What to eat in Brussels? Discover the typical Belgian food
Are you traveling to the city and still don’t know what to eat in Brussels? Haven’t you tried the typical Belgian food yet? Find out here!
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What to eat in Brussels? Discover the typical Belgian food
Although Belgium is a small country, it has a long and rich history dating back to Ancient Rome. During the Middle Ages, it became relevant thanks to trade. For that reason, nowadays, it has thousands of spectacular medieval and Renaissance buildings in cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven. And, Even though it does not look like it, in addition to an extensive cultural heritage, it also has a varied gastronomy that not everyone knows. So, if you do not know how to answer the question: “what to eat in Brussels?”, continue reading this post! You will find out the typical Belgian food.
What to eat in Brussels at first? The famous Belgian fries!
Over the years, fries have become an emblem of Belgian culinary culture, and their popularity has spread worldwide. Today, you can find them everywhere, from fancy restaurants to small takeaway stores. One of them is Fritland. We are talking about one of the most popular places to enjoy this typical Belgian food. It is located in the heart of the city, near the famous Grand Place. Although it is popular among tourists, locals are also regular customers.
In short, if you don’t know what to eat in Brussels, you can’t miss the chance to try them!
CUBERDONS, THE LEAST KNOWN SWEETS OF THE TYPICAL FOOD OF BELGIUM
Its recipe is almost as mysterious as its origin. On the one hand, Belgian confectioners have kept it a secret for many years. On the other hand, no one knows precisely when they were invented. However, the most widespread theory is that they were created by a pharmacist in Ghent around 1870 while trying to produce cough syrup.
They are traditionally raspberry flavored, although many new flavors have appeared in recent years. Frankly, their sweetness is so intense that it can be cloying, but you should not miss the opportunity to try them. Cuberdons are one of the great unknowns of Belgian gastronomy!
Frikandel, one of the most popular snacks to eat in Brussels
It is served in a roll or a paper box accompanied by mayonnaise or ketchup. For this reason, many people often order it to go. That makes it an ideal snack for any time of the day and one of the cheapest options to trick the stomach while sightseeing. Their origin is uncertain, but historians suspect it may be German. Anyway, they have quickly become one of the icons of typical Belgian food. You can’t leave without trying them!
Mussels with fries, the star dish of the typical food of Belgium
Nowadays, you can find mussels with fries accompanied by Belgian beer in countless restaurants. And if you’re looking for one that stands out above the rest, that’s Chez Léon. Although it has more than 130 years of history, it has remained true to its historic roots by focusing on the typical food of Belgium. Mussels and fries are their specialties. So don’t hesitate to order the “Formula Léon.” It consists of a pan with mussels, a plate of fries, and a beer brewed in the same restaurant. Doesn’t it sound great?
If you don’t know what to eat in Brussels, these dishes are your best option.
Flemish Carbonade
If you still don’t know what to eat in Brussels, this should be one of your best choices because it is usually abundant and perfect for cold days. It is also relatively easy to find since many cafes and restaurants have it on their menu. One of them is Chez Léon which, to be honest, may not be the best option to try it. Although we considered it an exquisite dish, its price was too high for its size.
Anyway, even though it is expensive, it is worth a try!
Waffles, the most popular sweets to eat in Brussels
Although they are considered a traditional dessert, nowadays, people usually eat them at any time of the day, even as a breakfast or snack. The way to serve them can differ considerably. You can find waffles with a scoop of ice cream and different flavored syrups or simply with powdered sugar over them. They have also become another typical Belgian food icon, which means you can try them in restaurants, cafés, and street food stalls.
Don’t resist the temptation, and try them! We are sure you will love them.
Chocolate, the star product of the typical Belgian food
In addition, most producers use high-quality ingredients, contributing to the finished product’s flavor. The complex and deep flavors characteristic of this style of chocolate are achieved thanks to a high proportion of cocoa butter and cocoa in the mix. Belgian chocolatiers also pay close attention to the selection of additional ingredients, such as nuts, fruits, and spices, to ensure that they complement and enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
For all these reasons, it is considered one of the best chocolates in the world. If you want to try it in Brussels, you will find a wide variety of chocolate shops offering a wide selection. From small family stores to large companies. One of these is Leonidas. It has more than 100 years of history and more than 1,300 stores worldwide, so visiting its flagship store on Rue des Sablons in Brussels should be a must for chocolate lovers!
Belgian beer is also worth trying
In addition, one of the most striking things for tourists is that Belgian beer culture is reflected in how it is served and consumed. Many breweries and specialized bars offer a wide selection of beers, often served in style-specific glasses. And there are so many pubs in Brussels that it is practically impossible to visit them all.
One of the most famous and well-known among tourists is Delirium Village, owned by the world-renowned Delirium Tremens brand. It is in the heart of the city’s historical center. There you will find a series of pubs specialized in numerous styles that offer more than 3,000 different beers. Although, in my opinion, their prices are higher than other places in the area, it is worth visiting this grouping of pubs at least once. The large selection of beers, its lively atmosphere, and its unbeatable location make it one of the best options for all beer lovers.
In short, the typical food of Belgium is varied and has a wide range of elements to satisfy all tastes. From its famous chocolate to its delicious beers, through its typical dishes such as carbonade flamande, mussels, and fries. So now you know what to do to enjoy your trip to this fascinating country, follow our tips on what to eat in Brussels!
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