You are in Brussels, the capital of Belgium! You are excited to try the delicious local food. But, you may ask yourself: What food should you eat in Brussels? Well, get ready to taste some truly unique and tasty dishes! Brussels is famous for several delicious foods that every visitor must try. From crispy fries to rich chocolates, from hearty stews to light and unctuous waffles. The options are endless. So, get ready for a flavorful adventure as we explore the must-try foods in this culinary hotspot!
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Most Famous Belgian Dishes
Brussels offers a plethora of traditional Belgian dishes that are sure to awaken your taste sensations. From savory stews to fresh seafood, you’ll find a rich tapestry of flavors awaiting your discovery.
Moules-Frites
Ah, the Belgian mussels, better known as Moules-Frites, are an absolute must-try! These famous mussels are typically cooked in white wine with parsley and onions or tomatoes and garlic, and they’re served with a side of golden, crispy fries.
This Belgian classic is not just about the mussels but also about enjoying some of the best fries you’ll ever taste! The mussels are cooked to perfection, plump and succulent, bathing in a delicious sauce that will make your mouth water.
And the fries? Oh, the fries are simply heavenly – perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, like little pillows of potato bliss!
Together, Moules-Frites create a match made in culinary heaven, a true taste of Belgian cuisine that will leave you craving more!
Carbonnade Flamande
The Carbonnade Flamande – now this is a real treat! It’s a heartwarming Flemish stew made with tender beef, slowly cooked in beer until it reaches a flavorful consistency.
This tradition-steeped dish has just the right amount touch of mustard or brown sugar, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
And that slightly sweet, slightly tangy sauce is simply to die for.
The Carbonnade Flamande is truly the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, a warm hug in a bowl that will have you savoring every single bite!
Balls (Balletjes)
The “Balls” or Balletjes are essentially Belgian meatballs, which are extremely popular in Brussels.
This delicious dish swims in a rich tomato sauce or lays beside stoemp, a mashed potato blend with veggies like carrots and onions. They’re made with a mix of beef and pork to give them extra flavor and moistness.
These delightful meatballs are generally served with a cherry sauce on the side – a mix that is cozy and very Belgian. That sauce, which tastes a little sweet and a little sour, goes well with the tasty meatballs and mashed vegetables.
Each bite is an explosion of delicious flavors in your mouth! This a dish you must try, especially if you are visiting Brussels in the winter or fall.
Filet Americain (steak tartare)
The Filet Americain – Belgium’s version of raw ground beef is another delicious local dish! It’s made of high-quality raw beef, which is chopped into small pieces and mixed with herbs, small salty berries called capers, onions, and raw egg yolk, either on top or inside.
It’s generally served with french fries or stuffed in a sandwich; it is a dish that brings freshness and strong flavors together in an uncooked delicacy.
Note that not everyone will appreciate this type of food due to the raw meat. For instance, I was persuaded that my husband and children would fall in love with this dish, but that wasn’t the case.
Filet Americain is like a heartier version of the Italian beef carpaccio dish – a true taste of Belgium’s love for simple, high-quality ingredients. If you like raw meat, you’ll find this dish very tasty.
Waterzooi
Last but not least, there’s Waterzooi – a creamy soup-like dish originating from Ghent. Featuring chicken or fish, leeks, potatoes, cream, and carrots, Waterzooi is a delicious dish that blends the heartiness of a stew with the lightness of a soup, making it a part of Belgian gastronomy.
The chunks of tender meat or fish float in a velvety broth infused with the sweetness of leeks and carrots. Each spoonful is a harmonious balance of flavors – rich yet delicate, savory yet subtly creamy.
Waterzooi may seem simple, but it’s a true testament to Belgium’s mastery of humble, rustic ingredients transformed into something special.
Most Tastiest Belgian Sweets
If you are a sweet lover, Brussels is the place to be, as it produces some of the best chocolates and waffles in the world. However, Belgium also has other lesser-known delicious gourmet dishes, which you’ll discover right below.
Belgian Chocolate
Belgium’s chocolate is well renowned for being among the finest in the world. So don’t miss tasting these delicious pralines!
When buying chocolates in Brussels, try to buy them from the most reputed brands like Godiva, Leonidas, and Neuhaus. You won’t be disappointed.
The artisanal chocolate shops offer innovative flavor combinations. From the velvety Manon blanc and praliné Gianduja to the fruity Fraise massepain and zesty Orangette, you have a plethora of choices.
You’ll also often see an array of chocolates like the classic Lingot vanilla and the decadent Noisette masquée lait and noir in various shapes and flavors. A real treasure!
Everyone I know, including me, visiting Brussels comes back home with a beautiful box of delicious Belgian pralines!
Waffles
When it comes to waffles, Belgium reigns supreme – a delicious tale of texture and variety. These sweet treats are a must-try!
