Perhaps you are reading this and thinking, What a silly question! Everyone knows about these famous chips. You will be familiar with ‘chips’ in the UK. Elsewhere, they are known as fries.

On the other hand, I had never heard of Pont Neuf chips until a couple of weeks ago. I was out to dinner with some friends. Our venue was a quintessentially English village pub in the Surrey Hills. While perusing the menu, I was asked by one of my friends what type of chips are called ‘Pont Neuf’, and I had to confess I had no idea.

Time for some research! Pommes Pont Neuf chips are also called Parisian Fried Potatoes, a version of French Fries. They were first sold on the Pont Neuf Bridge in Paris. This is the oldest bridge in the French capital, despite being called the new bridge!

It is believed that around 1789, the doughnut sellers, who plied their wares on the Pont Neuf Bridge, had a culinary brainwave. They took some potatoes, which they cut lengthwise, thus echoing the elongated shape of the bridge. These were deep-fried, and the resulting snack was easy to eat while walking. Myth or legend? I couldn’t say, but there does appear to be a consensus that this was the case.

Continuing my research, I explored some recipes for this type of chip. Then I watched (far too many) video clips and reels showing how to make Pommes Pont Neuf. There is a definite variation in the ingredients. Different types of potatoes and fats, from beef dripping to duck or goose fat to various oils. I have selected two clips as examples.

I think that triple-cooked chips in the UK are the closest to Pommes Pont Neuf.

Wherever you are, have you come across Pommes Pont Neuf, and what were they like?

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