Do You Put Mayonnaise on Your Chips?

When I first tried mayo on my chips in Brussels in the early 80s, it was a revelation! Since then, I have become a firm believer in chips and mayo. But do we mean American chips, British chips, or Tex-Mex chips?

American and British Chips

In the United States, American chips are often dipped in sour cream and onion dip or simply enjoyed with a side of ketchup. However, in the UK, French fries, also known as chips, are commonly drizzled with mayonnaise, a habit I learned during my time in Germany. My father was a member of the U.S. Air Force, and we resided there for two years.

Tex-Mex and Tortilla Chips

For Tex-Mex chips, a mild, chunky salsa is a classic pairing. When it comes to tortilla chips, however, the first thing that comes to mind is salsa and guacamole. In fact, if you have a taco salad and top it with ranch dressing, you might say it is similar to putting mayonnaise on chips. However, I prefer to make my own dressings, such as a simple balsamic vinegar.

Personal Taste and Dipping Sauces

While I don’t buy mayonnaise on a regular basis, there are times when I indulge in other dipping sauces. Salad cream, tomato sauce, vegetable and chicken gravy, curry sauce, and tartar sauce are all delightful alternatives. The choice of dipping sauce is all about personal preference, and no one will come to us for putting mayonnaise on chips.

Rare and Elusive Cravings

While mayonnaise and chips is a common combination in the UK, it is a rare and elusive craving for me at best. Occasionally, I get a hankering for chips dipped in mayonnaise, and it is a treat that I enjoy on special occasions.

Diverse Dipping Combinations

Beyond mayonnaise, I also enjoy dipping my chips in vinegar, ketchup, cheese sauce, chili, and brown gravy, though not all at the same time! If you need a cream sauce, you can use almonds or tofu as a substitute.

So, should you try it? Yes, give it a whirl as it can be quite an awesome experience. However, I must admit that the best combination of all time is a hotdog dipped in vanilla ice cream. I once tried it out of curiosity after watching it in Tom and Jerry.

It's important to note that personal taste plays a significant role in the enjoyment of these treats. Whether you're a fan of chips and mayo or enjoy other dipping combinations, it's all about finding what works for you. So, the next time you're enjoying your chips, feel free to experiment with different sauces and see what brings the most joy to your taste buds.