French fries (potato wedges)
Potato wedges are a dish made by cutting potatoes into large wedge shapes and either deep-frying or baking them. Widely enjoyed around the world, they are particularly common in casual dining, street food, and home cooking. They are often prepared with the skin left on, resulting in a distinct combination of a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. The choice of seasonings and dipping sauces varies by region and culture, and potato wedges are popular as a convenient snack or side dish.
- Taste Rating
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It tasted just as I expected. They're fluffy inside and you eat them with a slightly sweet cheese cream.
- Price
- 150 Philippine Peso
- Meal Date
- 5/5/2025
- Food Travel Log
- Impressions of foods I ate around the world and stories about those experiences.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Fried potatoes (English: potato wedges) are one of the most popular potato dishes worldwide. Among the many variations of fried potatoes, this term refers mainly to large, wedge-cut or thick-cut potato pieces that have been deep-fried. Internationally, they may also be known as "jojo potatoes" or "steak fries."
Particularly popular as street food or casual pub fare throughout North America, Europe, and various parts of Asia, the sauces and seasonings served alongside wedges can vary significantly by region. In the Philippines, including Iloilo, it is common to serve them not only with simple salt but also with sweet cheese cream or spicy mayonnaise-based dips.
History and Development
The history of fried potatoes is long, with thick-cut potatoes gaining popularity around the same time as French fries (thinly cut fried potatoes), which are said to have originated in 18th-century Belgium and France. "Potato wedges," cut into larger pieces, have long remained a staple home-cooked dish in countries like the United States and Australia. Particularly in the U.S., wedge-style fried potatoes became mainstream side dishes and bar snacks after the spread of the frozen food industry following the 1950s.
They are also known as street food in countries such as Fiji, South Korea, and India, with many countries developing their own unique derivatives by combining local spices and dipping sauces. In the Philippines, "cheese potatoes," which are potato wedges dusted with cheese powder while still hot, have become popular in many fast-food chains.
Cooking Methods and Characteristics
Standard potato wedges are made by cutting potatoes lengthwise into wedges, usually with the skin left on, and then deep-frying or baking them in the oven. Leaving the skin on creates a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, fluffy consistency on the inside. Many recipes call for pre-seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika powder, garlic powder, and similar spices before cooking.
Dipping sauces are abundant, ranging from ketchup to cheese cream, garlic mayonnaise, chili sauce, bacon dip, and more, giving potato wedges high versatility and worldwide popularity in terms of eating style.
Nutritional Value and Cultural Significance
Potato wedges are generally high in calories and primarily carbohydrate-based but are notable for allowing intake of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber by eating the skin. Depending on the oil and type of dip used, fat and sodium content may be high, prompting a growing trend toward healthier options like air-frying or oven-baking.
In outdoor eateries like those in the Philippines, potato wedges are commonly served with beer, making them a familiar snack or sociable food. Their ability to be easily shared and their satisfying nature make them an appealing choice for parties and gatherings.
Regional Variations
| Country/Region | Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Potato Wedges, Jojo Potatoes | Heavily spiced with paprika, garlic powder, and other seasonings |
| Australia | Wedges | Usually served with sour cream and sweet chili sauce |
| Philippines | Potato Wedges | Cheese dips and spicy sauces are popular |
| India | Aloo Wedges | Made spicy with masala powder |
Modern Popularity and Influence
Potato wedges have become a staple menu item at global fast-food chains and local restaurants, beloved across different generations and nationalities. Their hand-cut, substantial appearance and natural look align well with recent trends toward "craft food" and "street food." Easy to replicate at home, they are frequently featured on recipe video sites and social media.
Additionally, potato wedges pair well with a wide range of beers and carbonated drinks, and demand is expected to continue—particularly for outdoor or party settings.