Facts About Mitraillette
A mitraillette is a type of sandwich in Belgium commonly served at friteries and cafés. It is popular among students.
It is thought to have originated in Brussels, but is also popular in Flanders, Wallonia, and the Nord region of France, where it is also known as an "Américain" (literally an "American").
Composition
A typical mitraillette consists of:
- A demi-baguette (or sometimes a smaller version of a baguette).
- Fries
- Fried meat (such as sausage, burger, steak). The type of meat available varies with the friterie.
- Any of a variety of sauces, including mayonnaise, ketchup, sauce andalouse, garlic sauce, bearnaise sauce and many others.
Crudités are often included (grated carrot, fresh lettuce, tomato slices), though this varies with the venue. Cheese and cabbage are also sometimes included.
Originally mitraillettes only contained a sausage or sliced meat. Alternatives quickly became available. Often, dürüms are served instead in more multicultural areas.
In popular culture
After the Brussels bombings in March 2016, images of the sandwich were shared across social media in Belgium and abroad as a sign of friendship and humour.
Netherlands