The Frying Dutchmen

On my way to my favorite japanese place during lunch time, a bright red and yellow truck caught my eye. Distracting me with its smell of burgers and Belgian fries, i was delighted and quickly I pranced to the front of the line.
I called for a grilled chicken sandwich and make it a combo!
TWELVE BUCKS??? Say whaaaa?!?
Dry chicken + avg fries + wet bun = HELL NAW!
Rather spend my dough on some McD’s.

The Truck: 5 stars
— bright orange and yellow truck with a fry cone on top! easy to spot!
— super convenient location right next to NYU library to prey on starving students
Fried Falafel Burger $ 6: 4 stars
— satisfying hunger food that made me food coma afterwards
— crispy fried falafel (garbanzo beans)
— the spicy sauce gave each bite an extra kick
— not a fan of the generic smushed sesame bun
Grilled Chicken Burger $ 7: 3 stars
— soggy sesame bun that was falling apart
— tasty grilled chicken that wasn’t dry or overcooked
— lettuce and tomatoes with a delicious sweet sauce
***TIP: Go for the fried stuff! As my friend said, «It’s called The FRYING Dutchmen, not The Grilling Dutchmen.»
For next time: Truffle Burger and their fries with crazy cool dipping sauces such as «crack butter, Locked N Loaded, Yoshi»

As the name would suggest, The Frying Dutchman tries to differentiate itself from all the other food trucks by being witty and having tongue-​in-​cheek references galore. With slogans such as «Get rich or die frying» and having items with names like «crack butter» (a butter and garlic dipping sauce for your pommes frites), these truck easily stands out from the hordes that litter the city (is anyone else sick of the Mexican-​Korean fusion trucks? How many times can someone make a Kimchi taco truck?). The silly look of the truck outside matches the hospitable and down to earth staff that work to take your order, diligently making sure that you not only are waiting for your food as little as possible, but also making it a point to converse with all of their customers and learning a little more about them. As they are located outside of Gould Plaza, they realize the majority of their clientele are NYU kids, and always sound fascinated when you tell them where you are from, what you are studying, etc.
With respect to the food itself, it is primarily composed of burgers and Belgian fries (pommes frites), with a few random items thrown in there. They always have fantastic daily specials, like the Philly Cheeseburger, with Provolone, peppers, these amazing caramelized onions, and a burger patty the size of a softball. Although you really can’t go wrong with anything you order, always be sure to make sure you have those ridiculous onions on your burger-​tiny, coarsely chopped, and caramelized to the point where they are super tender with just a bit of crunch that adds so much texture to the already delicious food. The Frying Dutchman plays a lot with textures in their different burgers: the first time I came here I ordered the Buffalo Burger (really only because it had bleu cheese on it, and you have probably figured out by reading my other pieces that I am a sucker for melted bleu cheese), which came with bleu cheese, caramelized onions, and potato chips stacked on top. As your teeth permeate the different layers of the burger, they cut across the fluffy bun, then work a little harder as they bite down into the chips, and are home free as they go to the slightly crunchy onions and make their way through the tender patty through the other bun. A textural overload like no other. Now, for their fries: they give you the option of doing regular, sweet potato, or a combination of the two. Get the combo. While the regular fries are nothing special, eating an entire order of sweet potato fries will probably make you feel miserable and grossed-​out later, so cutting through that strong flavor with the regular fries is extremely strategic. Since the fries come with dipping sauces, it is important to sample the myriad of different ones and see which one works best for you. Perhaps it is the creamy pesto aioli, with its heavy notes of basil, garlic, and pine nuts, or maybe their signature Crack Butter, that is really an emulsion of clarified butter and garlic. Not for the faint of heart, or those that aspire to live past 50.
The only real drawback aside from mediocre regular fries is the price range. It ends up being around $ 10-​$ 15 usually for a burger, fries, and a drink. While most people are convinced that the quality of the food justifies the price tag, having to pull out a $ 20 bill from your pocket (they don’t accept credit cards) and use it to fuel your munchies instead of something more productive is a bit disheartening. Nonetheless, definitely give these guys a try the next time they are outside.

