What to eat in Belgium?
Far from being a country known for its gastronomy, Belgium still has some dishes you shouldn't miss if you're passing through. Sweet, savoury, drinks, seafood, combinations — there's something for everyone!
Flemish carbonnade (Stoofvlees) is the closest thing to a beef bourguignon where the red wine has been replaced by dark beer. Well, we are in Belgium after all. Each region has its preferred beer, giving a unique character to the carbonnades you'll taste.
📍 In Brussels, we recommend trying the carbonnade at Drug Opera, Rue Grétry 51. A very touristy restaurant, but one that delivers good value for money.
📍 In Antwerp, the best carbonnade is served at De Zeven Schaken, Braderijstraat 24. It's served directly in the pots — but don't be fooled, it's one of the best restaurants the city has to offer.
For a quick snack, the more adventurous will try the famous peaches with tuna, a surprising sweet-and-savoury combo sometimes offered as a starter in certain restaurants. The very simple recipe can also be tried at home.
When you think of Belgium, the first thing that comes to mind is fries! Considered a weekly tradition here, fries are prepared following several meticulous steps. For the full experience, pair your fries with the various meats offered at chip shops: the fricadelle, the viandelle, and for the greediest, mix it all in a sandwich: the mitraillette. Belgian streets are packed with chip shops, and since we're generous, here are some of our favourites:
📍 In Antwerp: Frituur de Petaat, Nieuwstad 18.
📍 In Brussels: Friterie Tabora, Rue de Tabora 2.
When thinking of Belgium, if not fries, you'll have thought of beer! Travelling through the country, you'll find many breweries, large and small, each with its own speciality. Several breweries can be visited and offer tastings keep that in mind for your next trips, it's always nicer to enjoy a beer at the producer's rather than in a bar!
Whether from Liège square and crispy or from Brussels thicker and caramelised the waffle is the ultimate Belgian afternoon snack. Like chip shops, you'll find waffle vendors on every street corner, but among the best:
📍 In Brussels: Pascalino, a food truck that moves around the city but often sets up at the top of the Mont des Arts.
📍 Australian Waffle, a chain with locations all over Belgium where you can try their delicious waffles.
📍 For extra indulgence, at Galet, Rue Neuve 27, also in Brussels, you can fill your waffle with chocolate sticks.
Vol-au-vent, also served in France, is actually an emblem of Belgian cuisine. You'll find it on the menu of most restaurants in the country.
Tarte al d'jote, a typical speciality from the town of Nivelles, a few kilometres from Brussels, is well worth a small detour. Made with Swiss chard and a cheese specifically used for the recipe, this tart is perfect for warming up winter evenings.
Speculoos, those small cinnamon biscuits, light or dark, are often served alongside coffee. Don't miss the giant speculoos in iconic shapes at Saint Nicholas time.
📍 You'll find the best ones at Maison Dandoy, which has several shops in the Brussels area.
In summer, treat yourself to the famous moules-frites served along the shores of the North Sea. In Ostend, be tempted by the fishermen's huts selling various fresh fish of the day, prepared to order.
As a drink, as mousse, or plain, chocolate also has its place on this list. Various cities are home to museums explaining the history of Belgian chocolate, often ending with a tasting. Several chocolatiers are renowned in Belgium:
📍 If you want to bring back a gift, Mary chocolateries are perfect. The chocolate is very refined and the visual identity is distinctive.
📍 To taste chocolate mousses from around the world, head to Filip Martin at Rue au Beurre 30 in Brussels.
📍 Bruges is without a doubt the reference city for chocolate. You'll find the best hot chocolates there, and to make some at home, we recommend bringing back preparation kits from The Old Chocolate House, Mariastraat 1c.
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