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destination • November 2nd, 2021

Belgian cuisine

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There is a great deal of variety in Belgian food, while also reflecting the finest cuisine of its neighbours France, Germany, and the Netherlands. In Belgian cuisine, seasonal and regional ingredients are very important. Typical Belgian food includes potatoes, leeks, grey shrimp, white asparagus, Belgian endives, and is often paired with local Belgian beer. In addition to its delicious food, Belgium is also well-known for its high-quality beer, with over 300 breweries throughout the country. One of the most famous Belgium beers is the Trappist beer, which is brewed in traditional Trappist monasteries. UNESCO even inscribed Belgian beer culture on its list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016.

What is typical Belgian cuisine?

Wallonian food is known for its fresh ingredients and rich sauces and comes from the French-speaking region to the south of the country. Flemish cuisine is relatively simple, with many similarities to Dutch cuisine. Among the culinary delights you can find here are delicious rich stews and delicate meats.

  Mussels

Trappist beer

Brussels waffle

What is a typical Belgian dish?

Mussels: A typical Belgian dish. The mussels are steamed in a mixture of wine and cream which gives them an incredible flavour, and are served with bread.

Fries: Also called French fries, these thick deep-fried chipped potatoes are eaten with creamy mayonnaise and are an all-time favourite.

Carbonnade Flamande: Flemish beef and onion stew made with beer, thyme, juniper berries, mustard, and bread.

Croquettes aux crevettes: Delicious crunchy fried shrimp croquettes.

Lapin aux pruneaux: Braised rabbit with prunes, a classic dish with French roots. A deliciously rich, thick, and slightly sticky sauce is created by braising rabbit meat in white wine with bacon and sweet prunes.

Chicon au gratin: This classic Belgian dish consists of braised endives wrapped in ham slices and covered with Gruyère cheese and white sauce.

Vol-au-vent: A round puff pastry case filled with a savoury mixture, which may consist of meat or fish in an intensely flavoured sauce.

Waterzooi:  A traditional Belgian seafood stew that originated in Ghent. It contains vegetables, eggs, and a cream-based soup.

Vispannetje: A fish and seafood stew with tiny North sea shrimps. Brussels waffle: Mouth-watering dessert made from batter or dough that is cooked between two hot plates, often topped with whipped cream, fruit, and/or chocolate spread. Click here to learn more about Belgian food culture.

Fine-dining in Belgium

Enjoy the best Belgian food at one of our finest restaurants in Belgium and explore the best Belgian cuisine this amazing country has to offer. Book your lunch or dinner at one of our restaurants through our website, for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

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