Recently, a friend had an interesting take on French Fries. There is no such thing called French fries. How many shops have you seen in Paris offering French Fries? This is not even part of their cuisine. The fries are originally from Belgium. It was popularized as French fries by the Americans. As you know, the Americans are bad in geography and didn't even know there was a country named Belgium. Also a part of the Belgium used French as the medium of communication. So, they assumed it was France and named it French fries.
I was not able to substantiate the claims on this subject. If you look up on wikipedia, the frites or fries was incorporated into French cuisine by the time the term was coined. But the take is amusing for two reasons - stereotype and fact. The stereotype is regarding Americans. What is the popular belief about them? They do not know about the world stage. So they can easily get things mixed up. The fact is about the two parts of Belgium. In one part, they speak French and the other part Dutch. There is more history and struggles associated with Belgium that I can provide in a few sentences.
But what do you think? Do you find the take amusing? Or is it true?
Tags: Musings,French Fries,Belgium,Americans
This is funny, without verifying they took it that every French speaking region is France?
ReplyDeleteMore interesting - the rest of the world- also did not bother to cross check - the origins of a product - before popularizing it.
It will be encouraging to find if any Indian Product has undergone such identity crisis globally.
Hold on. :) This is my friend's view. This is completely unverified. I thought of sharing it even though it is unverified. :)
DeleteI've had frites in Paris. Though atleast one time it was Moules and frites which is considered to be from Belgium.
ReplyDeleteMoules and Frites are Belgium... Remember Mussels from Brussels. ;) We never hear Frites associated with French cuisine.
Deleteit's a bit sad and funny that i'll believe if anyone told me about Americans and their ignorance on many matters. hmmm, first world country for sure, but does that make them intelligent? na..
ReplyDeleteThat is why I say it is a stereotype. :)
DeleteReally nice! Read my blog on aloo bhaja -the Indian (Bengali) version of fries
ReplyDelete:) Thanks. I checked your blog. You should put up some pictures of aloo bhaja.
DeleteDuring the war on Iraq they were renamed Freedom Fries (partly in jest)because the Americans were mad at France for not supporting the war effort.
ReplyDeleteAlso I believe there are three official languages of Belgium: Dutch, French and German.
I was in California during the time when French Fries was renamed as Freedom Fries. :) About the number of languages, I think you are right. Thanks.
DeleteHaha... that's interesting. I'm amused. I wouldn't be totally surprised if it were true.
ReplyDelete:) The origin is true. The American mistake might not be.
DeleteI have read somewhere before that French Fries did not originate in France....Just the name got stuck!
ReplyDeleteYou heard it right. Check wikipedia. :)
Delete:):) if true, it will be another lol!
ReplyDeletePartly true. :)
DeleteAs long as I get to have them, I dont think I care.. :D
ReplyDeletehe he he. Enjoy...
Deletefew men's ignorance can lead to stereotyping of the whole race for eons ! amusing and entertaining trivia :)
ReplyDelete:) Welcome to this space. Glad you like it.
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