Tidbit: Freakin' Delicious Frikandel

Photo by Mara Berg

I kissed McDonald’s french fries goodbye upon the first bite of Saus’s expertly cut pommes frites, salted to perfection and accompanied by gourmet dipping sauces. I bid farewell to iHop as soon as Saus’s cloud-like Liege waffles, drizzled in homemade Nutella, invigorated my taste buds. And now it’s time to say au revoir to Hebrew National, because frikandel, the newest addition to Saus’s simple menu, blows American street food out of the ballpark.

“Saus is the only place in Boston, and maybe in the country, to serve frikandel,” says Chin Kuo, co-owner of Saus, Boston’s first Belgian street food café, which opened near Fanueil Hall in March.

“In Belgium, frikandel is usually pre-made and frozen. We make it freshly by hand,” says Kuo. Crafted with the same care as their fries and waffles, ground beef and pork are combined with an aromatic blend of spices, hand-shaped to resemble a sausage, and deep fried or grilled.

True to the name of the establishment, Saus serves up the frikandel four ways with various sauces and accoutrements: “Speciaal-Style,” the traditional Belgian preparation; “Spicy Style,” with ole chipotle sauce and house-pickled jalapenos; “Burger-Style,” with typical American toppings; and “Double Cheddar,” with a divine cheddar duvel sauce.

As if Saus hasn’t already given us enough incentive to swear off American fast food conglomerates, their Frikandel is only $6.95. (Saus, 33 Union St., Boston. 617-248-8835, eatfrites.com.) —Mara Berg