Belgians Are so Serious About Fries and Mayo, They Want UNESCO Recognition
Belgium is on a mission to be featured on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list for their beloved fries and mayonnaise combo. Since Belgian mayonnaise producer, Natura, ignited a petition for the dish to be added, it has since reached 600 signatures.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list is currently comprised of 470 items that span the spectrum of traditional practices. Although Belgium is already recognized on the list for "shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke" among other things, the country is adamant that their fries and mayo, typically served in a cone, are a vital aspect of cultural heritage in the region.
One petition signer, Fred Kot, commented "fry without mayo is like a couple without cuddling." Another, Nath Tura, was more aggressive, ordering "do not send fries without mayo to UNESCO!"
If you want to see what the hype is all about, you can buy yourself a cone of the delicacy almost anywhere in Belgium. The stands they're sold in are so common that they'd be difficult to miss. And hey, if you like it enough, feel free to sign the petition yourself!
