Those who have been to Belgium know chips there are just unique. At the Expo, you can smell them as soon as you set foot on the Decumano. The kiosk is just next to the country's pavilion and it sells approximately one ton of chips a day together with 30 kg of ketchup, 30 kg of mayonnaise, 20 kg of Andalusian sauce (mayonnaise, tomato sauce and peppers) and 20 kg of tartar sauce. The success is due to the type of potatoes, the particular cooking technique and the great choice of toppings.
The chips are made with a special variety of potatoes originating from Belgium and northern France called "Bintje". The Belgian climate is perfect for growing them thanks to its nutrient-rich soil and humid climate.
The cooking method is also important - frites (as they are called in Belgium) must be fried using vegetable oil or beef fat "Blanc de bœuf". The temperature of the oil must remain below 175°C.
Click "Play" to watch a video
Belgium is the leading global exporter of frozen chips and the locals like to point out how they were not created in France but rather in Belgium - they are only called french fries for marketing reasons.
At the Expo, a portion of chips costs €4 and is served in cones just like in their country of origin. There is also a side "compartment" for the topping.
Next to the kiosk there is also a James Bint cardboard cutout - the name is a reference to James Bond and the "Bintje" variety - i.e. the official frites mascot at the Expo.