Saudi Take To Social Media To Fight For Their ‘Batata Sandwich’
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Roshan Amiri
- . February 19, 2020
- . Update: February 19, 2020 5:19 pm
While steeped in tradition, the culture of Saudi Arabia allows for a lot of innovation as well. Take for example the Malak-al- Batata, the Arabic version of tacos that is more of a burger. Undeniably, the Arabs are known for their unique innovations and inventions.
It goes back to things like coffee, soap and Algebra, they have brought forth the most unique things that man uses and marvels in today. While Burger King claims to fame, the Arabs have reminded us that this version of a sandwich is already taken. It is called the sandwich batata (French fries sandwich) and the credit to that delicious creation goes to the Arabs only.
Social media seems to be buzzing with this news, before Burger King can claim it to be their brainchild. In Beirut stands proudly the Malak Al-Batata (King of Fries) on Hamra Main Street. It is an age old shop that sells these creations.
The roll is an age old custom and has simply gone through improvisation to suit the palette of today’s generation. Stuffed in the traditional pita is a coleslaw mixture coupled with sweet ketchup, crispy golden French fries that are then toasted to make a wholesome eat for passersby.
The community that prides in its creations and culture has now taken to the social media and spread a word around. Speaking for the Arab community is Abed Ayoub, the legal and policy director at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee who has taken to twitter and said, “They’ve appropriated the batata sandwich. The only true kings of this sandwich (are) Malak Al-Taouk and Malak Al-Batata. Y’all are frauds.”
However, there are similar versions doing rounds in other countries as well. The UK version is named the chip butty, while the South African ones is called the chip roll — both of which are made with chips (fries) on buttered white bread or a bread roll, often with an added condiment such as brown sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise or malt vinegar.
In 2018, Business Insider rolled out a video showcasing the Turkish version of the batata sandwich called the Patso, which is cheesy bread stuffed with French fries and topped with ketchup and mayonnaise
