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famous Belgian foods

Food lover? Or planning a trip to Belgium from the UK this winter. Make sure your taste buds are ready for an unforgettable Belgian gastronomy. Some famous Belgian foods always steal the spotlight in European cuisine, because the traditional and local dishes use different types of beer as an important ingredient. Due to this speciality, not only UK travellers but many global tourists visit the country every year. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for new flavours, Belgium is a delicious destination worth exploring.

Still thinking! Don’t think a lot, just apply for a Belgium visa from UK, and plan a food tour in the country. 

If you want to know more about these and some more famous Belgian foods, desserts and snacks, this Belgian cuisine travel guide covers all delicious Belgian foods with prices and best places to find. 

What makes famous Belgian foods so unique in Europe?

The famous Belgian foods such as Belgian waffles, waterzooi, Stoofvlees and many other dishes are unique in Europe because of high uses of locally-sourced ingredients and use of beer while cooking. Additionally, they are a blend of three countries’ cooking styles; France, Netherlands, and Germany

Did you know? 12 million waffles and 6000 tones Belgium chocolate are consumed monthly across Belgium 

What are the 7 must-try famous Belgian foods in Belgium for UK travelers?

1) Belgian Waffles 

famous Belgian foods

You can’t leave Belgium without trying its world-famous waffles. You can find waffles in other European countries but Belgian waffles are different in taste and shape. That’s why these famous Belgian foods are popular all over the world. You can find two main types of waffles in Belgium:

  • Brussels Waffle: Light, crisp, and rectangular, usually topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate sauce.
  • Liège Waffle: Denser, sweeter, and often eaten plain 

Best place to eat Waffles:

  • Chez Albert (Burges) 
  • Gaufres & waffles (Brussels)
  • Be Waffle ( Grand Palace)

Do you know? Liege waffles is an 18th century snack, when the prince-bishop in Belgium requested his chef to make a pearl pastry.    

2) Belgian Fries 

famous Belgian foods

Belgian fries are not just a snack. Here, they’re the main event and counted in famous Belgian foods. According to history they were eaten by the soldiers in the 2nd world war. The Belgian cook it with double fry style so these are crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside. They’re typically served in paper cones with a generous dollop of mayo or one of the many local sauces.

Best place to eat Belgian Fries

  • Maison Antoine (Brussels) 
  • Fritz Flagey ( Brussels)
  • Frites Atelier (Antwerp) 

Do you know? Maison Antoine shop has been offering fires since 1948 and even European Parliament members sneak a cone here. This shop offers 20+ sauces options with Belgian fries. 

3) Belgian Chocolate

Belgian-Chocolate

Chocolates and drinks are famous Belgian foods all over the world. From smooth pralines to rich truffles, the country takes its chocolate-making very seriously. Whether you’re buying from famous brands like Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, or trying a small artisan chocolatier, the quality is second to none. 

Best places to eat Belgian Chocolates:

  • Pierre Marcolini ( Brussels) 
  • Chocolateire Mary ( Brussels)
  • Passion Chocolat ( Brussels) 

Do you know? Brussels Airport sold 800 tons of chocolates each year. 

4) Stoofvlees 

famous Belgian foods

This is not just a dish, it is a part of Flemish culture in Belgium. And counted in top traditional Belgian dishes. The authentic taste of this hearty dish comes due to the slow-cooking process with dark Belgian beer ( Laffe Brune, Rochefort & Westmalle), onions, and herbs. It’s rich, warming, and usually served with fries and known as famous Belgian foods. 

Best palaces to eat Stoofvlees:

  • Le Pain Quotidien ( Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp)
  • De Vlaamsche Pot ( Bruges) 
  • Balls and Glory ( Ghent & Brussels)

Do you know? Belgians consume over 22,000 tons of beef stew every year. Additionally, it is one of the top 5 most ordered traditional dishes and famous Belgian foods. 

5) Waterzooi 

famous Belgian foods

Waterzooi is a local legend and one of the famous Belgian foods in Belgium. This has its origin in Ghent, is a creamy stew traditionally made with fish, but nowadays more often with chicken. It’s cooked with vegetables, egg yolks, cream, and herbs, perfect for a chilly Belgian day. This is counted in the best traditional Belgian dishes to try for UK travellers. 

  • De Graslei (Ghent)
  • De Gekroonde Hoofden
  • Bridge Restaurant

 Do you know? According to history it was the favourite dish of Emperor Chales V. Due to this, it became the signature comfort food of Ghent and a historic symbol of Belgian gastronomy.

