The earliest written mention of fried potatoes comes from 1629 in Chile, when a Spanish soldier captured by Mapuche warriors described eating papas fritas. The modern long cut is generally traced to Europe, and the potato reached Spain from the New World colonies before spreading. Paris became associated with the dish in the 19th century, with the modern style emerging around 1855. Belgium claims its own origin: a Bavarian musician, Frédéric Krieger, learned to cook fries in Paris in 1842 and opened a business in Belgium selling Paris-style fried potatoes. The 'French' name is often attributed to the influence of French gastronomy. Some Belgian claims about deep-frying in the 1600s lack documentary support.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.