Despite the name, French fries might actually be Belgian. According to one story, villagers in Belgium began frying potatoes in the 17th century when rivers froze and they couldn’t fry fish. Thus, the first “fries” were born.

So why the name “French fries”? During World War I, American soldiers in French-speaking parts of Belgium tried the dish and brought it home—calling them “French” fries by mistake.

Of course, the French claim credit too, saying fried potatoes were sold on Paris’s Pont Neuf bridge in the 18th century.

Who’s right? The debate continues. But wherever they came from, fries have clearly taken over the world—one crispy bite at a time.