Belgian Foodie Delights
Introduction to Belgian Cuisine
The cuisine of Belgium is a gourmet experience that is both interesting and diverse, delivering a blend of European influences, regional delicacies, and flavours that are sure to make your mouth wet. Foodies will find a paradise in Belgium, where the cuisine ranges from robust stews to chocolates known all over the world. In this piece, we’ll take a look at some of the gastronomic highlights that you can expect to encounter while you travel throughout Belgium.
5 Key Takeaways
- Belgian cuisine is diverse: Belgium’s culinary landscape is a blend of regional specialties, European influences, and local delicacies. Each region, including Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, has its own unique food traditions.
- Iconic Belgian dishes: Some must-try Belgian classics include moules-frites, stoofvlees / carbonade flamande, waterzooi, waffles, and chocolate. These dishes showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage and world-renowned craftsmanship.
- Local delicacies: Belgium offers many local dishes worth exploring, such as grilled endive with ham, Liege meatballs, and speculoos. These dishes provide a deeper understanding of the regional flavours and ingredients found in Belgian cuisine.
- Belgian beverages: Belgium is known for its exceptional beers, with over 1,000 varieties to choose from, as well as its national spirit, jenever. Sampling these beverages is an essential part of experiencing the country’s culinary culture.
- Culinary exploration: To fully appreciate Belgium’s food scene, visitors should attend food festivals, visit cities known for their culinary offerings like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, and be mindful of local dining etiquette. This immersive approach will allow travellers to truly savour the delightful flavours of Belgium.
Regional Specialties
Belgium is a small country, but its cuisine is as diverse as its people. The nation is divided into three main regions, each with its unique culinary traditions.
Flanders
Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, is known for its rich, hearty dishes, often featuring meat and potatoes. The region is famous for its stews, beer-based sauces, and seafood.
Wallonia
Wallonia, the French-speaking southern part of Belgium, offers a blend of French and German influences. The region is characterised by its rustic dishes, game meat, and a variety of cheeses.
Brussels
Brussels, Belgium’s capital and a melting pot of culinary cultures, offers a mix of traditional Belgian dishes, international cuisine, and modern fusion dishes.
Belgian Classics
Some dishes are synonymous with Belgian cuisine and are a must-try for any foodie visiting the country. Here are five classics you can’t miss:
Moules-frites
Mussels and fries, or moules-frites, is Belgium’s national dish. Fresh mussels are steamed in a white wine, garlic, and onion broth, and served with crispy fries on the side. For the full experience, make sure to dip your fries in some creamy mayonnaise.
Stoofvlees / Carbonade Flamande
Stoofvlees, also known as carbonade flamande, is a traditional Flemish beef stew cooked slowly in Belgian beer, with onions and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. It is often served with fries or mashed potatoes.
Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a creamy soup from Ghent, typically made with fish or chicken, vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth. It is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for colder days.
Waffles
Belgium is famous for its waffles, with two main types: Brussels waffles and Liege waffles. Brussels waffles are light and crispy, served with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fruit, while Liege waffles are denser, with a caramelised, chewy texture, thanks to the pearl sugar used in the batter.
Chocolate
Belgian chocolate is world-renowned for its quality and craftsmanship. With countless chocolatiers offering their unique creations, a visit to Belgium isn’t complete without indulging in some delicious pralines, truffles, or chocolate bars. Awesome!
Local Delicacies
Grilled Endive with Ham
This dish, known as chicon au gratin in Wallonia, features tender, grilled endive wrapped in ham and smothered in a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting dish that showcases the deliciously bitter flavour of Belgian endive.
Liege Meatballs
Liege meatballs, or boulets à la Liégeoise, are a Wallonian specialty. Made from a mixture of pork and beef, these tender meatballs are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from syrup, onions, and vinegar. They’re often served with fries or mashed potatoes.
Speculoos
Speculoos are spiced, caramelized biscuits often enjoyed with coffee or tea. They’re crunchy and sweet, with a warm, spicy aroma that comes from the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Speculoos are also the base for the popular Speculoos spread, which you can find in many Belgian supermarkets. In the UK we know these as “Lotus” biscuits, but I call them “Hotel biscuits”.
Belgian Beverages
No culinary tour of Belgium would be complete without sampling some of the country’s iconic beverages.
Beer
Belgium is a beer lover’s paradise, with over 1,000 different varieties to choose from. From refreshing witbier (white beer) to the complex flavours of Trappist ales brewed by monks, there’s a beer for every palate. Be sure to visit a local brewery or beer festival to truly immerse yourself in Belgium’s beer culture.
If you are in Bruges, don’t forget to visit the “beer wall” at 2be
Jenever
Jenever, also known as Belgian gin, is a distilled spirit made from malt wine, juniper berries, and various herbs. It is the national spirit of Belgium and can be found in many bars and restaurants. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.
Iconic Food Festivals
Belgium hosts several food festivals throughout the year, celebrating its culinary heritage. Some popular events include the Brussels Food Truck Festival, Bruges Beer Festival, and the Salon du Chocolat.
Official Website: Brussels Food Festival
Dining Etiquette
When dining in Belgium, it’s essential to be mindful of local customs and etiquette. Belgians typically use a fork and knife for most meals, and it’s considered impolite to use your hands. Be prepared to share appetisers and desserts with your dining companions, as communal eating is common in Belgium. Finally, don’t forget to tip your server—10% is customary for good service.
Recommended Tours
Final Thoughts
The rich regional specialties, iconic dishes, and world-class beverages that can be found in Belgium make for a gastronomically diverse and pleasurable experience for visitors who are interested in cuisine. As you travel through Belgium and sample its cuisine, you will come to appreciate the country’s dedication to the use of high-quality ingredients, skilled labour, and the pleasures of good food shared with good company.
Related articles: Ghent travel guide , Bruges travel guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Belgium’s national dish? Moules-frites, or mussels and fries, is considered Belgium’s national dish.
- Are Belgian waffles different from American waffles? Yes, Belgian waffles are different from American waffles. They are typically lighter, crispier, and have larger squares. There are also two main types of Belgian waffles: Brussels waffles and Liege waffles, each with its distinct texture and taste.
- What type of beer is Belgium known for? Belgium is known for a wide variety of beers, including Trappist ales, abbey beers, witbier (white beer), and lambic beers. The country boasts over 1,000 different types of beer, making it a beer lover’s paradise.
- What is a typical Belgian breakfast? A typical Belgian breakfast consists of freshly baked bread or pastries, such as croissants or pain au chocolat, served with butter, jam, or chocolate spread. Cheese, cold cuts, and boiled eggs may also be offered. Belgians typically enjoy their breakfast with coffee or tea.
- Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in Belgian cuisine? While traditional Belgian cuisine is meat-centric, there are vegetarian and vegan options available, especially in larger cities. Many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of classic dishes, and you can find dedicated vegetarian and vegan eateries. Additionally, Belgium’s rich chocolate and waffle culture provides plenty of sweet treats for plant-based eaters to enjoy.
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