Hello, I’m Shiro.
Currently, there is a rapid increase in fried potato specialty shops across Japan. The authentic fritz culture originating from Belgium and the Netherlands has landed, creating long lines in major cities like Tokyo and Nagoya. From being a side dish, it has now become a main attraction. I have carefully selected three shops where you can experience this shift.
Asakusa’s “Frites Bruges,” Harajuku’s “DE FRITES STAAN,” and Nagoya’s Osu’s “Sun RAITO.” Each has its own unique character, but all of them are filled with the dedication that only specialty shops can offer. Choose the best one according to the area and purpose of your trip.
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1st Shop: Frites Bruges (Asakusa, Tokyo)
Located in a back alley of Asakusa, “Frites Bruges” is an authentic fritz specialty shop originating from Bruges, Belgium. They use domestically sourced fresh potatoes, prepared in-house, and fry each piece twice using traditional Belgian methods, resulting in thick fries with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Situated in Asakusa, a representative tourist destination in Japan, it is widely known among inbound travelers.
Attraction of the Shop
Using domestically sourced fresh potatoes and adhering to the same frying process as in Belgium, the shop’s greatest feature is its variety of dip sauces. Customers can freely combine from 15 different types, ensuring that each visit offers a new experience. Every Thursday night, they hold an all-you-can-eat course featuring steak and fries (reservation required, 4,900 yen), which is so popular that it fills up within seconds of reservations opening. This depth allows for special nights as well. For inbound travelers, experiencing authentic Belgian fries in Asakusa, a tourist hub, is a unique value.
Shop Information
- Address: 1-14-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
- Business Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30-18:00 / Fri-Sat 11:30-20:00
- Closed: 3rd Wednesday of each month
- Tip for Visiting: The time right after opening at 11:30 tends to have relatively fewer people, making it smoother to get in. If you’re aiming for the steak and fries course on Thursday nights, be ready to pounce on the reservation announcement on their official social media.
Shiro’s Tip
If you’re unsure about which dip to choose, I recommend starting with the combination of homemade mayonnaise and anchovy. The thick, double-fried fries maintain their fluffy texture even when taken out, making them perfect for enjoying while walking around Asakusa.
2nd Shop: DE FRITES STAAN (Harajuku, Tokyo / Kyoto)
“DE FRITES STAAN” is a Dutch-style fritz specialty shop meaning “fried potato stand” in Dutch. It gained popularity in Kawaramachi, Kyoto, and expanded to Harajuku in 2025. The Harajuku store has become a hot topic, often requiring a 3-hour wait due to its ticket system. They carefully select seasonal potatoes and maintain a style that does not compromise on preparation or frying methods, creating a unique experience.
Attraction of the Shop
The main attraction is the authentic fritz flavor that maximizes the natural sweetness of the potatoes. They use direct delivery potatoes from the season’s best sources and have a unique frying method. The sauces, including truffle mayo and gouda cheese, are abundant, making for a fun combination experience unique to specialty shops. As a one-of-a-kind food experience in the fashion and culture hub of Harajuku, it is highly rated by inbound travelers. The Kyoto store often has shorter wait times, making it a smart choice to alternate based on your itinerary.
Shop Information
- Address: 1F Jingumae Building, 4-29-9 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Meiji-Jingu-Mae (Harajuku) Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
- Business Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 13:00-21:00 / Wed, Sat, Sun, Holidays 12:00-21:00 (ticket system)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Tip for Visiting: The Harajuku store uses an iPad system to distribute tickets at the front. The ticket distribution starts about an hour before opening, so it’s efficient to stop by early to secure a ticket and enjoy exploring Harajuku while waiting.
Shiro’s Tip
For your first order, I recommend the regular size with the combination of “truffle mayo + gouda cheese.” Watching the cheese melt with the heat of the fries is visually stunning and delicious. The ticket distribution status is sometimes announced on their official Instagram, so don’t forget to check it.
3rd Shop: Sun RAITO (Osu, Nagoya)
Opened in April 2025 in a corner of Nagoya’s Osu shopping district, “Sun RAITO” is a specialty shop focused on the customization experience of fried potatoes. With 6 shapes of potatoes, 4 types of spices, and 8 sauces, there are 192 possible combinations. It has been featured on Tokai Television’s news program, making it the latest hot spot in Osu.
Attraction of the Shop
The biggest differentiating point is the high level of customization. You can choose from 6 shapes of potatoes: curly, waffle, crinkle, pompin, sidewinder, and beer batter. With 4 types of spices (original, cheese pepper, prinkle, salt) and 8 types of sauces (mentai mayo, BBQ mayo, ketchup mayo, mustard, sour cream, burger creamy sauce, avocado mayo, salt maple), you can design your own “ultimate fries.” There are also sauces using Japanese ingredients, such as “mentai mayo,” adding a new standard to the food walking experience in Osu.
Shop Information
- Address: 1F OSU88 Building, 2-15-25 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Line
- Business Hours: 11:00-19:00 (L.O. 18:50)
- Closed: Thursdays
- Tip for Visiting: Osu shopping district is a mecca for food walking. The best way to enjoy is to take out freshly fried potatoes and walk through the lively shopping district.
Shiro’s Tip
For your first visit, I recommend the combination of “waffle fries x cheese pepper x salt maple.” The salt maple perfectly clings to the grooves of the waffle cut, creating a sweet and salty addictive flavor. Be sure to include it in your Osu exploration route.
Comparison of the 3 Shops
| Shop Name | Area | Style | Number of Sauces | Takeout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frites Bruges | Asakusa, Tokyo | Belgian-style double-fried | 15 types | Yes |
| DE FRITES STAAN | Harajuku, Tokyo / Kyoto | Dutch-style, ticket system | 8-11 types | Yes |
| Sun RAITO | Osu, Nagoya | Customization-focused | 8 types | Yes |
Conclusion
The interesting aspect of Japan’s gourmet scene is how such different experiences can arise from a single dish like fried potatoes. Asakusa’s “Frites Bruges” maintains the traditional Belgian method, Harajuku’s “DE FRITES STAAN” is a trendy shop that recreates authentic Dutch-style fritz in Japan, and Nagoya’s “Sun RAITO” offers a new generation style focused on customization.
When choosing based on your travel route, “Frites Bruges” is best for a visit while sightseeing in Asakusa, “DE FRITES STAAN” fits well in the Harajuku and Omotesando area, and “Sun RAITO” is perfect during your exploration of Nagoya’s Osu. Each shop is sure to update your concept of fried potatoes.
Planning a trip to Tokyo or Nagoya? Check flights & hotels at a great price!
Compare flights on Skyscanner
Book hotels on Trip.com
Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog
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