French fries
The origins of the French fry can be traced back to Belgium, the late-1600s. Poor villagers living in Meuse Valley often ate small fried fish that they caught in the river. During the winter months the river would freeze over — making fishing impossible and forcing the villagers to find other sources of food. That's how they started slicing and frying potatoes in the same way they prepared the fish. And just like that, the earliest French fries were born.
American soldiers stationed in Belgium were first introduced to French fries during World War I. As the official language of the Belgian army was French, soldiers nicknamed the delicious fried potatoes “French fries." The name stuck.
French fries have become one of the most popular side dishes in the world.
In Belgium, people prefer to eat French fries with cooked mussels or
with a fried egg on top. The United Kingdom is famous for its “fish and chips." In the Middle East, fries are wrapped in pita bread with chicken, and in France they are served with grilled steak.