The Belgian gastronomy is rich and full of surprises. Whether you are a food enthusiast or not this country has a lot to offer. When walking around Brussels or other cities in Belgium, it won’t be rare to come across a long line of people waiting for a waffle or a portion of fries. This is the sign that you are close to a very good address and that you should try their specialties!
To guide you through the array of tempting choices, we've curated a list of must-try dishes during your visit to Brussels, complete with recommendations for where to savor them.
For heavy eaters
The Carbonade Flamande: A Belgian classic
The Carbonnade Flamande is a dish you cannot miss when visiting Brussels. Originally imagined and cooked by miners in Belgium, this plate consists of beef marinated in beer to which you can add onions, carrots, potatoes, and gingerbread. You can find this typical beef stew in most restaurant specialized in Belgian food at all prices and usually served with a portion of fries. You cannot truly experience Brussels without trying a good Carbonade Flamande.
Comforting Familial Warming
Shrimp Croquettes: Historical finger food
As a starter or an appetizer, the shrimp croquettes are a typical Flemish dish that consists in shrimps wrapped in breadcrumbs served with lemon, parsley, and shrimp bisque. In 2024, this famous Belgian starter will celebrate its 110 years as it was primarily cooked by soldiers during World War 1 to preserve the shrimps’ freshness on the battlefield. "Chez François," a restaurant dating back to 1922, was the first to include it on their menu in Brussels, this unique address still exists nowadays.
Crusty Soft Tempting
The Stoemp: The Belgian comfort classic
Made of potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbages all mashed together, the Stoemp was originally cooked by modest families at the beginning of the 19th century before becoming a popular side dish for sausages, blood sausage or lard. Despite its not vey attractive aspect, the Stoemp is a very tasty specialty that deserves to be given a try.
Tasty Surprising Filling
Moules Frites: A Belgian masterpiece
Seafood is a major element of the Belgian culinary scene. Moules Frites, or mussels and fries, is a famous Belgian dish that deserves particular interest. It is common to see locals and tourists gathering at brasseries, bistros, and seafood restaurants to share a pot of moules frites when the weather permits. Mussels are frequently cooked in a savory broth with ingredients such as white wine, garlic, and herbs. For an even more delicious exceptional experience, pair it with golden fries on the side.
Convivial Satisfying Unforgettable
For the sweet tooth
Waffles: The Iconic Treat
Iconic Delicious Light
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy these iconic sweet or salty treats! The Belgian waffles were born in Brussels in the 18th century and are well-known all around the world for their incredible softness and taste. Trying one of these waffles is a must when visiting Brussels where you can eat this treat while walking around the city. But don’t you dare mistaking the Brussels waffles with the Liege waffle, they do not have the same shape and the same number of wholes!
Spéculoos: The spicy treat
Spicy Delicious Festive
Made of 6 different spices (nutmeg, clove, white pepper, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom), this biscuit is usually eaten during the winter season and more specifically to celebrate the Saint Nicholas. The biscuits usually take the shape of animals or saint Nicholas himself and can be eaten while walking through a Christmas market or when drinking coffee, tea, or hot wine.
Croustillons: The Carnival Delight
Spicy Delicious Festive
Croustillons, a popular carnival specialty from Belgium, are little deep-fried dough balls sprinkled with powdered sugar that have a great balance of crunchy exteriors and fluffy interior. These sweet pleasures are a popular feature of Belgian celebrations, especially during fairs and carnivals. Usually sold in small baskets, don't hesitate to eat them with your fingers for an even more delicious taste.
As Croustillons are mainly found during fairs, we let you wonder in the city and whish you luck to find a place that sells good ones.
While in Brussels, pairing these delectable dishes with a good pint of Belgian beer is a logical choice. With a culinary scene blending tradition and innovation, each dish narrates a story, making every bite a journey into the heart of Belgian gastronomy. So, go ahead, explore, and let your taste buds dance with all the flavors Brussels has to offer!
