How French fries got their name

ESL Lessons: True Stories

A printable worksheet for story-based English conversation classes.

Difficulty: Intermediate B1

PDF: How French fries got their name

Warm-up

In your opinion, what restaurant has the best French fries?

Vocabulary Match

soldiers -   - troops
culinary -   - chopped
stuck -   - remained
recognition -   - acceptance
preserve -   - protect
sliced -   - cooking

True Story

Listen and fill in the blanks with words from above.

During World War I, American ________ in Belgium tasted fried potatoes for the first time. The locals had started frying potatoes in the 17th century when the river froze, stopping them from catching fish. They ________ and fried the potatoes like fish. The soldiers called them "French fries" because the locals spoke French. The name ________, even though the fries are actually Belgian.

Today, Belgium takes pride in its fries, often served with mayonnaise from traditional frietkots (mobile stalls). Belgian fries are double-fried, making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are enjoyed not just as a side dish but often as a main meal. Belgium is currently seeking UNESCO ________ to ________ this important part of their ________ heritage.

Quiz

  1. When did American soldiers first taste fried potatoes?
  2. Why did the locals start frying potatoes?
  3. Why did the soldiers call the fried potatoes "French"?
  4. How are Belgian fries different from other fries?

True or False

  1. The Americans in Belgium spoke French.   T  |  F
  2. Belgian fries are usually served with ketchup.   T  |  F
  3. Belgium is seeking UNESCO recognition for their fries.  T  |  F

Conversation

A: Have you tried these fries?
B: Yeah, they're amazing!
A: Why do they call them French fries?
B: Erm.. Because they're from France?
A: But they are Belgian, aren't they?
B: Are they?! Huh. That's weird.

Discussion

  1. What food goes well with ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and mustard?
  2. Do you usually order French fries at a fast food restaurant? If not, what do you get?
  3. Have you ever been to Belgium? Have you eaten Belgian waffles? How about Belgian fries?
  4. What's the best name? French fries, Belgian fries, fried potatoes, fries, or chips?
  5. What other foods do you like from different countries?

True Story Answers

During World War I, American soldiers in Belgium tasted fried potatoes for the first time. The locals had started frying potatoes in the 17th century when the river froze, stopping them from catching fish. They sliced and fried the potatoes like fish. The soldiers called them "French fries" because the locals spoke French. The name stuck, even though the fries are actually Belgian.

Today, Belgium takes pride in its fries, often served with mayonnaise from traditional frietkots (mobile stalls). Belgian fries are double-fried, making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are enjoyed not just as a side dish but often as a main meal. Belgium is currently seeking UNESCO recognition to preserve this important part of their culinary heritage.

Vocabulary Answers

soldiers → troops
sliced → chopped
stuck → remained
recognition → acceptance
preserve → protect
culinary → cooking

Quiz Answers

  1. During World War I.
  2. Because the river froze and they couldn't catch fish.
  3. Because the locals spoke French.
  4. They are double-fried, making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

True or False Answers

  1. False
  2. False
  3. True

Further Reading

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20180730-can-belgium-claim-ownership-of-the-french-fry

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ESL Lessons: True Stories