There are several types of waffles in Belgium, but the most popular ones are the Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle.
The Brussels waffles are rectangular with square holes and an airy batter, often dusted with powdered sugar and topped with whipped cream. It’s light, crunchy and delicious.
The Liège waffles are made from dough with pearl sugar, creating caramel at the edges of the waffle when cooked, making it a real delight.
The aroma is irresistible; once you taste a Belgian waffle, trust me, you won’t get enough of it.
Just keep in mind that while heavenly, the Liège waffle can be a bit heavier after a big meal.
Most locals prefer eating these doughy gems simply enveloped in a crisp paper wrap with no toppings because it’s already sweet.
Tarte au Maton (mattentaart)
Another delicious Belgian dessert is the famous tarte au maton (Mattentaart in Dutch), hailing from the town of Geraardsbergen. This classic consists of a unique blend of curdled milk, eggs, and sugar, all nestled within a flaky puff pastry.
The result is a creamy tart that’s rich and mouthwatering, reflecting the depth of Belgium’s pastry tradition. Even after hundreds of years, the Tarte au Maton is still extremely popular in Belgium.
You’ll find this exquisite dessert in almost every bakery across the country. So you won’t have any problem finding it. Just ask the baker in French, “Pouvez vous me donnez une Tarte au Maton s’il vous plait?” In English, “Can you please give me a Maton Pie?”
Once you savor a bite of this regional specialty, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved part of Belgian dessert culture.
Cramique (kramiek in Dutch)
Meet the brioche-like loaf known as Cramique, or in Dutch, Kramiek. It’s a sweet bread filled with raisins. These breads are also made with pearl sugar and enriched with milk, eggs, and butter, resulting in a tender, indulgent crumb.
The plump raisins add bursts of fruity sweetness, while the crunchy pearls of caramelized sugar provide a soft texture that slowly melts in your mouth.
Once you sink your teeth into this traditional Belgian breakfast bread, you’ll understand why it’s so popular throughout Belgium and in neighboring countries like France, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Rice Pie (rijsttaart in Dutch)
You haven’t really experienced the warmth of Belgian home baking until you’ve had a slice of rijsttaart. This classic Belgian dessert is pure delight in every bite.
Small grains of rice are slowly cooked until creamy in a sweet mixture of milk, cream, and sugar. This luscious rice pudding filling gets nestled into a buttery, flaky pastry crust.
After the first forkful, you’ll be hooked. Each mouthful delivers a delightful balance of rich creaminess and homey sweetness. The rice pie is one of my favorite desserts. When I travel to Belgium, I always savor this iristable creamy pie.
Speculoos
No Belgian sweet treat list is complete without tasting the famous Speculoos. These delicious cookies have been bringing people together since the 17th century when Dutch traders introduced exotic spices to Europe.
They are made with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Crunchy, with a deep caramelized sweetness, you can just nibble them as a snack or use them in all sorts of Belgian desserts.
When visiting Brussels, you’ll often see speculoos in the windows of shops, especially near the Grand Place.
These delicious biscuits are also served alongside coffee or tea in most cafes and restaurants. So, you really can’t miss them!
Noteworthy Belgian Beverages
In Brussels, your culinary journey is not complete without sipping on some of Belgium’s most famous drinks. The nation’s love for superbly crafted beverages shines through in its world-renowned beers and the traditional spirit known as jenever.
Beer
If you’re a beer lover or just curious about brews, you’ll be well served in Belgium. It’s incredibly diverse, with over 1,000 different varieties to explore. Trust me, there’s something for everyone.
Now, if you really want to dive into the heart of Belgian beer culture, you must try a Lambic or a Kriek. Lambics are pretty special – they’re aged beers with a unique, tangy flavor that comes from a long fermentation process. They’ve got this old-world taste that you won’t find anywhere else.
Then there’s Kriek, which is a type of Lambic that’s fermented with sour Morello cherries. A deep red beer bursting with a mix of sweet and tart flavors. It’s really tasty!
Of course, we can’t talk about Belgian beers without mentioning the heavyweights like Stella Artois and Duvel. Stella Artois is your go-to for a crisp, refreshing taste – perfect for any occasion.
On the other hand, Duvel is bold and strong, packing a serious punch with its 8.5% alcohol content, which is quite a lot for a beer. So be careful with those brands as they are very strong.
Jenever
Jenever, sometimes referred to as ‘Dutch gin’, is a juniper-flavored spirit that is the precursor to gin. In Belgium, locals enjoy drinking this distilled spirit and often use it as the base for cocktails.
You’ll find jenever flavored with a variety of botanicals, ranging from berries to herbs, making each sip a new discovery.
