History

Belgian frites trace to 17th-century Meuse-valley villages, where fried potatoes replaced the river fish that locals could not catch in winter. Antwerp's Fritkot Max has fried since 1842; the original cart stood on Burchtplein beside the Rubens statue and moved to Groenplaats when the Schelde was straightened. The beef-fat fry is the distinctive Belgian technique, double-fried for a crisp shell and fluffy interior.

Make it at home

Yield Serves 4Hands-on 25 minTotal 1 hrDifficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 1.5kg Bintje potatoes (or other floury potato), peeled
  • 1.5L beef fat (ossewit) or rendered lard
  • Sea salt
  • Optional: Belgian mayonnaise, andalouse, samurai or stoofvleessaus to serve

Method

  1. Cut the potatoes into 1cm batons. Rinse thoroughly to remove starch.
  2. Pat completely dry on a clean tea towel.
  3. Heat the beef fat to 140C in a deep heavy pot.
  4. Blanch the chips in batches for 5 to 6 minutes until soft but not coloured. Drain on paper.
  5. Rest the chips for at least 30 minutes (this gives the crisp shell).
  6. Reheat the fat to 180C.
  7. Fry the chips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
  8. Drain, salt immediately, and serve in paper cones with sauce.

Tip from the editors. The 30-minute rest between fries is non-negotiable: it is what separates Belgian frites from French fries.

This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.

Where to eat belgian frites in beef fat

Belgian frites in beef fat in Antwerp

Fritkot Max ★ 4.3

historisch-centrumUntil Daily until 22:00

Fritkot Max in Antwerp keeps the Groenplaats fryer running until 22:00 daily. The last cone before the cathedral lights go out is a tradition stretching back to 1842.

Try: Belgian frites with stoofvleessaus

Tip: Order with stoofvleessaus for the canonical late-night Belgian combination.

Groenplaats 12, 2000 Antwerp

Frites Atelier ★ 4.2

theaterbuurtDaily 11:30-21:00

Frites Atelier in Antwerp on Korte Gasthuisstraat is the premium Belgian frites concept. Skin-on potatoes, beef fat, long list of sauces and toppings.

Try: Premium Belgian frites

Tip: Try the truffle frites for a step above the standard order; cathedral steps are five minutes away.

Korte Gasthuisstraat 32, 2000 Antwerp

Frituur 't Stad ★ 4.0

historisch-centrumUntil Daily until 22:00

Frituur 't Stad in Antwerp on Melkmarkt fries until 22:00 daily. The counter sits a block from the cathedral, walking distance from late-night bars.

Try: Frites, frikandel, bitterballen

Tip: Order the mitraillette for a baguette-loaded sandwich of frites and stewed beef.

Melkmarkt 1, 2000 Antwerp

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