Let's be real, fries without dipping sauce are like a party without people, a cake without frosting, peanut butter without jelly— it just ain’t right. That being said, your usual sauces get a little boring sometimes, don’t they?

Fear not, fry enthusiasts. We are here to offer you some variety: the most popular french fry dips beyond our borders. Whether you're craving something sour, sweet, spicy, or all of the above, we got you. So go ahead, grab a plate of hot fries, and dive into this sea of dipping sauce deliciousness.

Dip Your Fries Into These 4 Popular Sauces From Around the World

1. Mayonnaise

Mayo is a sandwich staple, but have you ever tried it with french fries? This creamy condiment is a classic for a reason – its mellow flavor helps bring out the salty crunch of fries. Mayo is the go-to fry dip in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands where they call the sauce fritessaus (fries sauce); it's a little sweeter and less fatty than your typical Canadian mayo.

There are loads of other funky variations on mayo, like remoulade from Scandinavia: mayo seasoned with pickles and spices. And let us not forget garlic aioli, a garlic-forward mayo sauce you can find at your local burger restaurant. Or, if you find yourself in Spain or at a Spanish restaurant, enjoy it drizzled over a plate of patatas bravas.

Bottom line? Mayo is your canvas. Customize it with herbs and spices like garlic, chives, or even hot sauce to give your meal an extra kick.

2. Vinegar

Feeling sour? Vinegar is your move. It's a popular dipping sauce for French fries in the UK. Most folks use malt vinegar or white vinegar. What's the difference? Malt vinegar is made from barley and is known for its slightly sweet and tangy flavor; white vinegar is made from grain and has a sharper flavor. Either way, the zing cuts through the wonderful oiliness of fries.

Other types of vinegar like balsamic, tarragon, and red wine can also be used if you're feeling a little more…complex. To make your own vinegar-based dip at home, get your favorite herbs and let them soak in the vinegar, then add a pinch of sugar to give it some sweetness. Drizzle over your fries and dig in.

3. Butter and white sugar

Yeah, you read that right. Strange as it may seem, butter and sugar are often served with fries in Vietnam. Not exactly a sauce, but an intriguing dipping option that we had to add to the list. And, hey, we get it— who doesn't love a little sweet and salty contrast? (Seriously, fries dipped in a milkshake are a game-changer).

Giving this one a try is easy. Just melt some butter in a pan, add sugar and cook for a few minutes until the sugar is melted. If you want to lean into the sweetness, opt for sweet potato fries and this combo could serve as dessert.

4. Mojo

Mojo sounds a bit like a dance move, doesn't it? It's actually a name for a category of sauce from the Canary Islands in Spain– but it'll make your tastebuds jitterbug. A flavorful blend of garlic, olive oil, and various herbs and spices (cumin and paprika) will kick your fries up a notch.

Mojo rojo (red mojo) and mojo verde (green mojo) are the two most popular types, and the main difference between them is the type of pepper used. Sauces similar to mojo are popular in Cuba, the Caribbean, and even the Southern US.

To whip up your own mojo, add garlic, olive oil, red or green pepper, cumin, paprika, and salt to a food processor, then cook them for a few minutes on the pan until the sauce is fragrant. Remove, let cool, and dip away. We recommend making a big batch and pouring some over your fave burger while you're at it.

The world is a saucy place. Next time you order fries from your fave fast food spot, try a new sauce with one of these mixtures and hear your tastebuds sing. Even a staple comfort food like french fries can taste new with a small change in routine. Spicy, sweet, creamy– go on,  take a dip.

Enjoy Fries n' Dip at BFF

Try delicious housemade dips from BFF. We have chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, BFF sauce, BBQ sauce, and veggie gravy to elevate your fries. We're not your typical burger n’ fries joint: Our food helps to remove barriers and unite people from different backgrounds over memorable and nostalgic flavors. With quality ingredients and creative combos, we aim to be your BFF. Stop by one of our locations in Ottawa or Toronto. 

Order takeout or delivery directly through our website, and tag us in pics of your fave BFF foods @burgersnfriesforever.