Frietmuseum, Food museum in Saaihalle, Bruges, Belgium.
The Frietmuseum occupies the historic Saaihalle building and tells the story of potatoes and how they became a fried delicacy through displays, historical documents, and cooking equipment spread across three levels. The exhibition explains traditional cooking methods and shows how preparation techniques have changed over time.
The building dates back to 1399 and originally served as a trading center for Genoese merchants in Bruges. When the museum opened there in 2008, it became the world's first institution dedicated to telling the story of this particular food.
Fries hold a special place in Belgian food culture, and the museum shows how this dish has been prepared and enjoyed by locals for generations. Visitors can see how the preparation is woven into everyday life and what role it plays in the local dining tradition.
The location is easy to find and accessible from the old town center, with step-free entry through the main entrance. Plan for about two hours to explore all three floors at a comfortable pace.
In the basement, visitors can watch skilled cooks prepare fresh potatoes using traditional Belgian methods in real time. This hands-on demonstration reveals the exact steps required to make authentic Belgian fries.
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