25 Belgian Food That Everyone Needs to Eat and Drink

If you’ve never been to Belgium, now is the time to plan a trip and sample their world-renowned cuisine. If you haven’t visited, you definitely need to try out these 25 food and drink specialties. From Belgian Fries and waffles to Belgian Chocolates and Fry Shack fast food, there is something for everyone to love.

Belgian Fries

In addition to waffles, moules frites, and chocolate, Belgium is renowned for its delectable cuisine. But the humble chip or French fry has caused a stir in politics. Though most of us associate fries with France, this dish is actually Belgian in origin. To find out more about this unique food, read on!

The Belgian fry has come a long way from its fishy beginnings. Not only has the recipe been tweaked to fit the tastes of the adopter country – newspaper-stained fries were once served in Birmingham or peanut-oil-fried grub was served in Borneo – but the fries from Belgium remain uniquely Belgian. Even a US boycott made a point – in order to shame the French – for rejecting this Belgian product.

The best Belgian fries are the double-fried kind. They’re fried first, then cooled and refried again to get them crisp and golden brown. The result is an incredible crispy exterior, soft inside. For the perfect Belgian fry, be sure to fry the potatoes in animal fat. While historically, Belgians used horse and ox fat, nowadays most shops use a combination of vegetable oil and ox fat.

Belgian Chocolates

You can’t visit Belgium without eating or drinking its famous chocolates. Chocolates from this country are simply divine. Other countries try to replicate them but they just can’t match the quality and flavor of Belgian chocolate. Some of the world’s best chocolate brands are made in Belgium, including Godiva, Neuhaus, Leonidas, Nirvana, Wittamer, Marcolini, and Luca. If you’re interested in learning more about this amazing food, check out some of these top-notch chocolate shops.

For a unique way to experience the unique flavors of Belgian chocolates, consider booking a food tour. Many of these tours include historical background and information about different Belgian foods. Chocolate tours, for example, include a four-hour chocolate tour of the city’s best boutiques. In addition to chocolate tasting, you’ll learn about the history of chocolate in Belgium and take part in a chocolate-making workshop with a master chocolatier. You’ll get to take home your creation, or simply enjoy it on the tour. https://tutdemy.com/

A traditional holiday treat in Belgium, speculoos is a delicious, thick cookie with a thin layer of caramel. It is traditionally baked for the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day, December 6th. Nowadays, it’s a staple of pastry shops in Belgium and throughout Europe. The dough for this cookie combines regular flour and egg with spices, such as nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and white pepper.

Waffles

During a trip to Belgium, you should try these top 25 foods. The Belgians tend to spend a lot of time in the morning preparing their breakfast. Sixty percent of them choose brunch, which is their version of a brunch. A typical Belgian breakfast consists of a tartine, which is an open sandwich made of butter, soft cheese, and vegetables seasoned with herbs. The French toast that is commonly served is another popular option. Many people go as far as to wake up early in the morning to buy freshly made bread rolls and croissants.

Waffles from Brussels and Liege are similar, but the Liege waffle has a more dense texture. It is more dense and chewy, while the Brussels waffle is lighter and crisper. Both kinds of waffles are commonly served with syrup, including honey, jam, or chocolate. Both of them can be found in street stalls and restaurants in Brussels.

Fry Shacks Fast Food

While eating in Belgium, you cannot miss a stop at one of the country’s famous friteries. Often called “fry shacks,” these food stands serve a variety of fries in cones and cans, and you’ll find many in every neighborhood. In fact, fries are considered such a staple in Belgian culture that 5% of Belgians never purchase them. And while you’re at it, try a frituur sandwich, called a “mitraillette.”

Known as fritkot in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, these greasy shacks can be found in public squares and on the side of major roads. The lingering odor of warm animal fat makes it difficult to resist eating a fritkot’s fries, and the locals will happily pay you for the smell. When you’re hungry or tipsy, a bite of fries will do the trick! https://linktr.ee/stevehacks

Rice Tart

Although Belgian cuisine doesn’t utilize rice heavily, it’s a key ingredient in the traditional Rijsttaart (also known as ‘tarte aux riz’ in French). These delicious desserts are made with a thick custard and a crust made of rice flour. They can be found in many varieties and are best enjoyed cold. Though their origins are unknown, they are thought to have been created in the town of Vervier, near Liege, during the 17th century.

Speculoos: A unique biscuit, speculoos is associated with the Belgian Saint Nicholas celebration. It is also popularly served with coffee in Belgian cafes. While it may not be an edible item in its traditional form, speculoos is a delicious treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner snack.

Liége Syrup

Liége Syrup is one of Belgium’s most popular foods. This thick, sticky jam is often served with bread and cheese. Because it is such a thick, sticky syrup, it can also be used in sauces and salad dressings. Its production process is a complex three-step one, which includes a continuous evaporation process. In addition, you’ll find the famous gingerbread-like cookies known as Speculoos.

Originally from the city of Verviers near Liege, this dish has been a staple in Belgian cuisine for over a century. Today, it’s often sold as a tiny tart or big pie at bakeries. Its rich, velvety texture comes from the combination of rice, milk, and evaporated fruit juices.

Waffles are another of Belgium’s traditional foods. While Brussels waffles are flat and flaky, Liege waffles are thick and richer. They are commonly served with a sugar and cinnamon mix. Waffles are eaten not only for breakfast, but as snacks and desserts as well. It is also delicious dipped in Liége Syrup, made from evaporated fruit juices.

Speculoos

Speculoos are a delicious spiced gingerbread shortcrust cookie, traditionally baked during the holiday season. They are also known as speculaas and windmill cookies, and are deliciously thin and perfect for dunking in hot drinks. If you haven’t tried one before, now is the perfect time to start!

The famous speculoos cookie is also known as a Speculaas spread, which was invented in Belgium. This sugary treat is widely enjoyed throughout Europe, and has even sparked a patent infringement lawsuit. In addition to the cookie, you’ll also want to try speculoos cheesecake and ice cream, two other Belgium delicacies.

Speculoos have a unique history, dating back to the mid-1600s. They were originally a secret food of the Low Countries, but they became world famous in the eighteenth century when the Biscoff cookies, made by Lotus Foods, became popular. Biscoff is sold in more than 40 countries and is a popular snack among both tourists and locals.

“Lard Balls” Dutch Doughnuts or Dutchies

In the Netherlands, the most popular dessert is the traditional oliebol or lard ball. They are also known as smoutebollen and olykoek, which means “round cake” deep-fried in rapeseed oil. The word oliebol is derived from the Dutch words “olie bollen” and “smout”, which mean lard. The Dutch are credited with being the first to make doughnuts.

Traditionally, meatballs were mixed with fish, but today they are often made from chicken. In fact, it is believed that the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V enjoyed them and was born in Ghent. In Flanders, croustillons are often served with cherries. The combination of sweet and salty is irresistible. And while croustillons are delicious, they aren’t the only type of Dutch food to include cherries.