Whether you’re cozying up in a traditional Belgian pub or enjoying a busy night out, these classic Belgian beverages are a must-try.
Savory Snacks and Street Foods
As you stroll through the little streets and avenues of Brussels, you’ll be drawn by the savourous odors of snack kiosks and shops that sell frites, croustillons, croquettes, and other food streets.
Frites
Belgian frites, or fries, are a must-try when you’re in Brussels. Unlike regular fries, these are twice-fried, making them exceptionally crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. Visit iconic friteries like Maison Antoine, where you can choose from an array of sauces to accompany your frites – mayonnaise being a classic choice.
Croquettes
Belgium is famous for its croquettes, especially the ones filled with grey shrimp, known as Grey Shrimp Croquettes. These are small, breaded cylinders packed with creamy shrimp goodness that’s deep-fried until golden. Savor them as a snack or enjoy them as part of a meal.
Croustillons (smoutebol in Dutch)
Croustillons, or smoutebol in Dutch, are delightful little morsels of fried dough coated with powdered sugar. They’re similar to doughnut holes and offer a sweet contrast to the savory snacks of Brussels. You’ll find these sugary treats at various markets and fairs in the city.
Where to Find the Best Belgian Waffles in Brussels?
If you’re looking for the best Belgian waffles in Brussels, you have plenty of excellent options. Maison Dandoy is a highly recommended historic bakery known for its delicious Brussels waffles. Belgaufre and Vitalgaufre are also popular choices for authentic Belgian waffles in the city center. You could also check out Waffle Factory or Le Roi des Gaufres for some excellent waffle options.
What Are the Most Famous Chocolate Shops in Brussels?
There are lots of chocolate shops in Brussels that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. Godiva and Leonidas are well-known Belgian chocolatiers with multiple locations around the city. Other excellent chocolate shops you should check out are Pierre Marcolini, Belvas, Wittamer, and Neuhaus – these are also extremely popular. My favorite ones are Leonidas and Godiva.
Where to Eat the Best Mussels in Brussels?
When it comes to the best moules-frites (mussels and fries) in Brussels, you really can’t go wrong with The Lobster House – their mussels are some of the most highly rated in the city. Le Rendez-vous des Artistes is another excellent choice for this classic Belgian dish. Other great options to try include Le Bistro, l’Ancien Bruxelles, Grimbergen Cafe, Noordzee Mer du Nord, and even the Michelin-star Arion Restaurant.
Where to Eat Tasty Belgian Fries in Brussels
Frites in Brussels are simply delicious, no matter where you buy them. However, places like Maison Antoine and Frit’ Flagey are renowned for serving up crispy, golden fries with a variety of delicious sauces. You can also find excellent frites at old-school establishments like Friterie de la Barrière or Chez Palma, which have been frying up this Belgian delicacy for decades.
Final Words!
That’s it! These are the main local foods that you’ll mostly find in Brussels. Some treats are from neighboring cities but have become an integral part of Brussels’s cuisine.
When it comes to food, there are a lot of delicious, sweaty, and salty dishes to choose from that will make your Brussels travel experience unforgettable.
And, if you don’t feel like eating local Brussels food, no problem; there are a plethora of Italian, Greek, Indian, and Chinese restaurants. Enjoy!
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Hello there
I like that your article offers a delightful exploration of Brussels’ culinary scene, from the famed waffles and chocolates to hearty local dishes like stoofvlees and moules-frites. The detailed recommendations and local insights are perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned food enthusiasts. The inclusion of specific eateries and market recommendations adds practical value to the guide. What other lesser-known local delicacies would you suggest trying in Brussels to get a truly authentic experience?
Hi Troy,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading about Brussels’ food scene. If you’re looking for some lesser-known local dishes, I’d definitely recommend trying stoemp, which is mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like carrots or leeks, often served with sausages or meatballs. Another unique dish I love is paling in ‘t groen – eel cooked in a green herb sauce made from parsley, sorrel, and watercress.
if you love sweets as I do, you should try cuberdons, also known as “neuzekes” (little noses), which are raspberry-flavored candies with a soft, jelly-like center. And if you’re into cheese, I highly suggest you try Brussels’ kaas, a tangy local cheese that’s great with beer or mustard.
I hope it helped!
Exploring Brussels through its culinary delights sounds like a fantastic adventure! I’m particularly excited to try the moules-frites and the Belgian waffles as recommended.
Have you tried these dishes yourself during your visits? Which one was your favorite? I’m always looking to add new experiences to my foodie bucket list and would love to hear your personal highlights!
Hi Davis,
Yes, I’ve had the pleasure of trying both moules-frites and Belgian waffles in Brussels many times. It’s difficult to compare them, as they have completely different tastes. Waffles are sweet, while mussels are salty. However, I have a penchant for Belgian waffles:)