Why are burgers and French fries commonly served together?

Both were invented for convenience, and even the Mongols used ground beef patties to eat on the go. French fries (pommes frittes) came over after WWI. read more

French fries are from France and hamburgers are supposedly from Hamburg, Germany. Both countries are in Europe. Potato is a very popular crop in Europe. Everything is eaten with potatoes. These foods were paired together because potato is a common side order. read more

Like French fries, shakes are easy and inexpensive to make in bulk in a fast food restaurant, but not at home. That said, fast food restaurants serve many more fizzy soft drinks and cups of coffee than they do shakes. read more

The common story is that WWI soldiers returning from Europe had been introduced to french fries in Belgium, and so there was a demand for it. Meanwhile, White Castle was looking for a side dish for their burgers, and fries happened to be a good fit. read more