'Would you like fries with that?' rarely asked these days.

Fast-food joints are struggling to get their hands on fries and other potato-based chow due to pandemic-related shipping delays.

Chains from McDonald’s to Kyochon are offering substitutes, such as nuggets, cheese sticks or coke instead of fries.

In a notice posted on the Yogiyo app on Sunday, McDonald’s warned customers that some outlets may not be able to offer French fries. It blames marine transport issues related to Covid-19.

The company said that unlucky customers will be able to choose chicken nuggets or cheese stick instead.

Earlier this month, Kyochon announced that it will temporarily suspend sales of its baked potato wedges due to global shipping delays.

A notice put up by McDonald's on a local delivery app saying French fries may not be offered at some of its shops [SCREEN CAPTURE]

The chicken franchise posted a note on its homepage saying that potato wedges may be sold out at some locations.

Lotteria temporarily suspended sales of French fries in June.

Local fast-food chains usually import frozen fries from the United States.

With vaccination rates rising rapidly in the United States and Europe, consumer demand is up and shipping on some routes is delayed.

BY KIM JEE-HEE [kim.jeehee@joongang.co.kr]