Crave
Lebanon’s Unsung Hero: The French Fries Sandwich
You may be surprised to know that the French fries sandwich hasn’t really caught on in North America.
As a foreigner in Lebanon, this country never ceases to surprise me with its wide-range of culinary offerings. Occasionally, though, I do indulge in complaints about things that I wish existed here. Since I am Canadian, I often dream about authentic poutine (a Canadian dish consisting of fries, gravy, and melted cheese). Everyone told me that there is something just as good that’s missing in Canada: the French fries sandwich. So I tried one today for the very first time.
Stuffed until overflowing with mayonnaise-laden coleslaw, ketchup, pickles and obviously, crispy French fries, this sandwich made me forget that poutine ever existed. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food.
I also learned that a version of it exists in the United Kingdom—dubbed the “chip butty” sandwich. My British friends claim that the Lebanese version is better. But in Canada or the United States, if you request a French fries sandwich, people will think you fell and bumped your head somewhere. The restaurant will probably just give you a sandwich without meat and a side of fries for you to insert into the sandwich yourself. There is absolutely nothing as delicious as this simple and satisfying meal. And remember: it’s vegetarian. So that must mean it is healthy, right?
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