I’ve been to Amsterdam. And Belgium. And I know good frites when I have them.
While not bad, the fries were just Ehhhhhh… forgettable. A bit too soggy actually, even tho it was made to order. Had the Pesto Mayo dip which was great but didn’t knock my socks off. 5 bucks for a wimpy frites cone («regular») and 1 free dipping sauce. I might go back to try their sweet potato fries, but wouldn’t really count on craving their fries anytime soon.

I was really craving fries the other day, and when I found out the Frying Dutchmen were just down the street, I had to try it. I had a half-​and-​half of the regular and sweet potato, both of which tasted reasonably good to me, but I tend to like my fries on the «not too crispy» side, so take that for what it’s worth. I didn’t try any of the sauces, so I can’t speak to those, although some of them sounded interesting.
One thing that did frustrate me a little is that their website is a bit out-​of-​date, which seems strange for a food truck that needs to maintain a web-​presence. The prices were all about $ 0.50 higher than listed, and their «homemade» mayonnaise was a packet of Hellmann’s. The wait was also surprisingly long, considering they only have a few items on their menu, but it was nice to know that they were fresh out of the fryer.
Overall, I’d pick Pommes Frites over this any time, but it was really nice to have some fries close enough to work for a lunch break.

Eh I ordered some sweet potato fries from them… Was not impressed. I wanted so much more from these! I love sweet potato fries and these were just disappointing. The fries were old, soggy, soft and just overall not good. It might have been a bad batch so we shall see. If I see them I might give them another chance but till then… I’m sticking to my guns.

Disaster at the Parked South St Seaport truck festival.
No system for ordering. They were writing orders on greasy paper bags, with no numbering, so who went first was a mystery. 4 — 5 guys in a truck with no command of who was in charge, or who was doing what. They grinned at all of us like they were cute and we were silly to want food we ordered 30 minutes ago. They had Oops! I guess we’re busy! Whoa! What happened, dude? expressions.
Someone yelled at them that they needed a woman to take charge of the line cooking in there. That made people laugh. To their credit, their order guy agreed.
Finally got the fries and it was the wrong order, tasted bad and I didn’t get the sauce I paid for. Sorry guys, I probably won’t be back. Too many trucks have good eats and a precision you haven’t mastered before going live in the streets of NYC. Best of luck. They might be OK if there is no line at all, and they had 20 minutes of total devotion to one batch.

I tried this truck when I went to the Food Truck Festival at South Street Seaport this weekend, I had the Belgian fries with the BBQ dipping sauce and the ying yang dipping sauce (not on the regular menu). The fries are ok, nothing special, but the dipping sauces are quite creative and tasty. I like the ying yang much better than the BBQ though. One thing to note before you stand in the lonnnng line is that they only have a couple sauces available each day and sadly, none of the sauces I really wanted to try were available.
Also if you check into them on FourSquare there is a newbie special that will give you a free size upgrade and a free dipping sauce.

One of the best food trucks I’ve had and surprising for everything but what their name may suggest, the fries.
On the day I tried the truck, they had a fried chicken special. Small buffalo wing sized, very lightly battered, crispy, and with a nice kick of pepper, the wings are to die for. I do not know how frequently they have their wings, but I would try hit them up when do this special.
Stick to the regular fries as their sweet potato fries turned out soggy. The fries are pretty good, but the sauces are what bring them to the next level. While Pomme Frites’ sauce menu may be more expansive, Frying Dutchman’s sauces are inventive and addictive. I enjoyed too many remember which to suggest, though I do remember the guacahummus being a very smart idea.

