National French Fries Day (July 13)
Most foods don’t inspire arguments between entire countries.
Nobody is passionately debating who invented mashed potatoes.
People generally accept the existence of baked potatoes without turning them into a national identity.
French fries, somehow, are different.
National French Fries Day on July 13 celebrates one of the few foods that can start an argument about history, cooking methods, dipping sauces, and proper thickness within about thirty seconds.
Personally, I think any food that can cause a heated discussion about mayonnaise deserves its own holiday.
When is National French Fries Day?
It takes place each year on
Why This Holiday Exists
Unlike many modern food holidays, nobody seems entirely sure who created National French Fries Day.
It appears to have emerged naturally as fries became one of the most popular foods on the planet. Which feels appropriate. French fries don’t really belong to one person, one restaurant, or even one country.
That last part is where things get interesting.
Despite the name, many historians credit Belgium as the birthplace of French fries. One popular story claims villagers near the Meuse River traditionally fried small fish. During winter, when the river froze, potatoes became the substitute.
Eventually those fried potato strips became a national obsession.
France has its own connection through pommes frites, and the United States enthusiastically adopted fries and attached them to almost every burger ever served.
The result? A food with disputed origins and nearly universal popularity.
Honestly, that’s a pretty impressive combination.
The Part People Actually Remember
Belgium And France Still Get Credit
Ask where French fries originated and prepare for multiple answers. Belgium and France have both been linked to their creation for decades, and people remain surprisingly invested in the debate.
Americans Eat A Lot Of Fries
An astonishing amount.
French fries consistently rank among America’s favorite side dishes. Fast-food chains sell billions of servings every year, which probably explains why everyone has such strong opinions about them.
The Shape Changes Everything
Shoestring fries and steak fries are technically the same food.
Yet people often defend one style as if they’re campaigning for public office.
Mayonnaise Is A Bigger Deal Than Ketchup In Some Places
Many Americans automatically reach for ketchup.
In Belgium, mayonnaise is often the preferred choice.
The first time I learned this, I assumed it was a joke. It was not.
McDonald’s Changed The Industry
Love them or hate them, fast-food restaurants helped standardize what many people now think fries should taste like.
An entire generation grew up using one specific fry as the benchmark.
Fries Show Up In Unexpected Dishes
Poutine in Canada.
Chip butties in Britain.
Carne asada fries in California.
Someone, somewhere, has looked at a plate of fries and decided they needed even more food on top.
Why People Get Weird About French Fries
French fries might be the most customizable food that still feels familiar.
People have strong opinions about:
- Thickness
- Crispiness
- Skin-on vs skin-off
- Ketchup
- Ranch
- Mayonnaise
- Cheese
- Truffle oil
- Curly fries
- Waffle fries
I’ve seen debates online that lasted longer than some celebrity marriages.
And nobody ever changes their mind.
That’s what makes fries oddly fascinating. Most foods have fans. French fries have factions.
Ways To Actually Celebrate
- Visit a local restaurant known for great fries and order their signature version.
- Try three different styles in one day: shoestring, waffle, and curly fries.
- Make homemade fries in an air fryer and experiment with seasonings.
- Order poutine if you’ve never tried it.
- Host a “best dipping sauce” taste test with friends.
- Pair fries with a favorite burger, sandwich, or hot dog and call it dinner.
- Attempt to recreate your favorite restaurant fries at home. [Results may vary dramatically.]
Ways To Use This At Work
Run A Fry Poll
Ask coworkers to vote on the best fry style. Expect passionate responses.
Create A Sauce Bracket
Put ketchup, ranch, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and mayo into a tournament-style vote.
Share A Fry Debate On Slack
Simple question:
“What’s the correct fry thickness?”
Then sit back and watch.
Restaurants And Bars
Feature loaded fries, truffle fries, or a limited-time dipping sauce flight.
Social Media
Ask followers:
“What’s the most overrated fry topping?”
People absolutely love answering this question.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Worth Buying, Watching, Or Trying
An Air Fryer – Possibly the easiest way to make genuinely crispy fries at home without turning your kitchen into a deep-frying operation.
Belgian-Style Double-Fried Fries – If you’ve never had authentic Belgian fries, they’re worth seeking out at least once.
Poutine – Fries, gravy, and cheese curds should not work as well as they do. Yet here we are.
Related Holidays
If National French Fries Day appeals to you, these food holidays have a similar energy:
- National Potato Day
- National Potato Chip Day
- National Hamburger Day
- National Onion Ring Day
- National Cheese Day
- National Hot Dog Day
Basically, the holidays responsible for most summer cookout menus.
And possibly several gym memberships.
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