6) Speculoos 

famous Belgian foods

Speculoos is a spiced shortcrust biscuit and one of the famous Belgian foods or snacks.  The reason for its spiciness is cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. During your food or city tour you will find it everywhere, served with coffee or turned into ice cream. This biscuit is originally baked for the St. Nicholas Day.

Best places to eat Speculoos:

  • Maison Dandoy ( Brussels) 
  • Pierre Marcolini ( Brussels, Ghent & Antwerp)
  • Biscuiterie Artisanale Vandererfven ( Bruges) 

Do you know? Speculoos have come in shape like saints, animals and festival scenes since the 17th century. 

7) Moules-Frites 

Moules-Frites

Moules-frites are one of Belgium’s most beloved national dishes and famous Belgium foods among travelers. The mussels are usually steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, and served in big black pots called marmites. You can try them in many flavours. 

Best places to eat Moules-Frites:

  • Chez Léon ( Brussels)
  • Noordzee ( Mer du Nord, Brussels)
  • Resturante De Mosselbeurs ( Bruges)

Do you know? This is the most consumed seafood and Belgians eat over 30,000 tons of mussels every year. 

Traditional Dishes Desserts Snacks 
Moules-FritesBelgian WafflesBelgian Fries (Frites)
Stoofvlees (Flemish Beef Stew)Chocolate PralinesBicky Burger
WaterzooiSpeculoosCuberdons (Neuzekes)

So these are the must-try Belgian desserts and snacks during your country trip. As a UK resident do not forget to apply for a Belgium visa. To avoid all types of visa hassle just apply at BELGIUM VISA AGENTS. Our visa experts book your express Belgium visa appointment from UK. Additionally, they guide you filling the visa application form starting to submission.  

What is the best way to reach Belgium from the UK?

You can reach Belgium by three ways; flight, train and bus. It depends on your requirements and priority which one you prefer. Here is a table with cost and time taken, you can choose the best suit according to your traveling style.

Transport Type Taken Time Approx. fare Benefits 
Flight 1 hour 15 min €67Fastest way 
Train 1-2 hours €78–€88Comfortable 
Bus 8-9 hours €17–€36budget -friendly 

By comparison, flight is the most convenient way to get Belgium from the UK on time and comfortably. So book your plane ticket, apply for Belgium visa online at BELGIUM VISA AGENTS, for a hassle-free visa visa experience and plan your country trip on the intended date. 

Must Read: Essential Travel Tips Visa Requirements for Visiting Belgium

Conclusion

Ultimately, this famous Belgium foods guide is the answer to your question about what to eat in Belgium during a country trip. Belgian cuisine is a blend of French finesse and simple German flavors. Which gives a unique taste of three different countries. Whether you’re strolling in the streets of Bruges, or enjoying a quiet corner café in Ghent, you will find tasty Belgian waffles, Mulses frites, creamy waterzooi and silky chocolates in every corner of the country. These popular Belgian dishes for tourists are an open invitation to all UK travelers. 

So, do not wait, just apply for a Belgium tourist visa from UK, and be ready to taste the most delicious food in Belgium.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are some famous Belgian foods vegetarian-friendly?

While many traditional dishes are meat-heavy, most restaurants now offer vegetarian options, especially in bigger cities. So, if you are trying then try in popular cities such as Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. 

What are some famous drinks in Belgium?

Yes, many places cater to dietary needs, just inform your server. Gluten-free waffles and beer are even available in some cities.

What are some traditional famous Belgium foods to try during winter?

Stoofvlees ( Flemish beef stew), Waterzooi, Chicons au Gratin, Vol-au-Vent, Vegetable and lentil soups with Crusty Bread, and Belgian Hot Chocolates are some traditional famous Belgium foods to try during winters.

What must try Belgian desserts in Bruges for UK travelers?

Belgian waffles, Speculoos treats, Pralines (Belgian Chocolates), Cuberdons, Apple Tart, Warm Fruits Pies, and Chocolate Mousse are the must try Belgian desserts in Bruges for UK travelers. 

Where can I apply for an express Belgium visa appointment from UK with trust and reliability?

At BELGIUM VISA AGENTS, a reputed and growing visa agency in the UK, you can apply for a Belgium visa from UK. The visa experts here assist you in filling the visa application form and book your express Belgium visa appointment from UK with the first available slot in 24-48 hours.

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