National French Fry Day is July 13th! This is a perfect excuse to learn about the history of this beloved side dish.

Although the common assumption is that french fries are from France, many historians believe they actually originate from Belgium. 17th century villagers enjoyed frying fish as a snack. However, they had a difficult time catching fish in the winter when rivers would freeze. As an alternative, they tried slicing up potatoes and frying them the same way they would for fish.  Just like that, the french fries were born!

But why are they called french fries? Apparently during World War I, American soldiers stationed in Belgium tried fries for the first time, and loved them! Since the official language of the Belgian army was French, the soldiers called them french fries, and the name stuck. The more ya know!

To celebrate this unofficial holiday, we suggest visiting one of the many South Jersey restaurants known for their fries. Here are a list of suggestions.

  • 1

    Curly's Fries

    • 2701 & 3501 Boardwalk Wildwood, New Jersey, NJ 08260
    • 3573 & 944 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
  • 2

    Jilly's French Fry Company

    • 1034 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
  • 3

    Chickie's & Petes

    • 6055 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
    • 908 & 1142 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
    • 183 US-130, Bordentown, NJ 08505
  • 4

    Tater's Famous Fresh Cut French Fries

    • 652 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
  • 5

    Sack O'Subs

    • 784 White Horse Pike, Absecon, NJ 08201
    • 5217 Ventnor Ave, Ventnor City, NJ 08406
    • 926 Asbury Ave & 55th & Central Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
    • 6041 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
  • 6

    Kuppers French Fries

    • 200 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

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