You would be surprised to learn that many popular and staple food dishes originated in Brussels. And the food always tasted better at the place of origin right? We’ll let you be the judge of that when you have tried these essential Belgian foods.
Fresh mussels
Mussels, like all other shellfish, are poisonous if prepared wrongly. It only takes one rotten one to spoil the whole batch too. But not to fret, Brussels has amazing chefs who are experts at handling the seafood and it is especially good during the September to December season.
Chez Leon
Rue des Bouchers 18, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 511 14 15
In’t Spinnekopke
Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 511 86 95
Le Zinneke
Place de la Patrie 26, 1030 Schaerbeek, Belgium // +32 2 245 03 22
Belgian Fries
Did you know that the popular french fries dish originated in Belgium? American soldiers were introduced to the fries during World War 1 by the Belgian Army whose official language was in French, giving rise to the misnomer.
Unlike the common version that exists everywhere, Belgian fries remain its authenticity with thick cuts and being double fried in ox fat.
Maison Antoine
Place Jourdan 1, 1040 Etterbeek, Belgium // +32 2 230 54 56
Friterie de la Barrière
Avenue du Parc 5, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium // +32 2 537 57 70
Frit Flagey
Place Eugène Flagey, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
Belgian waffles
This dish is commonly had at breakfast like pancakes with maple syrup but the locals in Brussels would scoff at that practice. It is supposed to be eaten with hands and without any sugar or topping to sweeten it. You will notice that local vendors refuse to give out cutleries for that purpose.
The other version of Belgian waffles is the liege. The batter of which has pearl sugar which caramelizes into a sweeter, harder version of the waffles. I’m sure you would agree that having breakfast all day would be a pleasure!
Mokafé Taverne
Galerie du Roi 9, 1000 Brussel, Belgium // +32 2 511 78 70
Peck 47
Rue du Marché aux Poulets 47, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Maison Dandoy
Rue Charles Buls 14, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 512 65 88
Carbonnade Flamande
Another satisfying local dish that you have to try is the Flemish stew. Beef is cooked with caramelized onions and Belgian beer, with a side of Belgian fries (or potatoes). The end result is a stew that balances sweet, sour, and bitter flavors.
Nüetnigenough
Rue du Lombard 25, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 513 78 84
Volle Gas
Place Fernand Cocq 21, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium // +32 489 11 02 88
C'est Bon C'est Belge
Rue de Rollebeek 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 512 29 99
Belgian Chicken Waterzooi
In the past, locals would boil cod with potatoes but as time went by, the rivers became polluted so they decided to create a dish with chicken instead. The sauce is rich in cream and egg yolk, and the meat is often topped with carrots, potatoes, thyme, and parsley.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Rue des Bouchers 13, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 511 55 50
't Vosken
Sint-Baafsplein 19, 9000 Gent, Belgium // +32 9 225 73 61
Grey Shrimp Croquettes (Tomaat met Grijze Garnalen)
This dish is particularly unique as it can only be made with grey shrimp from the North Sea to be authentic. It is even more unusual when you consider that the locals hunt for the shrimps on horses. No kidding, this method of hunting is on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. But rarity aside, the runny shrimp paste with a warm crispy outer layer is additively delicious. Have it with some white wine or Belgian beer.
Fernand Obb Delicatessen
Rue de Tamines 27, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium // +32 2 771 91 08
Beaucoup Fish
Rue Van Gaver 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 218 64 20
Les Brasseries Georges
Avenue Winston Churchill 259, 1180 Uccle, Belgium // +32 2 347 21 00
Speculaas
For dessert, you have to try Speculaas. This spiced cinnamon biscuit is the ultimate comfort on a cold winter’s day, and perfect to have with chocolate. For this reason, it is particularly popular around the Christmas season. Head to Maison Dandoy to find this sweet treat all year round!
Maison Dandoy
Rue Charles Buls 14, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium // +32 2 512 65 88
Which of these dishes are your favorites? Or maybe your guilty pleasure lies not in foods but chocolates. We hear you and have compiled our guide on where to get Belgian chocolates in Brussels. Feast on or live to regret it!
