Belgian Fries in Belgium: How to Eat Fries Like a Local

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

If you’re visiting Belgium, there is one food experience you absolutely shouldn’t skip:

Belgian fries.

And before anyone says it…

Yes, they’re Belgian fries, not French fries.

Belgium takes its fries very seriously. And honestly, I think eating fries from a local frituur is one of the easiest ways to experience everyday Belgian culture.

It’s cheap, casual, delicious and something Belgians actually do.

You don’t need a fancy restaurant.

You don’t need a reservation.

And you definitely don’t need to spend €20 on dinner.

Just find a good local frituur, order some fries, pick a sauce, add a snack (or three) and enjoy.

As a Belgian myself, this is exactly how I’d recommend doing it.

If you want to discover more of the dishes and treats Belgium is known for, check out my Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try.

What Is a Belgian Frituur?

First things first: if you’re looking for Belgian fries, you need to know what a frituur is.

A frituur is basically a Belgian takeaway specialising in fries and all kinds of fried snacks.

You’ll find them all over Belgium.

In big cities.

In tiny villages.

Near train stations.

In residential neighbourhoods.

And sometimes in places where you genuinely wonder why there’s a frituur there.

But somehow…

There always is.

A typical frituur usually has a huge menu of different snacks, sauces and portions of fries.

And this is where things can get slightly overwhelming.

Because suddenly you’re standing in front of a menu with 20 different sauces and approximately 47 snacks you’ve never heard of.

Don’t panic.

That’s part of the experience.

How to Find a Good Belgian Frituur

Here’s my biggest tip:

Just type “frituur” into Google Maps.

Seriously.

You don’t need to spend hours searching for the “best Belgian fries in Belgium.”

If you’re staying in a Belgian city, open Google Maps and search:

frituur

You’ll probably find several nearby.

Then look at the reviews, choose one that looks good and go.

You don’t necessarily need the most famous one.

In fact, I’d often choose a small local frituur over a tourist-focused place.

That’s where you’re more likely to experience how Belgians actually eat fries.

If you’re planning a trip around the country, my Belgium Complete Travel Guide covers the best places to visit, local tips, food and more.

Planning your Belgium trip?

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Whatever You Do, Don’t Get Your Fries at Brussels Central

Okay, I need to say this.

If you’re visiting Brussels and you’re around Brussels Central Station, you might see lots of places selling fries.

And you might think:

“Perfect! Belgian fries!”

NO.

Well…

You can eat them.

But personally, I wouldn’t.

Some of the tourist-focused places around the main attractions and train stations can be much more expensive than a normal local frituur.

And you might not even be getting the experience you’re looking for.

Some places are heavily aimed at tourists, and you’ll sometimes see Dutch brands or products that don’t exactly scream local Belgian frituur.

So please:

Don’t walk straight from Brussels Central to the first tourist fry stand you see.

Walk a little further.

Open Google Maps.

Search for frituur.

And find somewhere locals actually go.

You’ll usually get a better experience and often a much better price too.

If you’re spending time in Brussels, check out my Brussels Travel Guide for more local tips on what to see, eat and do in the city.

What to Order at a Belgian Frituur

Now comes the fun part.

What are you actually supposed to order?

Obviously, you need fries.

But the real Belgian frituur experience is choosing a snack to go with them.

Some classic Belgian frituur snacks include:

  • Frikandel
  • Bicky Burger
  • Mexicano
  • Viandel
  • Cervela
  • Twijfelaar

And there are many more.

You don’t need to know what everything is before ordering.

Honestly, half the fun is just looking at the menu and thinking:

“What the hell is that?”

Then ordering it anyway.

Twijfelaar

If you genuinely can’t decide what snack to choose, look for a Twijfelaar.

The name literally means “the doubter.”

And it’s pretty fitting.

It’s essentially a combination of different fried snacks, so you don’t have to commit to just one.

Perfect for indecisive people.

Like me.

Belgian fries and food from a Belgian frituur
Photo from frituurkarin.be

Experiment With the Sauces

This is another important part of eating Belgian fries.

The sauce.

And there are A LOT of options.

Some of my favourites are:

Andalouse

Creamy, slightly spicy and one of the classics.

Definitely worth trying.

Joppie

Sweet, creamy and slightly different from what you might expect.

If you’ve never tried it before, give it a go.

Tartare

Creamy and fresh with a slightly tangy flavour.

Especially good if you’re eating fries with fish or seafood.

Curry Ketchup

Exactly what it sounds like.

Ketchup with a curry flavour.

Simple, but very good.

And honestly?

Don’t just order ketchup every time.

You’re in Belgium.

This is your opportunity to try sauces you’ve probably never seen before.

If you’re unsure, ask someone at the frituur what they recommend.

Belgian Fries Are Great for Travelling on a Budget

Here’s another reason I love the Belgian frituur experience:

It’s relatively cheap.

