National cuisine of Belgium for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

Belgian traditional cuisine was significantly influenced by the cuisines of Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Everyone must have heard about the magnificent Belgian chocolate, as well as the wonderful waffles and beer. Nevertheless, there are lots of dishes in the national cuisine that are also tasty and worth trying by everyone at least once in their life. Popular dishes in Belgium vary from region to region, but the basis of Belgian dishes customarily consists of asparagus, bread, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, chicken and rabbit meat, and when it comes to seafood, they prefer such an exotic dish as sea snails. According to some reports, everyone’s favorite potato fries originated precisely from Belgium. Belgians prefer ketchup to mayonnaise. Portions of dishes here are always large and satisfying.

Shopping in Belgium - best shopping places, what to buy?

As in any other European country, there are many shops, markets, shopping centers and boutiques in Belgium. Guests of the country will easily get into …
Read further

Meat of periwinkle can be bought from street vendors in Belgium. Another popular meal from seafood is shrimps. They are often eaten with a few glasses of beer. They are usually filled with tomatoes or added to vegetable salads, mixed with mayonnaise. There is also the tender eel meat, stewed in herbs, which is eaten hot. The unusual combination of meatballs and cherries will delight any gourmet: meatballs are served in cherry sauce, with whole seedless cherries. In Belgium, residents also love meat rolls, boiled or roasted rabbit meat, chicken soup, and beef stew. Let us not forget to mention the Belgian cheeses, which are great in both number and variety. They differ from each other in tastes, hardness, as well as in the method of preparation. Sheep, Cow, Goat and Buffalo Milk are used in the preparation of these cheeses. However different, they all possess a characteristic excellent quality.

Although Belgian cuisine is not vegetarian, as it is almost entirely made of meat and seafood, the locals eat quite a lot of vegetables. Asparagus, especially the white one, is very popular in Belgium. White asparagus has a more delicate flavor. When boiled, it is added to many dishes, especially those that contain eggs or salmon, making the food even more satisfying. Sometimes white asparagus is added even in desserts, for example, in ice cream. The Belgians love “Stoemp”; mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, leeks are added to meat dishes, while fruits can be found in many desserts. Potato soup is also quite popular. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Most romantic hotels in Belgium

The best hideaways for couples in love, as well as top hotels for wedding and honeymoon.
Read further

Belgians often eat sweet bread for breakfast, sometimes replacing it with raisin bread. Chocolates made in Belgium are known all over the world for their high quality. You will find here, tiles of white, dark and milk chocolate with raisins, orange, mint, nuts, rum, cookies, caramel; sets of chocolate sweets in the form of hearts, shells with various fillings and milk and coffee flavor; praline, hot chocolate. Belgium can therefore without exaggeration be called a chocolate country. Waffles are eaten with caramel, ice cream, vanilla, whipped cream, or fruit, sometimes without supplement. They are used as a dessert and as a snack.

In the middle of the day, many Belgians like to drink beer, and at dinner, it is common to drink some traditional strong Genever. With regards to soft drinks, residents of Belgium drink tea, coffee, soda, juices, milk, and milkshakes. On holidays in the country, special donuts are eaten, which are called “Oliebollen”. During the winter holidays, these sweets with powdered sugar on top are sold at every corner. At Christmas, they eat goose, turkey or lamb, mussels, apples, peaches, and cherries, as well as a variety of sweets bought at the Christmas market. The cake roll “Yule log” is an absolute must-have on any table.

Most original hotels of Belgium

Belgium is not the most popular country for tourism. However, there are wonderful hotels and motels here, some of which are unusual and unique. The …
Read further

The table etiquettes in Belgium are not much different from the rules of dining etiquette in other European countries. It is customary to hold your hands on the table, avoiding putting your elbows on it. Putting your hands on your knees is considered inappropriate. Guests do not have to choose places at the table on their own as they will be seated by the host. More often, the spouses are seated separately. All food on a plate must be eaten. Alcohol offered by the host should be accepted. In a cafe or restaurant, waiters are called either with a raised hand or an eye contact, snapping of the fingers and screaming is considered uncultured. You cannot use a toothpick being at the table. For this, you need to retire to the bathroom having apologized. And of course, you cannot get into your mouth with your fingers, pick your teeth with a knife or fork.

Tourists wishing to visit Belgian catering places are advised to go to the bakery in Brussels, “Charli”, which has been pleasing visitors wonderfully for almost ten years with superb coffee and remarkably fresh pastries. All this you can enjoy on a neat table, and in a relaxed atmosphere. The metropolitan “Cafe Velvet” is famous for Colombian coffee, milkshakes, sweet cakes, and excellent service. In Bruges, there is a traditional Belgian cuisine restaurant “Belgian Pigeon House”. It consists of a bar and a small underground restaurant. Meals here are served like real Belgian portions, so it is best to come here on an empty stomach.

