Eat at a Local Frituur

Fries are a matter of national pride in Belgium. To experience them like a local, avoid the sit-down restaurants in main tourist squares and instead seek out a neighborhood frituur (in Dutch) or friterie (in French).

These humble establishments double-fry their potatoes in beef tallow (blanc de bœuf), giving them an unmatched crispy exterior and fluffy interior. When ordering, never refer to them as 'French fries'—they are simply Belgian fries.

The true magic lies in the sauce selection. Skip the standard ketchup or mayonnaise and try local favorites like Andalouse (mayo, tomato paste, and peppers), Samurai (spicy mayo with sambal oelek), or Dallas sauce. Order a side snack like a frikandel or bitterballen to complete the authentic experience.