Belgium isn’t necessarily the cheapest country in Europe, especially in cities like Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp.

But you don’t have to spend €25–€30 every time you sit down for dinner.

A portion of fries with a snack and sauce can make a perfectly filling meal.

Especially if you’re travelling on a budget.

And honestly?

Sometimes I would much rather spend a few euros on fries from a local frituur than sit in an expensive tourist restaurant.

It’s cheaper.

It’s faster.

It’s more casual.

And it’s a much more local experience.

Win-win-win.

If you’re trying to keep your trip affordable, I’ve also put together a realistic Belgium travel budget guide with what you can expect to spend.

The Best Way to Eat Belgian Fries in Summer

This is probably my favourite way to eat fries in Belgium.

When it’s warm outside, get your fries to go.

Then find somewhere nice to sit.

Maybe:

  • A park
  • A square
  • A bench
  • Somewhere beside the water
  • A spot overlooking a Belgian city

And just eat them outside.

There’s something incredibly Belgian about sitting outside with a paper cone or box of hot fries, dipping them into sauce and watching people walk past.

You don’t need a restaurant.

You don’t need a fancy meal.

Just fries, good weather and somewhere nice to sit.

Belgian Fries by the Water

If you’re visiting a Belgian city with water nearby, this is especially nice.

For example, you could grab fries and find a spot beside the canals in Ghent or Bruges, or head towards the Belgian coast and enjoy them near the sea.

If you’re still deciding which Belgian city to visit, my Belgium Cities Compared guide can help you choose.

It doesn’t have to be complicated.

And that’s exactly what I love about Belgian fries.

They’re not supposed to be fancy.

They’re supposed to be good, casual food that you actually enjoy.

Belgian fries enjoyed by the water in Ghent, Belgium

Are Belgian Fries Actually Belgian?

Yes, fries are deeply connected to Belgian food culture.

You’ll find frituurs all over the country, and fries are eaten as both a snack and a full meal.

The exact history of fries and the origin of the English term “French fries” is complicated and debated, so I wouldn’t tell you that the entire history is as simple as “Belgium invented fries.”

But what isn’t really up for debate is how important fries are to Belgian food culture.

Ask a Belgian about their favourite frituur and you’ll probably get a very passionate answer.

And there’s a good chance they’ll disagree with another Belgian about which one is best.

Want to Learn More About Belgian Fries?

If you’re really interested in Belgian fries and their history, there’s actually a museum dedicated entirely to them.

The Frietmuseum in Bruges explores the history of potatoes, Belgian fries and the sauces that go with them. And yes, you can even taste Belgian fries in the medieval cellar at the end of your visit.

I wouldn’t say you need to visit a museum to experience Belgian fries, I’d still recommend finding a local frituur if you want the most authentic everyday experience.

But if you’re already visiting Bruges and love food, it’s a fun extra experience to add to your itinerary.

-> Check Frietmuseum tickets on GetYourGuide

And obviously, you can do both: learn about Belgian fries at the museum and then go find a local frituur afterwards.

If you’re planning a day or longer in Bruges, check out my Bruges Travel Guide for more things to do, places to eat and local tips.

Belgian Fries vs French Fries

So what’s actually different?

Belgian fries are traditionally:

  • Cut relatively thick
  • Fried twice
  • Crispy on the outside
  • Soft and fluffy inside
  • Served with a wide variety of sauces

The double-frying is an important part of getting that crispy outside and fluffy middle.

And they’re usually served in a paper cone, box or similar takeaway packaging.

Although every frituur has its own way of doing things.

Don’t Just Order Fries

If you’re visiting Belgium, don’t make the mistake of thinking the frituur is just somewhere to buy fries.

The snacks are a huge part of the experience too.

Try something you’ve never heard of.

Ask the person behind the counter what they recommend.

Pick a sauce you’ve never tried.

Maybe order something completely ridiculous.

That’s how you discover new things.

And honestly, you’ll probably have a much more memorable experience than if you simply ordered fries with mayonnaise.

My Favourite Belgian Fry Experience

If I had to create my perfect Belgian frituur experience, it would be pretty simple:

Start by searching “frituur” on Google Maps and have a look at the local options nearby.

Rather than picking the most touristy place, go for a small local frituur with good reviews.

Once you’re inside, order a portion of fresh Belgian fries and add a snack you’ve never tried before. This is the perfect opportunity to experiment.

Then comes the difficult part: the sauce. Don’t automatically go for ketchup — pick something you’ve never tried before.

If the weather is nice, take everything outside and find a nice spot in a park, on a square or somewhere by the water.

Finally, sit down and enjoy your fries. No fancy restaurant, no expensive dinner — just hot Belgian fries, a random snack, a sauce you may or may not regret choosing, and a nice view.

Honestly, that’s my ideal Belgian frituur experience.

What Sauce Should You Put on Belgian Fries?

