Hand cut fries and machine cut fries both have their place in the food world. Which tastes better to you is often a matter of preference, but when you’re looking for places to eat near Wembley Park, a photo of hand cut chips is more likely to make your mouth water simply because they have a more authentic look and flavour. Let’s compare and contrast both types of chip to highlight the main differences.
Taste and Texture
There’s something wonderfully comforting about homemade fries. They tend to be chunkier than machine cut alternatives and are often irregular in shape which adds to their authentic appeal. They can be made with a variety of potatoes to provide different textures, and many chefs keep the potato skins on to add crunch and flavour.
In contrast, machine cut fries tend to be evenly cut and have a very uniform look. This is ideal for fast food establishments and cook-at-home chips, but holds less appeal in a restaurant serving more elevated food. Machine cut fries tend to be narrower which can, in turn, make them crispier. That said, thinner chips tend to absorb more oil than thicker chips and are often slightly greasier as a result. Hand cut chips tend to be less oily but can be cooked to ensure they retain that crispy exterior while being deliciously soft inside.
Cooking Process
Machine cut chips are often designed to make cooking a breeze. They’re prepared, bagged up and are suitable for freezing. When ready to eat, they’re simply popped into the oven and ready to go. With hand cut fries, the chef often has much more control over the cooking process. They take more time to prepare, but the chef can choose what oil to cook them in and for how long, which influences the flavour and texture.
Many restaurants opt for a range of oils to give each chip a unique flavour profile. Chefs can even add ingredients such as chilli flakes, parmesan, truffle oils and more to elevate their fries. This makes each dish even more exciting. Finally, it’s worth considering that organic, hand cut fries don’t come with additives such as sugar, starches and salt, making them a less processed alternative.
Appearance
Many chefs will argue that presentation is just as important as flavour. While machine cut chips look pretty basic as they’re all the same size and shape, hand cut chips look appetising thanks to their colour, texture and shape. Hand cut chips are often served with homemade relishes too and appropriately garnished.
If you want that homemade authenticity, look for places to eat in Wembley that serve hand cut fries. At Studio Five we pride ourselves on the crispy, flavourful nature of our hand cut chips, which is why we’re one of the top places to eat in Wembley Park. You can experience our fries on match days at Wembley Stadium with our beer and burger deal. We’re offering a pint of beer and a Double Smash Burger with hand cut fries for just £20 (includes VAT and service charge).* Still got an appetite? Add on a chocolate brownie fudge sundae for just £6.
*Deal available only on match days at Wembley – includes men’s and women’s football and American football.
