in Bremerton, WA: Fritz European Fry House

In the beginning of 2005, Anthony opened his fry shop in Seattle.

For older news, please click here.

Belgian Fries Museum planned!

A museum dedicated to the Belgian Fry will be opening in Brugge soon (May 1st I heard) ... more details as soon as I will get them.

Breaking News

Belgian fries in Africa! A Belgian Fry shop will be opening in Cape Town on March 23rd 2008! It is believed to be the first Belgian Fry shop on the African continent. The shop will be run by 2 Belgian guys and is called Het Frituurtje. All details can be found on their website www.frituurtje.co.za, A friend of mine will be visiting them end of March and hopefully bring more news and pictures. Check this website again mid-April.

Busy planning my trip to China and South Korea (end of April 2008) ... keep an eye on this website for more news!

Belgian fries are conquering the world. The latest addition on my list is a fry shop in Berlin called "Fettnapf" (grease napkin). Located in the Rykestrasse 48, 10405 Berlin, I hope to visit it very soon and publish my findings on this website.

Latest updates

Pictures and postcards

Freddy Makelberge recently sent me this postcard. I shows his father, Albert Tratsaert, in front of his fry cart ("frietkarre"). [Mar 2006]

Paul Ilegems published a new book on Belgian Fries (in Dutch), but forgot to mention me! I'll never forgive him :-( but if you want the book and can't find it, pls contact me. [Nov 2005]

USA: King Cone was back (again)!

Sept. 15th-25th 2005: during a 2,500 mile trip, I visited every US "Belgian" fry shop I know on the east.

Watch this space for an update on Belgian Fries in New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and NYC! [Oct 2005]

New Belgian Fries shop?

On the internet I found the following article: "Tom Sinopoli of Troy, a former software and banking executive, has opened The Frying Dutchman, which operates during events staged at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany. The store sells Belgian fries for $3.50 and a Dutch eggroll-like concoction called a krocket for $2.50." (link to original article). Has anyone out there more info???

New page on the paintings of Gillis Houben [Sept 2005]

Rare books for sale [March 2005]

Books on Fries [March 2005]

Life in Belgium, land of the Frietkoten

A not so typical frietkot: a combination of a café (pub), fry shack AND hair dresser! Thanks to Bene, who got her first kiss from boyfriend Bert in frituur Bobo in Antwerp! How more Belgian can one be?

After her separation from Eric, Gerda continued working in her frietkot ...

Request for material

There must be a lot of material on fries (Belgian or French), no doubt about that. If you find something, be it an article, a picture or some rare piece of equipment: contact me and I'll make you famous on this website!

Final note

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