fritkot

A fritkot is a small, usually mobile street stall or kiosk found in Belgium (especially in Flanders and Brussels) and in parts of the Netherlands that sells fried foods, with Belgian fries as its core offering. The term combines frit, from fried, and kot, meaning hut or shed. In the Netherlands similar establishments are more commonly called frituur or patatzaak, while the Belgian Dutch term fritkot is widely understood in the region.

Typical menu items at a fritkot center on fries, served hot with a choice of sauces such as mayonnaise, curry ketchup, and a range of Belgian dips like andalouse or samurai. The offerings often extend to fried snacks such as frikandel, frikandel speciaal, kroket, croquette, kaassoufflé, and sometimes bicky burger or other quick-serve items. Combos and toppings are common, and many stands tailor sauces and snacks to local preferences.

Historically, fritkots emerged as a staple of Belgian street food culture in the 20th century, evolving from mobile fry stalls to enduring urban fixtures. They are typically found on public squares, near nightlife districts, markets, or at festival sites, and may operate as fixed kiosks or itinerant stalls. Open late in many communities, fritkots have become emblematic of casual, inexpensive dining and social eating spaces, though they are subject to local health, safety, and licensing regulations to maintain hygiene standards.

Regional differences exist in terminology and emphasis: in Belgium the term fritkot is common in Dutch-speaking areas, while similar venues may be called frituur or fritiek in other Dutch-speaking regions; in nearby areas the concepts align with the broader category of fast-food fry stands.