Food In Belgium: Waffles, Frites & Culinary Craftsmanship

An image of popular tourist dishes and cuisines among the famous food in Belgium.

The food in Belgium is rich in flavour and history and is influenced by French, Dutch, and German cuisines. Tourists visiting Belgium can enjoy some of the most famous food, such as Belgian chocolate, waffles, and frites. These traditional dishes have been enjoyed for generations and remain an important part of the country’s culture. Belgium is an ideal destination for tourists seeking a diverse range of sweet and unique flavours. Additionally, tourists exploring Belgium can experience the best food in local markets, restaurants and street stalls.

Top 10 Foods In Belgium

Tourists can sample several cuisines in Belgium to have unique experiences. Here is a list of the best food in Belgium:

1. Belgian Chocolate

An image of various chocolate shapes, a tourist favourite and the best food in Belgium.

Photo: BrokenSphere / Wikimedia Commons

Belgian chocolate is one of the best food in Belgium. It is known for its smooth texture and rich taste, ideal for tourists looking for sweet flavours. It is made using high-quality cocoa, which is crafted into pralines, truffles, and bars. Belgian Chocolate has been produced by expert chocolatiers for centuries. This makes it a unique mix of flavour and historical heritage in the country. Tourists can visit specialty shops to sample different flavours and fillings, such as caramel and fruit.

Best Places To Try: Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp
Regional Variations: Some regions specialise in pralines, while others focus on dark or milk chocolate

2. Frites (Belgian Fries)

An image of a person enjoying Frites (Belgian fries), one of the most popular food in Belgium.

Photo: CCPictureHunters WikipediaShare / Wikimedia Commons

Frites, or Belgian fries, are one of the most popular food in Belgium. Tourists visiting Belgium can try out these delicacies. These are crispy, thick – cut fries that are double – fried to create a crunchy exterior and soft interior. The frites are mostly served with mayonnaise, which tourists can find at street stalls and restaurants. It also has modern variations, which include a variety of sauces, such as andalouse and samurai.

Best Places To Try: Brussels, Ghent, Bruges
Regional Variations: Some places use beef fat for frying, while others use vegetable oil

3. Moules-Frites

An image of a Moules-Frites dish, a tourist cuisine and one of the important food in Belgium.

Photo: LittleGun / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Moules-Frites is an important food in Belgium which features mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs served with fries. Tourists can try out this famous food, which is especially popular during summer. It is a favourite among seafood enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can enjoy different styles of the Moules-Frites, such as creamy or tomato-based broths. Moreover, some regions in Belgium replace wine with local beer in the ingredients for added depth of flavour.

Best Places To Try: Brussels, Ostend, Antwerp
Regional Variations: Some places add cream, while others keep the broth clear

4. Belgian Waffles

An image of various flavours of Belgian waffles with fruit toppings, a famous food in Belgium.

Photo: Tamorlan / Wikimedia Commons

Belgian waffles are one of the most famous food in Belgium, which are known for their fluffy texture and crispy edges. Tourists exploring Belgium can enjoy the waffles in different styles, including plain or topped with chocolate, whipped cream, or fruit. Waffles are a tasty traditional food in Belgium. There are two main types, Brussels waffles are light and rectangular, and Liege waffles are sweeter and denser. These different types of flavour make it ideal for tourists to have diverse food experiences.

Best Places To Try: Brussels, Liege, Ghent
Regional Variations: Brussels waffles are airy, while Liege waffles are denser with caramelised sugar

5. Speculoos

An image of Speculoos, a delicious spiced biscuit and one of the famous food in Belgium.

Photo: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Speculoos is a spiced biscuit which tourists can sample among the many snacks offered in the country. It is made with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, giving it a warm flavour, ideal for tourists seeking unique food experiences. Tourists visiting Belgium often enjoy Speculoos with coffee or as a spread on bread. Additionally, tourists can immerse themselves in the local way of life. Speculoos are traditionally eaten during holidays but are available all year.

Best Places To Try: Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp
Regional Variations: Some versions are crispier, while others are softer

6. Carbonnade Flamande

An image of Carbonnade Flamande, a beef stew with fries and popular food in Belgium.

Photo: avlxyz / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Carbonnade Flamande is a slow-cooked beef stew made with Belgian beer, onions, and mustard. Tourists can sample this popular food, which is rich in flavour and is usually served with fries or bread. Among some of the different versions that tourists can enjoy include Carbonnade Flamande, which has added sugar for sweetness. Moreover, carbonnade flamande is a famous delicacy in Belgium. This is mostly eaten by both locals and tourists during the colder months.

Best Places To Try: Brussels, Flanders, Bruges
Regional Variations: Some regions use brown beer, while others use lighter ales

7. Waterzooi

An image of Waterzooi, a creamy stew cuisine and a tourist's top food in Belgium.

Photo: David.Monniaux / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Waterzooi is a creamy stew that is a top food that tourists can try out to immerse themselves in the local way of life in the country. Tourists visiting Belgium can sample Waterzooi, which is made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and eggs, creating a smooth texture. Waterzooi is an ideal delicacy that tourists and locals in Belgium prefer to enjoy during the colder weather. Additionally, tourists can find modern versions of Waterzooi with seafood instead of poultry.

Best Places To Try: Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp
Regional Variations: Some versions use fish, while others use chicken

8. Stoemp

An image resembling Stoemp, a mashed potato dish with vegetables that is among the best food in Belgium.

Photo: Hans / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Stoemp is a simple but delicious dish that is an important food and it is ideal for tourists seeking a unique mix of flavour and culture. Stoemp is mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like carrots or cabbage. This makes it a perfect delicacy for food enthusiasts. Tourists visiting Belgium can sample this local cuisine, which is mostly served with sausage or bacon. Additionally, there are modern variations that tourists can explore, including cream or cheese for extra richness.

Best Places To Try: Brussels, Flanders
Regional Variations: Some versions include more vegetables, while others add meat

9. Cuberdon

An image of Cuberdon, a cone-shaped sweet full of flavour, one of the popular food in Belgium.

Photo: Zorro2212 / Wikimedia Commons

Cuberdon is a popular food in Belgium that offers tourists access to rich and unique flavours of the country’s diverse snack selection. Tourists exploring Belgium can try out Cuberdon. It is a cone-shaped sweet with a crunchy shell and a soft, raspberry-flavoured filling. Tourists can find these delicious sweets in the local markets and sweet shops in Belgium. Moreover, there are some versions that tourists can try out that use different fruit flavours.

Best Places To Try: Ghent, Brussels
Regional Variations: Some are softer, while others are firmer

The food in Belgium is diverse and rich in history, offering tourists access to famous food. These include chocolate and important food such as Carbonnade Flamande. Tourists exploring Belgium can enjoy sweet, savoury, and amazing dishes that highlight the country’s way of life. Tourists also explore street markets or dining options to sample some of the best food. Plan your trip today with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Thaler Tamas / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Belgium is renowned for its waffles, chocolates, and a variety of beers.
Yes, Belgian fries are thicker, double-fried for extra crispiness, and traditionally served with mayonnaise.
Moules - frites (mussels and fries) is a classic dish loved by locals and visitors.
Absolutely! Options like Stoemp (mashed vegetables and potatoes) are great vegetarian choices.
Chocolatiers like Neuhaus and Leonidas and small artisan shops in cities like Brussels and Bruges are excellent spots.

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