Patate-Frites (Fries)
Another national dish which is actually not dutch but nowadays Belgian are fries or as the original name is called Patates-Frites(fr).
As you might know Belgium once was part of the republic and kingdom of the Netherlands. But in 1830 they got their own independence and since then it has operated as an individual country. But already in the 17th century the Belgiums started to produce the potato snack as a dish. And due the success of the dish it quickly came to the dutch provinces.
Nowadays it is the most eaten warm snack in the Netherlands. Funny little detail is that there has been a very long ongoing discussion about the name of the snack. The original french name is pommes de terre frites or patates-frites. But in the Netherlands a strange thing has happened. The south part of the Netherlands now call it Frites (or in dutch Friet) and the north of the Netherlands like Amsterdam call it Patat. Where Frites refers to the frying of the potatoes. And patat refers to the item itself, potatoes. But then in other places in the world they call it French fries. Well we will probably never find the right answer, but that doesn’t make it less delicious.
In Amsterdam there are a few places where they sell the best fries in Amsterdam.
Manneke pis Amsterdam
The first one you will see directly when you walk out of the train station. On the street in front of the station (Damrak) you will find a take away shop called “Manneke Pis”, which means the little pissing guy. Referring to the famous little statue in Brussels. They always have a line in front of the store.
Frietpoint Amsterdam
The second one is close by and is called Frietpoint. It is on the Oudezijdsvoorburgwal. A street within the red light district. Be on the lookout for it, because it is a very small little take out.
Vleminxfriet Amsterdam
Again the reference to Belgium. Vlaams means Flamish which is the dutch part of Belgium. They are worldwide known in Amsterdam ;-). Mainly because they make their fries there fresh on the spot. They are also known to have the opposite to the small french fries, thick delicious crunchy fries and potato wedges.
Fabelfriet Amsterdam
A small little take out in the center of the famous 9 little streets. The area is known to have the most amazing little shops and restaurants. So an amazing little frieshop can’t be missed in these streets. Fabel Friet is also known to make their own fries fresch. But also the optional snacks which you can order with your fries are homemade. They have also a large variety of sauces which you can choose from.
Oh and just so you know, in the Netherlands we eat our fries with mayonnaise instead of ketchup. Give it a try, it is amazing.