The best way to experience Belgium? Through its food.
Belgian cuisine is an expression of everything that's good about Northern European food. Its food is as refined as the French, with a discernible Dutch influence -- and served in portions that are near-German in size. Here are the best and most iconic Belgian foods that you won't want to miss.
Belgian cuisine is an expression of everything that's good about Northern European food. Its food is as refined as the French, with a discernible Dutch influence -- and served in portions that are near-German in size. Here are the best and most iconic Belgian foods that you won't want to miss.
Frites
Belgian frites. Photo by Alison Stein Wellner
Whether you're buying your frites on the street, or enjoying them in a restaurant, there's nothing quite like the the Belgian fried potato, perfectly crip on the inside and tender on the inside -- a texture they achieve because they're cooked twice. Dip them in mayonnaise, not ketchup, for the most authentic experience.
Beer
Belgian Beer. Photo courtesy of the Flanders Tourist Office NYC/USA (c).
Beer has been a Belgian specialty for centuries. You'll find varieties brewed here that can't be made anywhere else, and beers that are brewed almost exclusively in Belgium. (Trappist beer, for example, may only be made by seven breweries, and six of them are in Belgium.) Whether you're checking out a beer specialty shop, taking a beer tour, or simply taking a break at a café, suds can be an essential part of your Belgium culinary experience.
Moules Frites (Mussels with Fries)
The classic serving of moules. Photo courtesy of the Flanders Tourist Office NYC/USA (c).
Moules Frites, or mussels with fries, are the Belgian national dish, and if they're in season when you're visiting -- from September to February -- you can't miss this comforting meal. You'll find moules frites everywhere, although fine dining restaurants will sometimes leave them off the menu since they're seen as a more casual meal and they can be a bit messy.
If you're not a fan of mussels, or if you're visiting when they're not in season, other traditional Belgian dishes to look for include waterzooi, a stew of meat (often chicken, but sometimes fish), cream and eggs; eel in a green herb sauce, Belgian endive, and rabbit stew.
If you're not a fan of mussels, or if you're visiting when they're not in season, other traditional Belgian dishes to look for include waterzooi, a stew of meat (often chicken, but sometimes fish), cream and eggs; eel in a green herb sauce, Belgian endive, and rabbit stew.
Waffles
A waffle is the best Belgian food treat. Photo courtesy of the Flanders Tourist Office NYC/USA(c).
Forget what you think you know about waffles, because in Belgium, they're a different breed entirely. Most importantly, waffles are not a breakfast dish -- Belgians eat them as either a sweet snack or a dessert. There are two kinds of waffles to choose from -- one you eat with a knife and fork, the other you eat like a cookie. You'll definitely want to sample both.
Chocolate
Antwerp's Del Ray cherry truffle. Photo by Alison Stein Wellner
The praline was invented in Brussels, and you've got hundreds and hundreds of chances to try them in Belgium, as the country is home to more than 2,000 delicious chocolate shops. Indulge your sweet tooth and explore the country's best chocolate shops.
Spéculoos
Photo by Alison Stein Wellner
As Belgian gastronomy goes, spéculoos are a detail, but an important one! You'll find these spicy crisp cookies served with coffee -- and you might like them well enough to bring a box of spéculoos home with you.
