It is likely that it was originally created by combining mussels, a popular and cheap foodstuff eaten around the Flemish coast, and fried potatoes which were commonly eaten around the country in winter when no fish or other food was available.
Kemungkinan itu awalnya dibuat dengan menggabungkan kerang, makanan populer dan murah yang dimakan di sekitar pantai Flemish, dan kentang goreng yang biasa dimakan di seluruh negeri di musim dingin saat tidak ada ikan atau makanan lain yang tersedia .