Top 10 Culinary Specialties in Brussels

What to eat in Brussels?

1. Brussels Waffle

We're breaking the rules - instead of presenting our little list in a traditional way: starter, main course, dessert, we prefer to start directly with the crème de la crème which is none other than the essential, inimitable Brussels waffle. Honestly, we know very few regions that manage to cook waffles with as much precision as Brussels. Slightly crispy on the outside, the egg whites give them a light and creamy texture. To tell you the truth, this dessert is one of the main reasons that push tourists to spend a few days in the city. With a recipe dating back to the 19th century, and with a small rectangular shape, to which you can add different types of toppings according to preferences, this sweet treat simply leaves us speechless.

2. Stoemp

Even though it looks difficult to pronounce, it's no less difficult to eat as this dish is so tasty! A little info about the etymology of the word? The term 'stoemp' actually comes from the Dutch 'doorgestooempte patatjes' which means in English 'crushed potatoes'. It's a relatively simple and easy-to-prepare dish, which was served at dinner time for peasants after a hard day's work in the fields. Over time, the famous potatoes conquered the hearts of Brussels residents, and the dish became a must-have in the region, and even throughout Belgium. Enhanced with vegetables and meats, there are several versions, but the classic remains the one based on bacon, carrots, onions, leeks, sausages, and lard.

3. Beer

Time for drinks, the big star of this ranking, enough to quench your thirst. We're not telling you anything new when we say that Belgium is the country of beer. Everywhere you go in the four corners of the country: bars, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bistros, breweries... Beer will appear at the top of the drinks menu. There are many different tastes and different tints, but if we had to recommend one in particular, it would undoubtedly be: 'Chimay Blue'. It's actually this drink that was elected 'best Belgian beer' by RateBeer... with the perfect score of 100 out of 100. Atypical, when you open it, little notes with fruity and caramelized aromas come to tickle your nose.

4. Waterzooi

Here's a traditional Belgian recipe! Once again, this dish has its roots in Dutch, which means 'boiling water'. So it's without great difficulty that we can guess that it's a kind of broth that we cook and which then gives a rather creamy texture. A bit like a stew, waterzooi is mainly cooked with chicken thighs, and is generally eaten in winter. This hot and invigorating meal is usually consumed with some vegetables cut into strips like potatoes (the unshakeable ones), carrots and celery.

5. Belgian Tartine

What if we moved on to a staple food? If in France we are renowned for our crispy baguettes, in Brussels, it's the tartine that wins! It's a must-have. Sometimes accompanied by a nice hot soup, the delicious finely cut slice of bread can be accompanied by a light touch of butter or cheese, a few pieces of radish, and a little black pepper, to give even more taste. The Belgian tartine has a taste that remains a mystery to many, it doesn't resemble any other tartines you may have eaten in your life, and the different foods we decide to spread on it accentuate this originality.

6. Fries

And the gold medal for the best fries goes without great surprise to Brussels! Whether you're passing through or living in the region, you've surely already, when passing near a chip shop and the doors and windows are open, smelled the aroma of good hot fries coming straight out of the fryer. These little golden sticks no longer than a finger are perfect with a good plate of mussels, and a little fries sauce on the side. You can also enjoy them with a burger, the taste that's both soft and crispy will stand out even more. A savory specialty that Brussels residents fight over!

7. Carbonnade Flamande

Much appreciated in northern France, this traditional Belgian recipe can be compared to beef bourguignon. Its name comes from the word 'charcoal' in reference to how it's cooked. It's mainly eaten with slices of bread that happen to be delicious after soaking them in the somewhat heavy sauce infused with the famous beef and a few spoonfuls of beer. To accompany it? In addition to bread, Brussels residents enjoy eating this dish with some peas, and a nice fresh salad... Without forgetting the plate of fries within reach!

8. Brussels Chocolate

Chocolate! We can feel your little heart beating faster (ours too). Who has never heard of the legendary Brussels chocolate: white chocolate, milk, dark, coffee, fruit... The choices are numerous, and chocolate is king! The best chocolatiers in the world are found in this region. In the streets, it's a sweet smell of bars, chocolate mousse, macarons, chocolate bars and truffles that reigns. Chocolate is an art, and Brussels is its guardian. Served with a small hot coffee, it makes our mouths water.

9. Liège Meatballs and Lapin Sauce

If you haven't guessed before, meat consumption in Brussels is quite important. This recipe apparently has its origin from Roman times, and it was a reserved dish placed particularly on royal tables. Served with a plate of fries or sautéed potatoes, you're probably wondering why the name 'lapin sauce'? Know that the recipe doesn't actually contain meat from this animal. It owes its name in fact to Géraldine Lapin, the wife of Ernest Lapin, a famous poet known for also being the receiver of direct contributions in the suburbs of Liège. Well! How every dish has its story!

10. Vol-au-vent

We finish this little culinary detour with the 'vol-au-vent' dish (it's crazy the imagination we can have in naming dishes). It's a very gourmet dish and much appreciated by children in particular. It consists of a thin crust of puff pastry hollowed out in its center, in which we have filled a preparation of mushrooms and chicken. A king's meal, to crown it all we place a crown of puff pastry on it. Succulent and splendid at the same time, it's one of the flagship dishes of Belgium's capital!