A guide for anyone who wants to discover Belgian food

When people think of Belgium, they think of warmth, comfort, cosiness and rich flavours passed down through generations. The Belgian cuisine is a blend of tradition, regional influences and pure comfort food. From waffles to stews, from chocolate to mussels – if you’re looking for typical Belgian food or the most beloved Flemish classics, this is your ultimate guide.

Whether you’re visiting Bruges, exploring Ghent or strolling through Brussels near the Grand Place, you’ll come across Belgian specialties everywhere. These are the dishes you should try at least once in your life, along with a few tips on where to experience them.

1. Brussels and Liège waffles

You simply cannot talk about typical Belgian dishes without mentioning waffles. The light and airy Brussels waffle and the sweet, dense Liège waffle are two absolute icons of Belgian food.

Most people know the smell from the streets of Brussels or Bruges, yet few realise how different these two varieties really are. Our article explaining the difference between Brussels and Liège waffles breaks it down in a simple way.

If you want to combine eating in Belgium with a fun experience, you can learn how to bake waffles yourself. Our waffle workshops in Bruges, Ghent and Brussels let you discover the Belgian cuisine in an interactive way. You’ll also learn why waffles pair surprisingly well with Belgian beers.

2. Belgian chocolate and pralines

Pralines are one of the world’s most famous Belgian specialties. Their fine texture, thin chocolate shell and creative fillings make pralines true culinary artwork.

During our Chocolate ’n Beer workshop, you’ll discover what makes Belgian chocolate so special and how beautifully it pairs with Belgian beers. It’s the perfect activity for anyone who wants to experience Belgian food rather than simply taste it.

3. Belgian fries and frikandellen

Fries are the cornerstone of the Belgian kitchen. When people think of Belgian food, they think of fries. Traditionally double-fried, they stay soft on the inside and crisp on the outside.

In any Belgian fry shop, a frikandel special, a scoop of beef stew sauce or a cheesecroquette on the side is more or less expected. It’s a typical Belgian food moment that you have to experience at least once if you want to discover real food in Belgium.

4. Stoverij (Flemish stew)

Stoverij is one of the true Flemish classics. This stew is made with beef that slowly cooks in dark beer and mustard until it becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender. The sauce is rich and full of flavour, the kind that begs to be eaten with fries. It’s a must on any list of typical Belgian dishes.

Many families have their own version. Some add a slice of bread with mustard to thicken the sauce, while others use a local beer for extra depth. Either way, stoverij represents Belgian comfort food at its best.

5. Vol-au-vent

Vol-au-vent is traditional Belgian food often served at family gatherings or festive occasions. A creamy chicken ragout with mushrooms and small meatballs is served inside a crisp puff pastry shell. And yes, just like so many Belgian dishes, it comes with fries.

6. Mussels

Mussels with fries are a well-known classic in the Belgian cuisine. You’ll mainly find them in summer and autumn, and every restaurant has its own preferred preparation. Mussels “nature”, mussels with white wine or mussels in a cream sauce are among the favourites.

It’s one of those Belgian specialties that every local knows where to find at its best.

7. Chicory with ham and cheese sauce

Chicory rolls (witloofrolletjes) are a nostalgic Belgian dish. Chicory is wrapped in ham, covered in a smooth cheese sauce and baked in the oven until golden brown. It’s classic comfort food and a long-time favourite in Flemish households.

8. Amadeus ribs

For those visiting Ghent, Antwerp or Brussels, the ribs at Amadeus are legendary. Sweet, tender and endlessly refillable, they’re not exactly refined, but they are among the most beloved food experiences in Belgium. Anyone who wants to discover Belgian food the way locals eat it should try them at least once.

9. Belgian beers

No list of Belgian specialties is complete without our beer culture. From trappists to gueuzes, from fruit beers to stouts, Belgium has one of the most diverse beer traditions in the world. Beer is an essential part of Belgian eating and drinking culture.

In our workshops, you’ll discover how these beers pair with other Belgian dishes like waffles or chocolate. Our blog on which beers pair best with waffles offers plenty of inspiration for anyone who wants to experiment at home.

Experience Typical Belgian Food Yourself

Nothing captures Belgium better than the combination of food, tradition and togetherness. For anyone who wants to experience Belgian specialties in a fun and hands-on way, our workshops in Bruges, Ghent and Brussels are the perfect choice.

You’ll bake Brussels waffles yourself, taste Belgian beers and discover why these combinations are so uniquely Belgian. It’s an interactive and delicious introduction to the Belgian cuisine, ideal for families, friends, colleagues or tourists curious to try the most authentic Flemish classics.

Want to discover Belgium through flavour?

Then Waffles ’n Beer is the place to be.