This article about national cuisine of Belgium is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

Belgium guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Belgium

Reference information

Map of all Michelin restaurants

Michelin-starred restaurants in Belgium
♥ Restaurant '’t Apertje' Sint-Kruis . Type - Traditional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Blauwers Huys' Poperinge. Type - Market cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Duvelke' Wolvertem. Type - Traditional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Fornuis' Antwerpen. Type - Creative French|Classic cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Ganzennest' Herentals. Type - Classic cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Grof Zout' Geraardsbergen. Type - Modern cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Hazeveld' Ardooie. Type - Traditional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Hof van Vivenkapelle' Damme. Type - Modern French. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Hooghuys' Eernegem. Type - Modern French. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Jong Gerecht' Brugge. Type - Creative French. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Kantientje' Ramskapelle. Type - Traditional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ Restaurant '’t Kleine Fornuis' Hasselt. Type - Classic cuisine. On the map Show on the map

Photos

Cuisine and restaurants in popular cities of Belgium

Brussels

Of course, we simply cannot fail to mention Brussels sprouts - local chefs prepare it in all possible ways. However, these dishes are considered the prerogative of the tourists; local people prefer to order baked chicory, asparagus and parsnips as vegetable garnishes. The Belgians are also known as big fans of meat dishes. Elite restaurants of the city offer to visitors such dishes as rabbit with honey sauce, pheasant medallions, and baked berry sauce pork. Among the traditional dishes of the … Read more

Brugge

Thus, De Garre pub offers visitors to choose from as much as one hundred types of beer. It has its own brewery, which produces an exclusive brand of beer called Triple de Garre. Brugs Beertje pub is famous for its everlasting funny and relaxed atmosphere. In addition to beer you will always find here excellent meals. Perhaps, Vlissinghe tavern is the oldest institution of this kind in Bruges. It was opened in 1515. Here guests will be offered to try national cuisine in its classic version. Of … Read more

Antwerpen

If you visit this city during warm months, you should definitely visit Pottenbrug restaurant, which tables are located on the outdoor terrace. Here visitors will find popular dishes from Belgian and French cuisine. Italian restaurant Spaghettiworld offers to its visitors approximately twenty types of spaghetti. Besides the huge menu, the restaurant’s moderate prices have made this place truly popular. The main visitors of this place are tourists and students. La Riva Restaurant is the most … Read more

Oostende

The Le Grillon restaurant specializes in French cuisine treats. Its guests will discover not only a wide choice of dainty dishes on the menu of the eating house but an attractive pricing policy. A dinner of three courses will cost about 30 Euro and the quality of the meal will be the highest. Among house specialities the Le Grillon restaurant offers roast conger eel under pungent sauce accompanied with potato crisps. A glass of favorite French wine will be a perfect addition to any meal. The De … Read more

Gent

Meat lovers should definitely try Flemish chop, in the preparation of which are also used numerous types of vegetables and spices. The dish is usually served with crispy fresh bread. An omelet with mushrooms is one of the favorite dishes of the locals. This meal is a great start of a day. Mushrooms are also widely used in local cooking. They can be added literally to all dishes - meat, vegetables, salads and pastries. For lunch you should definitely order a soup with mushrooms, which is also … Read more

Spa

First courses play an important role in local cooking. An interesting fact is that soups, in general, are not very diverse here. But it is customary to eat them at least once in two or three days. Thick soups with creamy consistency prevail in the menu of most restaurants. But you can also find a traditional first course with peas, for example. There are also a lot of lean vegetable soups with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and mushrooms. You can order meat soup with chicken or … Read more

Liege

Gastronomy thrill seekers and just fans of exotic dishes should order Herve soup which features ultimate taste and flavor. The fans of stiff drinks will love the Péquet potion which is produced by one of the local factories. The most favorite among refreshing drinks is apple wine, keeping the leadership for many years. Sweets lovers will like the wafers from local producers which one can buy in almost every café or cake shop. The most popular wafer sort is considered to be “lackmans” – … Read more

Kortrijk

In The Great Wall restaurant you can taste Asian cuisine. This restaurant is especially praised by fans of meat meals; regular customers prefer to order kebab with vegetables and aromatic wines. The Great Wall restaurant closes quite early, at 11:00 pm, but it serves visitors from the early morning. Those, who are accustomed to rest in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, enjoy the Bistro Balthazar restaurant. You can order national dishes at the most attractive prices there; the restaurant is a … Read more

National cuisine of Belgium for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Belgium

Sights of Belgium - photostream

Cuisine and restaurants in popular cities of Belgium

Map of Belgium cities with popular restaurants