Why Belgium is a food lover's country
Belgium punches far above its size when it comes to eating and drinking. It gave the world fries, has more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere, and brews some of the planet's most respected beers. Whether you are in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp, you eat well.
Signature dishes to try
- Moules-frites - a pot of mussels steamed in white wine, celery and onion, served with fries. A summer-into-autumn classic, best from September.
- Carbonnade flamande (stoofvlees) - beef slow-braised in dark beer with a touch of mustard and bread, served with fries.
- Waterzooi - a creamy Ghent stew of chicken (or fish), leeks and cream.
- Stoemp - mashed potato blended with vegetables, often with sausage.
- Vol-au-vent - puff pastry filled with chicken and mushrooms in cream sauce.
Street food and snacks
Belgian fries (frieten/frites) are the real national dish, fried twice and served in a paper cone from a friterie or frietkot. Order them with mayonnaise, andalouse or samurai sauce; expect to pay around 3 to 4 euros. Don't miss a fresh waffle: the rectangular Brussels waffle is light and dusted with sugar, while the dense, caramel-pocketed Liege waffle is sweeter. Try cuberdons (cone-shaped Ghent sweets) too.
Chocolate and sweets
Belgium is pralines heaven. Neuhaus invented the filled praline in 1912; Leonidas and Galler are everyday favourites, while Pierre Marcolini is the luxury pick. Buy a mixed ballotin to take home.
Drinks: beer above all
Belgian beer is UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. Sample:
- Trappist beers - Westmalle, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, and the rare Westvleteren.
- Lambic and gueuze - sour, spontaneously fermented Brussels-area beers; try kriek (cherry).
- Blonde and tripel styles like Duvel.
Each beer has its own branded glass. For something non-alcoholic, Belgians love strong coffee, often served with a small biscuit (speculoos).
Dining tips and etiquette
- Lunch runs roughly noon to 2pm, dinner from 7pm; many kitchens close between.
- Service is included, but rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is appreciated.
- Tap water is rarely free; you usually order bottled.
- Book ahead for popular restaurants, especially weekends.
- A friendly bon appetit / smakelijk before eating is normal.
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