"Parting Before the Fries Cool": Why Are Strangers Gathering Just to Eat French Fries Together?

A New Way to Connect: MZ Generation Meets Up Just for French Fries
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The so-called "French Fries Gathering," where people meet solely to eat French fries together, is rapidly spreading among Millennials & Gen Z, particularly through secondhand trading and local community platforms. These simple meetups, where participants order and share multiple servings of French fries without hamburgers or other menu items, are establishing themselves as a new type of small-group culture.

The so-called "Gam-Twi Gathering," where people eat only French fries together, is rapidly spreading among Millennials and Gen Z. Pixabay

Recently, posts recruiting for "French Fries Gatherings" have been appearing across the country on the "Neighborhood Life" board of the local community platform Danggeun. Posts that began with a brief phrase such as "Looking for people to eat French fries together" have grown in scale as more people commented. These gatherings are characterized by being formed solely around a shared interest in French fries, without the need for self-introductions or the goal of building friendships.

The format of these gatherings is also simple. Participants meet at a local fast-food restaurant at a set time, order French fries, enjoy conversation while eating, and then naturally disperse. Unlike traditional clubs or hobby groups, these are one-time meetings that do not assume ongoing relationships.

The restaurant franchise industry is responding quickly to this trend. Lotteria and McDonald's have recently mentioned French Fries Gatherings in their official social media posts, joining the online buzz with slogans centered around French fries.

Lotteria will hold a "Free Sauce Corkage" event at its Hongdae and Sillim stores from 2 PM to 10 PM on the 2nd of next month, allowing customers to freely take the sauces they want. Lotteria Instagram

Lotteria has also organized an offline event. On the 2nd of next month, at its Hongdae and Sillim locations in Seoul, customers will be able to freely use their choice of sauces during the afternoon hours. Those who share their French fries experience on social media will also receive a mobile gift coupon on a first-come, first-served basis. Among consumers, reactions have included comments such as "I want to try different sauce combinations" and "This is the perfect environment for French fries."

The French Fries Gathering is gradually evolving into a culture with added elements of play. Posts comparing the thickness, texture, and saltiness of fries from different franchises, or ranking them by preference, are being shared. Debates have also arisen over whether "freshly fried crispy fries" or "softened fries after some time" are better. Criteria for choosing gathering locations have emerged, such as "Brand A if you like Cajun style" or "Brand B if you prefer seasoned fries." Beyond simple consumption, participants are sharing their own "secret tips," such as dipping fries in ice cream or shakes, the best timing for adding salt, and the ideal combinations of sauces and drinks.

The background to this trend is attributed to the low cost and low-pressure nature of participation. French fries are less expensive than hamburger sets, reducing the financial burden, and there is little pressure to maintain ongoing relationships. The anonymity and loose connections of neighborhood-based communities are seen as a good fit for these one-off gatherings.

Participants' responses have been largely positive. Reviews often mention that "it was nice to enjoy something light without much preparation" and "even though everyone was meeting for the first time, just talking about French fries was enough to laugh and have fun." Some participants noted that "perhaps because it's a group eating carbohydrates, everyone was kind," describing the friendly atmosphere. The short duration of the gatherings and the ability to part ways naturally after eating were also cited as points of satisfaction. One participant shared, "It was actually more comfortable because I could just enjoy the moment without the pressure of maintaining a connection afterward."