The potato chip is commonly credited to George Crum, who made it in Saratoga Springs in 1853.
According to the popular origin story, a customer at Moon's Lake House repeatedly complained that Crum's fried potatoes were too thick and soft. Crum responded by slicing potatoes extremely thin, frying them until crisp, and salting them heavily. The customer reportedly enjoyed the result, and the new dish became known as Saratoga chips.
The story is widely repeated, but historians have questioned whether Crum invented the snack entirely. Recipes for thin fried potato slices appeared in European and American cookbooks before 1853. Crum's role may have been important in popularizing the style commercially in the United States.
Potato chips are now made in many forms, including ridged, kettle-cooked, baked, and flavored varieties. They are distinct from French fries, which are cut much thicker and usually served hot as a side dish rather than packaged as a crisp snack.