Grabbed an after lunch snack from this truck on the way back to my office today. Picked up the Belgian style fries regular size for $ 4.50 and two sauces for $ 1 each — the Guacahummus and the Roasted Poblano BBQ.
The overall satisfaction level was kinda MEH.
I don’t know. Maybe I caught them on a bad afternoon, but I did not have the crispy crunchy flavor experience that others have noted in reviews. My batch was a bit inconsistent. Some browned and nicely crunchy, and others soggy and soft. The sauces were ok, but nothing to jump in the air about. I did like the Poblano BBQ sauce though. I love any type of BBQ sauce!
Overall, $ 6.50 for some «just ok» fries and sauces is a tad pricey from a truck. Cross this one off my list.

I don’t know what standards these reviewers are expecting for something out of a truck but the fries tasted just fine to me. I had a very different experience with crew behind the Frying Dutchmen.
I stopped by this truck after they ran out of everything yummy (chicken tenders, regular fries, sauces) so they were having a leftover sweet potato fry giveaway. Free food? Why not.
I knew that they prepared and cooked the fries as I (plus a few others) stood in line for our «fry prize». Everything smelled fresh and delicious. They had some sample of the truffle mayo sauce and although the flavor was light and a little soupy — it was definitely different. It peeked my interest in terms of trying out future items. The vendor informed me that their sauce recipes were developed by a contestant from Top Chef (cute!).
Once I tried the sweet potato fries — I fell in love. I was hungry for more and made them swear to tweet me back when they hit the Houston Street area.
I can’t wait to try their half /​half combo w. chicken tenders. They found a friend in me and I am as picky and food snobby as they come.

I think some of these reviews are a little harsh. Yes, the fries are soft and not crispy but I think that’s just a matter of preference. They are not the best fries I have ever had but they are no were near the worst. I found them enjoyable and would go back.
I also think the chicken wing or tender combo is a great deal. You get chicken wings/​tenders, medium fry, dipping sauce and drink for 10 bucks.

I was lucky enough to catch the truck in Union Square, overheard the guys in the truck saying they’re only staying for an hour or so. J and I wanted the half-​and-​half which consist of Belgian Fries and Sweet Potato Fries, but they were out of Sweet Potato (I thought ya’ll just opened up the truck).
They have over 15 sauces on their menu but only had 4 – 5 sauces available which was a bummer. Ended up getting the Vampire Repellent (Roasted Garlic & Nutmeg Aioli) and Dave’s Poblano BBQ Sauce. The wait took about 5 – 7 minutes which wasn’t bad since we were waiting for a fresh batch.
The fries were quite inconsistent, some were soft, others were crunchy, the colors are inconsistent throughout the entire batch either. I mean, it’s great if you want fries that are a level above fast food chains. The only thing that will keep me coming back will probably be their sauces although I do prefer Pomme Frites in the East Village better.

I’m really loving this whole food truck craze! And the Frying Dutchmen is at the top of my list!
Their sauces are creative and delicious! I would never think to combine roasted garlic and nutmeg aioli, but they taste great together!
I’m a big fan of their sweet potato, but half-​and-​half gives you the best of both those worlds.
If you see them around I would give it a try! Can’t go wrong at anytime with some french fries.

When I first heard of the premise for this truck, I was ecstatic. Belgian fries from a truck! Awesome — I don’t have to t go all the way to Pommes Frites in the East Village to satisfy my craving.
I caught them parked in front of Union Square on a Sunday, and waited patiently in line. There were only 2 people in front of me, and it took 15 mins…
I ordered a Half-​n-​Half (belgian and sweet potato fries) with vampire repellent (because they ran out of mayo). A small is $ 4.50 (+ tax!!) and sauces are extra (mayo + ketcup is free).
The fries were soft and soggy… the sauce was mediocre at best. They were the saddest fries I had ever consumed. Belgian fries should be fried 2x, that is what gives them the crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. These were only fried once and had been sitting there for who knows how long (despite the fact we were all standing there for 15+ mins).
I’m a lover of all food trucks, but the new wave of food trucks have been really disappointing and has turned into a gimmick.

