Although mussels, like other seafood, have always been consumed by humans—documents mention their cultivation as far back as Ancient Rome—the origin of Chips is less certain. The French and Belgians dispute their paternity.
In Belgium, legend says that Chips was born in Namur in the mid-17th century. During an especially harsh winter, the Meuse River froze, and residents were deprived of fish, which they usually ate fried. Instead, they cut potatoes into fish shapes and fried them.
On the French side, one might be tempted to look north for the origin of Chips. However, it seems they come from Paris. More specifically, from the Pont-Neuf, after the 1789 Revolution, sold by street vendors. The first mention of fried potatoes in France dates back to 1794, in a recipe book by a cook named Madame Mérigot. This hypothesis is more likely than the Belgian story.
If today mussels with fries have become one of the favorite dishes of the French, it was necessary for the dish to cross regions. And the guinguettes, these popular dance halls, gave it a good boost.
If people gathered, it was mainly to dance by the ocean. As cooking was not the priority, mussels with fries seemed to be the ideal dish: simple products, easy to cook, and eat with hands... And above all, a delicious dish that everyone enjoys with a glass of wine.
