Belgian Fries, German Street Food, and Portuguese Soul

“The concept is German street food with a modern interpretation and a Portuguese influence, because we source everything locally”, Jan Winters, the restaurant’s founder, told The Portugal News. “Our signature item is the famous “Currywurst” – sausage and a homemade curry ketchup sauce that’s more flavourous than standard ketchup, it’s slightly spicier, fruity, and sweet. We even add a splash of Port wine, so it really becomes a fusion.”

True to its name, the French Fries Factory includes a self-built “production line” for its fries, engineered by Jan’s cousin, who was just 18 years old when he built it. “It’s a little piece of German engineering”, he went on to describe with a smile. “When kids come in, we often show them how it works, and they love it! When locals walk into our restaurant, enjoy the food, and say “Muito Bom” at the end, that’s the biggest compliment we can get.”

Jan first visited Porto in 2017 at the suggestion of a friend, but immediately fell in love with the city’s energy and flourishing development. “When I left Germany, I travelled a lot, and after 2022, I found myself back in Porto. I still loved it as much. Eventually, I decided to settle here permanently”, he shared.

“Porto reminds me of Cologne, where I’m from originally, because the people are friendly and open-minded. It’s a big city, but it feels like a large village. If you’ve lived here a while, you start running into people you know on the street”, Jan added. “It’s a perfect mix of international and familiar.”

He also pointed to the architecture and how it’s been redeveloped to bring life to the city while maintaining its heritage. “In Porto, when buildings are renovated, they retain their historic character, and I really admire that. To me, old buildings mean sustainability and healthy growth”, Jan elaborated on what drew him to the city, “I feel like that kind of mindset is still alive here, more so than in many other places”.

A concept born in Porto

The idea for the French Fries Factory was born in 2017 on his first visit to Porto, where he remarked to his friend that “it’s an amazing city, but the only thing missing is a good place to fight your hangover, besides McDonald’s”.

The restaurant officially opened in September 2023, serving their staple potato chips alongside traditional German sausages, providing locals and visitors a taste of both something new and familiar. “It’s a cultural fusion – a bit of Germany here in Portugal”, Jan explained. “Many Portuguese people have lived in Germany or visited, so we’re offering something that feels close, but with a local twist.”

“I buy all the ingredients in the Porto region”, he stated. “I walk on foot to the Bolhão Market to get 20kgs of potatoes, and “Um saco de batatas, por favor”, was one of the first Portuguese sentences I had to learn.”

This concept is focused on authenticity, freshness, and quality. “We wanted to bring something new to Porto – Belgian-style potato chips, double fried, fresh-cut, and super crispy”, Jan continued. “Nothing is over frozen, and that’s a core principle for us.”

From Currywurst to Kölsch

The French Fries Factory also offers a curated selection of beers, originating from both Portugal and Germany. “Super Bock is the local hero and pairs perfectly with our food, but we also have German beers, such as one from Cologne and the south of Germany. It wasn’t easy to import them, but we managed, and they really complete the experience.”

“In the beginning, we started with the basics, which were the thick-cut Belgian fries. Then came sweet potato fries, curly fries, more sausages, and even the German-style hot dog was an evolution”, he recounted. “We now have a patchwork system where customers can create their own combos: pick your sausage, pick your fires, pick your sauces.”

The restaurant itself has 35 seats, with 20 being indoors and the rest on a cozy terrace. “We want to offer an experience. When guests close their eyes, they should feel like they’ve travelled to Germany for a moment, but still with a Portuguese soul”, Jan romanticised.

While the business sticks to a down-to-earth concept, there’s still room for a modern touch, which sets it apart from other establishments in the country. “We even accept Bitcoin”, he noted. “It’s not used often, but when it is, it always leads to interesting conversations.”

Above all, the French Fries Factory is a heartfelt project, and a family one. “We did not expect how extremely hard work the restaurant business is, and without the support of my mother, none of this would have been possible”, Jan acknowledged. “She’s been there from day one, and she’s a big part of this place.”

“Come and enjoy your short trip to Germany”, he concluded. For more information on the French Fries Factory and their menu, please visit https://www.instagram.com/french_fries_factory_porto

A journalist that’s always eager to learn about new things. With a passion for travel, adventure and writing about this diverse world of ours.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” -  Socrates

Kate Sreenarong