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the historic Saaihalle building and tells the story of potatoes and how they became a fried delicacy through displays, historical documents, and cooking equipment spread across three levels.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.
Location: Bruges
Inception: 2008
Official opening: 2008
Address: Vlamingstraat 33
Website: https://frietmuseum.be
GPS coordinates: 51.21109,3.22393
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Flanders in Belgium is a region with a rich history stretching back centuries. Visitors find medieval town centers, old castles, cathedrals, and museums that tell stories of trade, art, and craftsmanship. Cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp display the architecture and culture of earlier times, while smaller towns like Damme and Veurne preserve the character of the past. In Bruges, visitors can walk through narrow streets, relax by the canals, and taste Belgian beer in traditional breweries. Ghent stands out for its Graslei waterfront and the imposing Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Antwerp offers a town hall on the Grand-Place, a respected diamond museum, and the Rubenshuis, the home of painter Peter Paul Rubens. Along the coast, visitors find beach towns like Blankenberge and Knokke-Heist, a nostalgic tram, and nature reserves. Inland, there are war museums in Ieper, chocolate museums in several cities, and specialized collections like the harp museum. Fishermen in Oostduinkerke preserve traditional methods, while parks and nature areas offer space to explore.
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