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Belgium famous for

When you think of the Belgium, what comes to mind? It must certainly be the golden, crispy waffles topped with the whipped cream and the fresh strawberries. But, wait a minute, it could be the historic charm of the cities like the Bruges and the Brussels. However, what many people might know is that Belgium famous for the lip-smacking Belgian beer too. Then, there are the decadent, silk chocolates that have earned their place in the global gourmet culture.

It is true that the Belgium is a small country. But, it has a big reputation, thanks to some wonderful attractions, experiences and foods/drinks that Belgium is famed for. In this guide, you will get to learn about what are all the amazing things, Belgium is famous for!

Quick Summary – Belgium is an enthralling destination that is famous for the mouth-watering waffles, lip-smacking beer and the decadent chocolates. Its historic cities like the Brussels, Bruges and Ghent offer a mix of the medieval charm and the modern culture. Renowned for its festivals, lace-making and the diamond trade, Belgium is a must-visit for the travelers.

What is Belgium Famous for in the World?

Belgium is known for a variety of things that make it interestingly unique and unforgettable. Below, we explore each aspect in detail – from the mouthwatering waffles to the incredible festivals!

1). Relish the Irresistible Waffles of Belgium

Belgium famous for

The Belgian waffles are perhaps one of the best foods Belgium is famous for. However, an interesting thing that you might not be aware of is, the waffles come in two primary varieties. These are the Brussels Waffles and the Liège Waffles.

  1. Brussels Waffles – They are light, airy and rectangular. You will also notice that they have deep pockets. These are perfect for holding the toppings like whipped cream, syrup and fruit.
  2. Liège Waffles – These waffles are usually hard and denser. However, they are sweeter and round. What separates them from the Brussels waffles is the caramelized sugar pearls. These are baked into the dough for an extra crunch.

The origins of the Belgian waffles date back to the Middle Ages. They were originally made as a simple batter cooked between two metal plates. Over time, the waffles evolved and became a symbol of the Belgian culinary excellence.

Where to find the Best Waffles in Belgium?

If you are looking for the iconic Belgian waffles, then you need to visit the following places:

i). Maison Dandoy (Brussels) – Established in the 1829, this place serves the authentic waffles using the traditional recipes.

ii). House of Waffles (Bruges) – Renowned for the fresh made-to-order waffles which combine the tradition with the creativity.

iii). Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette (Liège) – Celebrated for the artisanal Liège waffles that feature a balance of the sweet, chewiness and the caramelization!

Interesting fact – The first recorded waffle recipe dates back to the year 1390!

2). Explore the Belgium’s Charming Cities

Belgium famous for

The cities of Belgium are a fusion of the medieval charm and the modern sophistication. Each city of the country offers a unique experience – from the cobblestone streets to the breathtaking architecture.

a). Brussels

As the capital of the Belgium and the European Union (De Facto), Brussels is a must-visit city. The Grand Place which is one of the UNESCO sites in Belgium, is also regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. This is due to its ornate guildhalls and the majestic Town Hall. Also, do not forget to check out the Atomium which is a futuristic structure. Apart from this, explore other attractions like the Manneken Pis, and the St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral.

b). Bruges

When you visit the Bruges for the very first time, you will feel like it is a fairy-tale city straight out of a storybook. It is often called as the “Venice of the North”. This is because of the beautiful picturesque canals coupled with the medieval buildings and the cobblestone streets. All of these combine to make the Bruges one of the most romantic destinations in the Europe. Do not miss out on some of the key attractions like the Historic Centre, The Markt, Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady. So, when are you applying online Belgium Tourist Visa? Belgium awaits your arrival!

c). Ghent

One of the hidden gems of the Belgium, Ghent offers a wonderful mix of the history, culture and the nightlife. Want to get transported back in time? Visit the Gravensteen Castle in the heart of the Ghent. Then there is the Gothic Saint Bavo’s Cathedral which houses the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”). Apart from these, you should explore the Saint Michel’s photogenic arched stone bridge and the historic Graslei & Korenlei Quays!

Thinking “Why is Belgium Popular with Tourists”? These spell-binding destinations are one of the major reasons!

3). Savour World-Class Belgian Beer!