With so many options on the menu, choosing a sauce can be surprisingly difficult — especially if you’ve never been to a Belgian frituur before.

Here are a few I’d recommend starting with:

Looking for a classic? Go for Andalouse.

Got a sweet tooth? Try Joppie.

Prefer something fresh and creamy? Tartare is a good choice.

Want to keep it simple? You can’t really go wrong with ketchup.

Fancy something a little different? Give curry ketchup a try.

And once you’ve tried a few, you’ll probably develop your own favourite.

That’s part of the fun of Belgian frituur culture, everyone has their own very strong opinion about fries and sauce

What Belgian Snack Should You Try?

If you have no idea where to start, I’d recommend trying one of these:

SnackWhat to expect
FrikandelA classic cylindrical fried meat snack
Bicky BurgerBelgian-style fast-food burger
MexicanoSpicy, crispy fried snack
ViandelSimilar to a frikandel but with a different texture
CervelaA sausage-like Belgian frituur snack
TwijfelaarA mix of different snacks

Don’t worry if some of these sound completely unfamiliar.

That’s exactly why you should try them.

Belgian Fries Are a Cultural Experience

One of the things I love about Belgian food is that you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to experience it.

Some of the most Belgian experiences are incredibly ordinary.

Going to the frituur.

Standing in line.

Arguing with your friends about which sauce to get.

Ordering way too many snacks.

Eating fries outside.

And then realising you’ve somehow finished everything.

That’s Belgian food culture.

And if you’re visiting Belgium, I genuinely think a trip to a local frituur should be on your itinerary.

My Biggest Tip: Eat Like a Local

If you remember only one thing from this article, make it this:

Don’t overthink it.

You don’t need to find the number-one-rated frituur in Belgium.

You don’t need to book a famous restaurant.

You don’t need to spend a fortune.

Just:

Search “frituur” on Google Maps → choose a local one → order fries → try a snack → experiment with sauce → eat outside.

That’s it.

And honestly?

You’ll probably have a great time.

Final Thoughts: Are Belgian Fries Worth Trying?

Absolutely.

If you’re visiting Belgium for the first time, Belgian fries should be high on your food list.

They’re cheap, filling, easy to find and deeply connected to everyday Belgian culture.

But don’t just grab fries from the first tourist stand you see.

Find a local frituur.

Try a snack you’ve never heard of.

Experiment with sauces.

And if the weather is nice, take your fries outside and eat them beside the water or in a park.

That’s the kind of simple travel experience I think people remember.

And as a Belgian myself, I’d much rather recommend that than sending you to an overpriced tourist restaurant.

So go find a frituur.

Your first Belgian fries are waiting.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

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FAQ: Belgian Fries

Are Belgian fries actually Belgian?

Belgian fries are deeply rooted in Belgian food culture and are eaten throughout the country. Belgium has a strong frituur culture, although the exact history and origin of fries is more complicated and debated than the simple claim that Belgium invented them.

Where should I eat Belgian fries?

Look for a local frituur. One of the easiest ways to find one is simply searching “frituur” on Google Maps and checking the nearby options. I’d avoid choosing a tourist-focused fry stand purely because it’s next to a major attraction.

What is a frituur?

A frituur is a Belgian takeaway or snack bar specialising in fries and fried snacks. You’ll find them throughout Belgium, from large cities to tiny towns.

What should I order at a Belgian frituur?

Start with a portion of Belgian fries, then choose a traditional snack such as a frikandel, Bicky Burger, Mexicano, viandel, cervela or Twijfelaar. Don’t be afraid to ask what the staff recommends.

What sauce should I get with Belgian fries?

Some popular options include andalouse, joppie, tartare and curry ketchup. If you’ve never tried Belgian sauces before, I’d recommend choosing something different from your usual ketchup or mayonnaise.

Are Belgian fries expensive?

They can be a relatively affordable meal, especially compared with eating in a sit-down restaurant. Prices vary depending on the frituur, portion and snacks you choose, but fries are generally a good option for travellers on a budget.

Can I eat Belgian fries outside?

Absolutely. In fact, this is one of my favourite ways to eat them in summer. Grab your fries from a frituur and find a nice spot in a park, square or beside the water.

Are Belgian fries good for budget travellers?

Yes. A portion of fries with a snack and sauce can be a filling and relatively inexpensive meal, making a Belgian frituur a great option if you’re travelling on a budget.

What is the difference between Belgian fries and French fries?

Belgian fries are traditionally thicker and often double-fried, creating a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They’re also strongly associated with the Belgian frituur culture and are commonly served with a wide variety of sauces and fried snacks.

What is the best frituur in Belgium?

There isn’t one single “best” frituur. Belgians are famously opinionated about their favourite local fry shops, and the best choice depends on where you’re staying. My advice is to search “frituur” on Google Maps and try a well-reviewed local option rather than automatically choosing the most touristy place.

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