I really enjoyed the belgian fries and sweet n spicy sauce i got from this truck. If you like pommes frites then you’ll definitely like the fries here, they are very similar, and the prices are basically the same. I love that they cook the fries when you order. It does take a little while but is obviously well worth it. The only downfall is the limited number of sauces. They have a board with 18 sauces, but they rotate daily so you may not be able to get your favorite every time you go. I’d give this and pommes frites 5 stars if it weren’t for the prices, $ 6 for fries and sauce is a little expensive, but a nice treat every once in a while.

So my co-​worker and I decided to go the Frying Dutchman truck urged by the lines of people and even a thumbs up from another co-​worker, which was all we needed to head over to the food truck whose only product is Belgian style french fries in prices ranging from $ 6 (w/​tax and sauce) to… I don’t even remember b/​c I usually refuse to pay more than $ 3 bucks for fries only.
Now I know why people stick to the rules.
I asked myself as I scurried across the street, «Are there really fries that are worth $ 6?» The answer is NO because:
1) I waited as long for small fries as I have a for a burger, fries and Coke all made to order. 2) Only half the menu sauces were available. 3) The fries pretty much tasted like the $ 1 fries at Wendy’s. Simply put, it’s not worth it.
While my co-​worker and walked away knowing we had been gypped, sucked in by the pretty red and yellow truck, catchy slogan and name, I overheard a few people comment on how the sauces that were not available were very good and made the price worth it. Unfortunately, I will never know and do not plan to find out.
If you want to know what the fries from The Flying Dutchman taste like, just stick your $ 1 Wendy’s fries into a cup of mayo, vinegar, or ketchup and remember, I just saved you $ 5 bucks.

Being a french fry connoisseur (that’s right, I had to spell check connoisseur), I had high hopes for this food truck. I read an article in (the highly respected) NY Daily News for the best french fries in NYC. The Frying Dutchmen was a recommended pick (which really doesn’t make any sense if they’ve only been in business for about 2 weeks). Consider my surprise when I saw the truck near my job (Water Street & John Street).
I had the Half-​n-​Half (belgian & sweet potato fries) with 2 dipping sauces (truffle shuffle and sweet n’ spicy). The french fries seemed too thick cut, soggy, and the belgian were better than the sweet potato. I preferred the sweet n’ spicy over the truffle shuffle, but they were just ok. I think my expectations were set too high.

I had this last week on a whim with my friend, we couldn’t decide on what to actually go eat and what better to snack on then fries? There were several other trucks (Including big gay ice cream which we had earlier).
There was a good amount of people on line waiting, which is understandable because it looked as if one guy was doing all the work, frying, prepping the fries, etc.
There was a foursquare deal available on first check in, which was an upgrade from whatever size you get + a free sauce I believe, so that was a pretty good deal.
My friend & I went with half & half (Sweet potatoe & regular fries) with one of the spicy sauces (I really can’t remember they had an extensive list of sauces)
First impression wise, the regular fries were just alright. Even though it was just cooked (I think) they were kinda limp with no crunch (I prefer cruncy fries. while others like just regular ones). Flavor-​wise, it was just like any other fry & it didnt have any particular awesome taste that I could see. The sweet potatoe fries had a bit more of a crunch to them, and were tasty.
The sauce, which was $ 1 or maybe $ 1.50, honestly was too little especially if you ordered the larger ones. How can one eat a whole large bag of fries with a small little shot cup of sauce.
Overall, the fries were not too impressive, I’ve had better for cheaper (Our total came out to around $ 8)

Apparently, this was their first week out with the truck… so the credit card machine being down is understandable, so are the sweet potato fries being unavailable (as we ordered them late in the afternoon). As for the smell of weed? We were in Union Square, so it could’ve been anybody!
I really wish they could have a slightly bigger container for the sauces though.