Belgium famous for

What is the Belgium’s Beer Culture All About?

The beer culture of the Belgium is a deeply rooted and vibrant tradition that plays a significant role in the social life, identity and gastronomy of the country. It was so significant that it was recognized as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2016. With close to 1500+ varieties of Beer, the brewing tradition of the Belgium is one of the richest and most diverse in the world.

What are the Must-Try Beers that Belgium is Famous For?

Belgium is home to the trappiest beers, which are brewed by monks in the monasteries. The most famous amongst them is the Westvleteren 12. It is often considered as the best beer in the world. Other popular beer styles include the:

  • Lambic – It is a sour beer made with the help of spontaneous fermentation.
  • Witbier – Relish the light, cloudy wheat beer flavored with the coriander and the orange peel.
  • Dubbel and Triple – These are strong and dark ales boasting a rich flavor profile.

Want a sophisticated beer experience? Try pairing beers with dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolates. Together, these are some of the must-try Belgian beers and chocolates!

Which Famous Belgian Beer Festivals Should I Attend?

  • Belgian Beer Weekend (Brussels) – The Grand Place of the Brussels into an extensive open-air bar featuring 500 beers and more than 50 breweries. The festival usually takes place in the September.
  • Bruges Beer Festival (Bruges) ­– Gathers 50 breweries and showcases close to 350 beers. These include the legendary Trappist and the regional specialties. This festival is held in the month of September.
  • Zythos Beer Festival (Leuven) – Takes place in April and is recognized as the largest Beer Festival of the Belgium. Witness 100+ breweries and an unparalleled range of the classic and craft beer varieties!

4). Indulge in the Decadent Chocolates of Belgium

Belgium famous for

Belgium is a paradise for the chocolate lovers. Its chocolates are renowned for their quality, flavour and the craftsmanship.

Why is Belgian Chocolate Famous?

Belgium has been producing chocolate since the 17th century. One of the primary reasons for the fame of the Belgian chocolates are the chocolatiers. They adhere to the strict standards to ensure that only excellent chocolates are produced. The Belgian chocolates are made with the high-quality cocoa. That is why they are known for their smooth and the creamy texture.

Together, the Belgian Chocolate and Waffles are some of the most iconic delights that you should try when visiting the Belgium!

Who are the Famous Belgian Chocolatiers?

a). Neuhans – Founded in the year 1857, Neuhans invented the Belgian praline (filled chocolate). They source 25% of the chocolate from their own farms and export chocolates to 50+ countries!

Must-try chocolates – Coeur Praliné and assorted pralines

b). Godiva – Established in the 1926 and is famous for the luxury pralines. The chocolates have a distinct flavour profile due to African & South American cacao. They have stores in 100+ countries and are a symbol of Belgian luxury!

Must-try chocolates – Lavish chocolate truffles and gold-wrapped collections

c). Leonidas – Leonidas Kestekides fell in love with Belgium’s chocolate tradition and founded the establishment in 1903. They are famous for high-quality, fresh yet affordable chocolates with 1,300 retail outlets in 40 countries.

Must-try chocolates – Manon café” (coffee cream with whole hazelnut) and chocolate bars made from 100% pure cocoa butter.

5). Festivals and Cultural Events in Belgium

Belgium famous for

Belgium is quite renowned for its vibrant festivals. Many of these tend to attract tens of thousands of people from across the world!

What are the Popular Belgium Festivals You Must Visit?

a). Tomorrowland (Boom)

Step into the largest electronic dance music festival of the world which attracts close to the 400,000 visitors each year. The EDM extravaganza is famous for the elaborate stage designs, the top-tier international DJs and the immersive ambience.

b). Gentse Feesteen (Ghent)

It is a massive 10-day cultural festival boasting over 1,500 events. These comprise the music, theatre and the street performances. This is why more than 2 million people attend the festival each year. Here, you get to experience the vibrant celebration of the art, culture and the community. Simply apply for Belgium visa from UK to take part in such iconic festivals of the Belgium with your loved ones!

c). Rock Werchter (Werchter)

This is one of the biggest and most prestigious rock and pop festivals. It hosts close to 88,000 attendees daily. The festival features the legendary international acts and the diverse music genres. These help make the event a cornerstone of the live music scene of Belgium.

d). Carnival of Binche (Binche)

It is a UNESCO-recognized traditional carnival which dates back to the 14th century. The event is famous for the colorful costumes, Gilles dancers and the lively parades. It authentically embodies the Belgian folklore and history, thereby offering a cultural experience for the visitors.

