Belgium’s culinary scene offers a blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re sampling chocolates in Brussels, sipping beer in Bruges, or savoring seafood by the coast, every bite tells a story of Belgian culture and craftsmanship. Bon appétit!
1. Belgian Chocolate: The Ultimate Indulgence
Belgium is synonymous with chocolate. Home to world-renowned chocolatiers like Godiva, Neuhaus, and Leonidas, the country’s chocolate heritage dates back to the 17th century.
- Where to Go:
- Pierre Marcolini (Brussels): Known for its artisanal chocolates with exotic flavors.
- The Chocolate Line (Bruges and Antwerp): Offers innovative creations like chocolate with bacon.
- Choco-Story Museum (Bruges): Learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy tastings.
- Don’t Miss: Pralines – Belgium’s signature filled chocolates.
2. Waffles: Sweet and Irresistible
There are two main types of waffles in Belgium:
- Brussels Waffles: Light, airy, and rectangular with large, deep pockets. Best served with powdered sugar or whipped cream.
- Liège Waffles: Dense, chewy, and caramelized with chunks of pearl sugar.
- Where to Try:
- Maison Dandoy (Brussels): Famous for its authentic waffles and speculoos cookies.
- Street vendors in major cities offer freshly made waffles with various toppings like Nutella, strawberries, and ice cream.
3. Fries (Frites): A Belgian Staple
Belgians take their fries seriously, and they’re not just a side dish—they’re a cultural institution. Cooked twice for extra crispiness and traditionally served in a paper cone with a dollop of mayonnaise.
- Top Spots:
- Maison Antoine (Brussels): A legendary fritkot (fries stand).
- Frituur ‘t Stad (Antwerp): A local favorite.
- Fritland (Brussels): Perfect for a late-night snack.
- Pair With: A local beer or stoofvlees, a Flemish beef stew.
4. Mussels (Moules) and Seafood
A classic Belgian dish is moules-frites (mussels with fries), often served in a savory broth made with white wine, garlic, or beer. Coastal cities like Ostend and Zeebrugge are excellent for fresh seafood.
- Best Restaurants:
- Chez Léon (Brussels): Famous for its mussels.
- Oostende Fish Market (Ostend): Enjoy fresh oysters and shrimp croquettes.
5. Belgian Beer: A World Heritage Tradition
With over 1,500 varieties, Belgium is a beer lover’s dream. From Trappist ales brewed by monks to refreshing wheat beers, there’s something for every palate.
- Must-Try Beers:
- Trappist Beers: Westvleteren, Chimay, Orval.
- Lambics and Gueuzes: Sour beers like Cantillon or Boon.
- Blonde Ales and Dubbels: Leffe, Duvel, and Rochefort.
- Beer Experiences:
- Delirium Café (Brussels): Over 2,000 beers on offer.
- Brewery Tours: Visit breweries like Cantillon (Brussels) or De Halve Maan (Bruges).
6. Iconic Dishes You Must Try
- Carbonnade Flamande: A hearty Flemish stew made with beef, beer, and onions.
- Waterzooi: A creamy stew of chicken or fish with vegetables.
- Stoemp: Mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables, often served with sausages.
- Rabbit in Kriek Beer: Braised rabbit cooked with cherry beer.
7. Sweet Treats Beyond Waffles
- Speculoos: Spiced shortcrust biscuits, often paired with coffee.
- Cuberdons (Gentse Neuzekes): Cone-shaped raspberry candies from Ghent.
- Mattentaart: A light, creamy pastry from the East Flanders region.
8. Explore Belgium’s Food Markets
Belgium’s markets are vibrant hubs where you can sample local produce, cheeses, and street foods.
- Notable Markets:
- Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market (Brussels): Try regional cheeses like Chimay or Herve.
- Antwerp Exotic Market: A blend of Belgian and international flavors.
- Sunday Market in Bruges: Fresh bread, pastries, and local jams.
9. The Best Foodie Cities in Belgium
- Brussels: Known for its chocolate shops, beer bars, and gourmet restaurants.
- Bruges: A medieval town with artisanal chocolate and authentic Flemish cuisine.
- Ghent: Vibrant street food scene and innovative vegetarian options.
- Antwerp: Trendy cafes, fine dining, and the famous Antwerp Handjes cookies.
10. Tips for Foodies in Belgium
- Be Adventurous: Try seasonal specialties like wild game in autumn or asparagus in spring.
- Embrace the Beer Pairings: Belgian chefs often incorporate beer into their dishes.
- Dine Like a Local: Look for small, family-run bistros known as brasseries or estaminets.