As the country that claims it invented french fries, or frites, Belgium is now trying to invent another frying first, a coin-operated dispenser that produces freshly cooked french fries using beef fat.

Even though other countries are already serving fries via vending machines, Belgium is convinced that its offering will be the best because of the gold-standard animal dripping and vegetable oil being used in the cooking process.

While there is no real way to prove whose french fries are the best, there is one group who should be concerned about the competition – local street vendors. Many of whom make a living from the fried snacks, and may not be able to compete with an automated version of their service.

Customers pay €2.50 ($3.35) for a 90-second fry-up of a 135g portion of chips accompanied by fork, salt and ketchup or mayonnaise, with or without harissa.

Via PSFK