6). What are the Other Top Things Belgium is Known For?

a). Fries

Belgian fries which locals call as the frieten (Flemish) or frites (French) are a cultural and the culinary icon. Despite being called the French Fries, the origin and the true tradition belongs to the Belgium. They are commonly sold in the small shops called the friteries or fritkots and served in the paper cones. The tradition of frying the potatoes dates back to the late 1600s in the Meuse Valley region!

b). Tintin and Comics

Belgium is the birthplace of Georges Remi (Hergé), the creator of Tintin. The Adventures of Tintin series began in the year 1929 and has sold 200+ million copies worldwide. Tintin is a young Belgian reporter known for his adventurous spirit and the iconic dog snowy. Belgium also boasts a rich comic tradition with many other iconic characters and the artists. The country is also home to a Comic museum in the Brussels!

c). Diamonds

Belgium houses the “Diamond Capital of the World” – Antwerp. It is one of the famous Belgian products that you must check out. The diamond trade history of the Belgium dates back to nearly 500 years. In fact, 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through the diamond district of the Antwerp. Antwerp is famed for its superior cutting craftsmanship and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) coordinates the diamond trading globally.

d). Lace

Lace-making is another interesting thing that Belgium famous for. It is a centuries-old tradition which dates back to the 16th century. It has a significant influence from the Italian and the Spanish lace techniques. The cities of Bruges and the Brussels are the primary centers for this craft. The Belgian lace is prized for its intricate designs and the quality. It is preserved today thanks to the artisans who maintain the traditional weaving methods without the mechanization!

Conclusion

Belgium is a country of the endless delights. From the culinary masterpieces like the waffles and the chocolate to the historic cities and the delightful festivals, there are a lot of things that Belgium famous for. This is why many millions of people visit the Belgium each year to experience these wonderful attractions.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Belgium is globally renowned for its waffles, beer, and the chocolates. Each culinary delight is crafted with the unique traditions and the standards which are high-quality.
  • The country houses the historic cities such as the Brussels, the Bruges and the Ghent. These offer the medieval charm, breathtaking architecture and the iconic landmarks.
  • The Belgium beer culture with the 1500+ varieties is recognized as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and celebrated through the major beer festivals.
  • Belgium’s cultural heritage thrives in the festivals, lace-making, diamond craftsmanship and the comic too.

FAQs

What is Belgium Famous for?

Belgium is famous for its delicious waffles, the world-renowned chocolates and the diverse yet historic beer culture. Apart from this, you can check out the famed Belgium cities like Brussels and Bruges or relish the unique culinary treats like frites. Together, these shape the rich cultural and gastronomic identity of the Belgium across the world !

What makes Belgian chocolates special?

The Belgian chocolates are celebrated for the high-quality ingredients, mastery in the craftsmanship and the invention of the praline. The famous chocolatiers like the Neuhaus, Godiva and Leonidas helped elevate the Belgian chocolate to a luxury art form which is enjoyed worldwide.

What are some must-try Belgian beers?

The must-try Belgian beers include the Trappists like the Chimay and Westmalle. In addition to this, you can try out the strong ales such as the Quadrupel, fruity Lambics, and the Abbey beers. Each beer style offers the unique flavours and is best enjoyed in its signature glassware!

What are the famous Belgium cities that I should visit?

Belgium is home to some of the iconic cities in the Europe like the Brussels, Bruges and the Ghent. Apart from these, you can check out the Antwerp and the Liège. These destinations stand out for their gorgeous medieval architecture and the vibrant cultural experiences. In addition to this, you get to indulge the top-notch culinary delights.

What other foods is Belgium famous for besides waffles, chocolates and beer?

Belgium is also famous fries (frites), stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and the hearty dishes like the carbonnade flamande (beef stew) and the moules-frites(mussels with fries). 

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