Dutch Fries

A True Treat made with Delicious Dutch Potatoes

In a country where potatoes are an essential part of the Dutch diet, it is not surprising that this ingredient is used in many ways. Dishes like stamppot and the typical three pilar dish (Potato, vegetable and meat) require potatoes. It is not surprising that also fried potato is served in large quantities in the Netherlands, a proper look at Dutch Fries.

For those who have visited the van Gogh Museum, you may remember a famous painting called ‘De Aardappelters’ literally translated the Potato-eaters.

Dutch fried fries, or “patat” as they’re lovingly called, have a history that dates back to the late 17th century. It is believed that French fries were introduced to the Dutch by French-speaking Belgian immigrants. Over time, these deep-fried potato sticks became an essential part of Dutch cuisine.

The Perfect Patat

What sets Dutch fried fries apart is the preparation method. Potatoes are cut into thick, irregularly shaped sticks, leaving the skin on for that extra rustic touch. These golden beauties are then double-fried to perfection. The first fry, typically at a lower temperature, cooks the potato through. The second fry, at a higher temperature, gives them that crispy exterior.

The Toppings

What truly distinguishes Dutch fries culture is the array of mouthwatering toppings. While ketchup and mayo are always available, the Dutch take their patat to the next level with a variety of sauces and condiments. Some popular choices include:

Mayonnaise (Mayo): This creamy, rich mayo is the classic Dutch dip.
Pindasaus: A peanut sauce that adds a unique, slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the fries.
Oorlog: A combination of mayo, peanut sauce, and chopped onions, creating a flavorful and satisfying combination.
Speciaal: Spiced ketchup, mayo, and a generous sprinkle of finely chopped raw onions.
Joppiesaus: A tangy, slightly sweet sauce with a hint of curry, making it a beloved choice.
Kapsalon: Not a topping but a dish in its own right, it features fries topped with doner kebab, melted cheese, and a mix of sauces, creating a satisfying meal in a tray.

Patatje met

Less traditional but available in many restaurants as a side dish are fries made with sweet potato which are said to be less unhealthy, but with moderation everybody deserves a real deal every once in a while. Despite the countless number of sauces and herbs that can be added to the fries, the Dutch prefer their patatje met just ordering this means a portion of fries with mayonnaise, literally this translates into ‘Fries with’ however nobody will ask with what, mayonnaise is the default.

The Patatkraam (Fries Stand)

You’ll find patatkramen, or fries stands, scattered throughout Dutch towns and cities. These small, charming stalls serve up piping hot fries with an assortment of toppings. Some of the best patat is found at these unassuming, street-side vendors. The patat is usally eaten outside and on the go.

Where to eat the best fries in Amsterdam?

There are hundreds of street vendors and stands selling freshy cut fries. Are they really worth it or simply a hype? This calls for a direct comparison between some of the most famous patat in Amsterdam.

The fries at home are sliced in thick pieces out of the potatoes and keep their skin for this rustic look. The preference is a triple cooked style which guarantees a result that is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside with a caramelized golden brown finish.

Fabel Friet

Not that many people will know directly which place is meant with Fabel Friet. Once that it is mentioned that this is the place where tourists have to wait in line to get their fries, then this might ring a bell. The big question would be if this is a hero or hype, the many Instagram pictures of fries with parmesan cheese do suggest the latter. If you are lucky there will be just 5-10 waiting in front of you which is really not too bad. It is a bit surprising that the line goes inside, you order and have to wait outside for your name to be called. This is not something you would expect at Starbucks where your coffee is ready within a minute but for fries this feels a bit weird.

The fries look amazing, they have a nice looking crust and a great color sprinkled with salt and a good amount of mayonnaise. However the fries are not for the picture but to be eaten so here goes the taste test.

Triple Fail

With high expectations the first golden piece of fried potato is tried with a little dip of mayo. Lets see if years of service beats Tiktok fame. The first bit already tells it all, looking for this crunchy bite with creamy mayo the mind is opened for a big surprise. Regretfully the first and lasting sensation is a huge disappointment and it comes to a triple fail.

The fries are not crispy
The fries are too salty
The mayonnaise is not creamy

The fries are nicely soft on the inside, but they are way too soft on the outside, the mayonnaise is very liquid and quickly drips from top to bottom.

Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is a famous spot at Damrak, the street that leads from Amsterdam Central Station towards the city center. At any day of the year you will see a decent queue with hungry people waiting for their fries. However Manneken Pis is efficient and you won’t have to wait long before you can order and since fries are made non-stop in large quantities you will get them right away after ordering. One can tell that this is a street vendor with experience, Manneken Pis has been operating since 1991 and sold tons of fried potatoes.

A small portion of Patat met is being ordered and a few seconds later a hot portion of fries is served in a paper cone with a drip of mayonnaise.

Judging by the looks you can tell that the fries look chunky, they have a beautiful color and the mayonnaise looks firm and creamy. The fries don’t have that popular rustic look as they are more on the yellow side, this has to do with the peeling process. Yet again the fries are not for Instagram and it is time to be guided by the taste of the fries.

Happiness

Putting the fries to the taste the first response is positive, biting in these fries comes with the sound of a good crunch. The mayonnaise is creamy and is a true umami sensation, the fries have a nice salty touch and deliver the full patat experience.

A direct comparison

Taken into consideration that the Dutch truly love a rustic patat met, with a cruncy potato and creamy mayonnaise. The fries from Fabel Friet look truly amazing and do represent the Dutch style. The fries from MAnneken Pis represent a belgian tradition converted to Dutch perfection with a clean peeled look. However judging on the fries, the taste and their crunch Fabel Friet truly doesn’t do the trick, it doesn’t offer what the Dutch would expect. It is without a doubt a tasteful and beautiful piece of home grown potato, but being strict there is no crunch at all. Admitting that Fabel Friet does mention that their specialty is fries with Parmesan cheese and truffle mayonnaise one could suggest that having fries with mayonnaise was not the best choice here. Yet the essence of good fries are simplicity and do not require a lot of toppings.

The fries from Manneken Pis may not have the most amazing looks, yet the chunky size makes up for the lack of rustic color and if you want to add an additional spice Manneken Pis offers free herbs to add to your fries.

A comparison where on the left side the fries from Fabel Friet are shown and on the right the fries from Manneken Pis one can tell that the fries from Manneken Pis have an almost separated crispy outside whereas the freis from Fabel Friet show little distinction between the inside and the outside.