A Gastronomic Journey through Belgium
Hello, If you’re a traveler with a keen palate, seeking culinary adventures, you’re going to love exploring Belgium’s rich, diverse, and utterly delicious food scene. This guide is dedicated to savoring the delectable gastronomy Belgium has to offer.
The Heart of Belgian Cuisine
Belgium is a culinary powerhouse, often underrated in comparison to its neighboring countries like France and Germany. However, it’s a gastronomic gem that offers a blend of tastes, from hearty Flemish stews to delicate French pastries, and everything in between.
The Belgians take their food seriously, with a particular emphasis on quality and fresh local ingredients. As you explore this wonderful country, you’ll discover that each region has its own specialty dishes that reflect its unique culture and history.
Start with a Breakfast ‘à la Belge’
Belgians usually start their day with a light, wholesome breakfast. Expect to indulge in a delicious array of breads – from croissants to pain au chocolat and baguettes – complemented with jams, cheeses, or cold cuts. Coffee or tea is the usual accompaniment. And yes, the Belgians love their pastries. If you’re in Brussels, make sure to try a ‘couque’, a sweet roll, with your morning cup of coffee.
Signature Belgian Dishes
Moules-Frites (Mussels and Fries)
A trip to Belgium would be incomplete without sampling its national dish: Moules-Frites. The mussels, usually cooked in a broth of white wine, shallots, and parsley, are served with a generous side of Belgian fries. These fries, or ‘frites’, as the locals call them, are distinctively twice-fried, giving them a crispy outer layer and soft inside.
Carbonnade Flamande (Flemish Stew)
This is a hearty Flemish beef stew made with dark beer, onions, and a slice of bread slathered with mustard. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a satisfying dish perfect for cold Belgian days.
Waterzooi
Originating from Ghent, Waterzooi is a creamy stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, cream, and eggs. It’s a comforting, warming dish, especially popular during the colder months.
Snacks and Street Food
Belgian street food is a treat in itself. The most iconic of all is, of course, the Belgian waffle. There are two main types: the Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle. The former is lighter and crispier while the latter is denser, sweeter, and chewier. Both are usually served dusted with powdered sugar, and often topped with whipped cream, strawberries, or chocolate sauce.
Another must-try street food is ‘frikandel’, a long, skinless, deep-fried sausage, typically served in a bread roll (‘broodje’) with a variety of condiments, including mayo, ketchup, and onions. It’s the ultimate Belgian fast-food delicacy.
Sweet Treats
Belgian Chocolate
Belgium is world-renowned for its chocolate, and rightly so. There are countless chocolatiers scattered throughout the country, from big names like Neuhaus and Leon idas to artisanal boutiques offering handcrafted delights. The chocolates range from classic pralines and truffles to innovative flavor combinations. A visit to a Belgian chocolate shop is a sensory treat, and a box of assorted chocolates makes for a perfect souvenir or gift.
Speculoos
These caramelized shortcrust biscuits are a Belgian classic. Speculoos are typically spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving them a distinct, warm flavor. They are traditionally baked for St. Nicholas’ Day but are enjoyed throughout the year. You might also find the popular Speculoos spread, which is absolutely delicious slathered on toast or used as a crepe filling.
Belgian Drinks
Belgian Beer
No culinary tour of Belgium would be complete without exploring its iconic beer culture. The country is home to an estimated 200 breweries producing a wide array of beer styles, from Trappist ales and fruity lambics to strong golden ales and stouts.
Some breweries offer tours where you can learn about the brewing process and the rich history of Belgian beer. Additionally, many Belgian towns have cozy beer cafes, where you can sample a selection of local brews. Always remember to drink responsibly and savor the experience.
Jenever
Often referred to as the ‘grandfather of gin’, Jenever is a juniper-flavored spirit that originated in the Low Countries. It’s traditionally served in a tulip-shaped glass filled to the brim. A trip to a ‘jenever bar’ is a must for spirit enthusiasts, where you can try various flavors, including apple, cherry, or cactus!
The Pleasure of Belgian Gastronomy
Whether you’re a foodie seeking culinary adventures or just someone who enjoys good food, Belgium is sure to exceed your expectations. With its diverse range of hearty meals, mouth-watering street food, decadent chocolates, world-class beer, and unique regional specialties, this little European country has a lot to offer.
Belgian cuisine truly celebrates the joy of eating. It encourages you to take your time, to savor each bite, and to immerse yourself in the flavors. It’s more than just sustenance – it’s a vital part of the country’s culture and a testament to their zest for life.