There’s a lot to like about Belgium, but few of us really know what all the local specialties are. In this article, we’ll give you the low-down on some of the most popular Belgian foods, including Waffles, Chocolates, and Fries. We’ll also give you some tips for traveling to Belgium. And, of course, we’ll talk about how to have a delicious meal when you’re there!
Belgian Fries
A staple of Belgian cuisine, Belgian fries are an iconic part of the country’s cultural heritage. They are fried twice, so that the fries turn crispy on the outside, while soft on the inside. The fries are served with a selection of sauces and dipping ketchups, including Belgian onion dip, which is actually a blend of mayo and sour cream.
The origin of Belgian fries is thought to be in the Meuse region of Belgium, where the poor people depended on fish to survive. By cutting potatoes into fish shapes and frying them, the food was used as a substitute for fish. In the end, the name “frites” came about by American servicemen arriving in Belgium at the end of World War I.
Moules Frites are a classic Belgian dish and are widely available at cafes and restaurants. Every year, Belgians consume about three kilograms of Moules Frites. Moules Frites come in many variations: ‘Mouses Natures’ is a traditional preparation that involves steaming the mussels with vegetables. ‘Mousels a la Creme’ uses flour, cream, or beer to cook the mussels.
Belgian Chocolates
The spherical chocolates known as truffles are among the most famous creations of Belgium. Truffles are spherical balls made of chocolate with a cocoa or chocolate ganache center. They are typically topped with caramel or other sweet filling. Other types of chocolates include pralines, which have a ganache filling and a sweet chocolate casing. https://stevehacks.com/
The country is famous for several dishes, including mussels, which are large and delicious. In addition to mussels, Belgium is the land of chocolate. The country is home to over 2,000 chocolate makers, some of which export their creations while others sell their products only in-person. Since 1635, Belgium has been associated with chocolate. The chocolate industry in Belgium has grown to the point where it is the world’s second largest exporter of beer. In fact, the country has become synonymous with chocolate. The chocolate industry in Belgium has evolved so much, that it is now responsible for creating the iconic chocolate bar.
The process of making Belgian chocolate is incredibly complex and takes a lot of work. King Leopold II acquired the Congo Free State in 1885, providing an unlimited source of African cocoa. This unique cocoa source resulted in the production of Belgian chocolate, which is famous for its rich flavour and cocoa content. Belgian chocolates have high cocoa content and are made from pure cocoa butter and solids. Today, however, a European directive allowed manufacturers to replace up to 5% of cocoa butter with vegetable fat, and the process was streamlined.
Waffles
A trip to Belgium is not complete without trying the delicious Belgian food! These foods are not only delicious but also incredibly traditional. Besides waffles, they also play a huge part in Belgian culture, as they are heavily influenced by Dutch culture. For example, Wallonian cuisine is very similar to French cuisine, using rich sauces and heavy cream in their cooking.
One of the famous local foods is the waffle, which is one of the 25 things that every food lover should try in Belgium. Unlike American waffles, Belgian waffles are chewier, sweeter, and more dense. They can also be served plain or with flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. In Belgium, you can find rectangular and round waffles, but the latter have more sugar crystals and are generally sweeter. You can buy these delicious treats everywhere, and they are not as popular in the U.S. as they are in Belgium!
Another popular food in Belgium is mussels. Mussels are commonly cooked in white wine, cream, or other flavorful liquids, and served with a cone-shaped plate. Moules are best eaten with fries, which are also often served alongside them. And while they’re served with fries, it’s customary to dip them in leftover sauce, so be sure to save some for leftovers.
Fry Shacks Fast Food
You can find Fry Shacks in every neighborhood. The fries are not thick – only one cm thick – and are served in paper cones. Served with mayonnaise, they are a must-try food while visiting Belgium. Approximately 5% of Belgians never buy fries. There are also museums dedicated to the potato history, including the famous Fritesmuseum, which you can visit in Bruges.
In the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, these shacks are referred to as “fritkot.” They are small, grease-covered food stalls. You’ll find them in public squares, major roads, and even small rural villages. They are a tempting sight to behold – the smell of warm, meaty fat makes them irresistible to tipsy and hungry travelers alike. https://www.instapaper.com/p/9721133
Rice Tart
The Belgian rice tart, otherwise known as Rijsttaart, is a delectable, rich dessert. This rice-based pudding is baked in a flaky pie crust and served cold. This dish is a classic favorite of locals and is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of Belgian coffee.
A must-try in Belgium is the Rice Tart, a delicious treat made from yeast. It comes from the Antwerp province and is one of the oldest baked goods in Belgium. It’s the perfect dessert for a romantic date with your significant other. It’s also delicious served cold with a cup of coffee.
Another must-try in Belgium is waterzooi, a thick and creamy soup. It’s made from egg yolk and topped with butter and a thick vegetable broth. You can enjoy it as a breakfast or as a dessert with a glass of Belgian beer. There are many variations of this classic treat, but all of them are worth a try.
Liége Syrup
The sticky sweet syrup known as Liége Syrup is a staple of Belgian cuisine and is a perfect accompaniment to baguettes and cheese. This syrup is produced through a three-stage process, and its thick consistency lends itself to marinades and salad dressings. Speculoos, a type of gingerbread-like cookie, is another staple of Belgian cuisine.
Traditionally, the people of Liege enjoy snacking in the afternoon between lunch and dinner. In fact, you can find frites almost everywhere in Belgium, from street stalls to restaurant kitchens. They are served hot and piping-hot, and seasoned with mayonnaise and salt. You can also choose to purchase various sauces to accompany them.
Another must-try is waterzooi, a rich soup made with potatoes and vegetables. The base is usually made with an egg yolk, cream, or butter and a thick vegetable broth. It is delicious and makes a great snack. It also goes great with Belgian cheese and sausages. Liége Syrup is one of 25 BELGIUM FOOD THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO EAT & DRINK
Speculoos
Speculoos are an iconic Belgian cookie that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Often referred to as “Dutch Windmill Cookies,” they are also popular throughout Europe. In Belgium, they’re traditionally baked for the holidays and are often served with a cup of coffee. Here are five of the best speculoos recipes:
Speculoos, a cookie from Belgium, get their name from the Latin word “speculum,” meaning “mirror.” The original version of a speculum was baked into a wooden mold that reflected the shape of the dough, which made it appear like a mirror. Speculoos are still made in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and antique speculum molds are available on the Internet.
Speculoos are short, spiced cookies made during St. Nicholas’ Day. They’re usually spiced, and have at least 10 different spices. Speculaaskruiden, a spice that resembles nutmeg, is a popular addition to the classic Belgian treat. However, German speculoos are less spiced and less pastry-like.
“Lard Balls” Dutch Doughnuts or Dutchies
These little balls of lard are popular in the Netherlands, where they’re also known as “Dutchies” or “oliebollen.” They’re usually made with lard, rapeseed oil, or both. Although they’re not actually doughnuts, they are incredibly popular. In fact, Dutchies are considered the first doughnuts, and the Dutch are often credited with the creation of them.
Although originally made from fish, they’re also made with chicken and beef. Meatballs are said to have been the favorite meal of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who was born in Ghent. They’re also delicious served with cherries. The Dutch don’t take their food lightly – they’re proud of it! In fact, some of their traditional dishes are actually more complicated than the average Dutch doughnut.
The history of “Lard Balls” isn’t completely clear. Legend has it that Germanic tribes in the Netherlands were visited by evil spirits, or Perchta, who were on a hunt for food. The fat found in Olie Bollen prevented the spirits from cutting open their stomachs, since the people were fasting for the winter. Despite this story, the food became popular for Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Eve.