Can Belgium claim ownership of the French fry?

Can Belgium claim ownership of the French fry? “Americans call it a French fry,” he said, “but it’s not a French fry, it’s a Francophone fry.” It’s not a French fry, it’s a Francophone fry Common lore claims that the original fry was born in Namur in francophone Belgium, where the locals were particularly fond of fried fish. “That’s why it’s so hard to establish its birth certificate.” Boaz Rottem/Alamy We may never know who actually invented the French fry But perhaps it’s not its birth certificate that matters when deciding who truly lays claim to the French fry, but rather, who has created the most emblematic version of the dish. As with poutine, modern adaptations of fish and chips at even the most high-end dining establishments have helped the former working-class food to become ‘classless’, according to the Telegraph, “which somewhat increases its credibility as our national dish.” In France, the fry’s upward movement happened much earlier, with suggestions for pairing the fried potatoes with grilled meat, à la French classic steak-frites, appearing as early as the 18th Century. “As far as we’re concerned, it’s possible to make a French fry as good as the Belgian fry,” Lubot said.