Top 10 culinary specialities in Brussels

Are you visiting Belgium and stopping off in Brussels for a few days? You’ve chosen your city well, as it is known for its particularly sweet and appetising gastronomy. One of the special things about Brussels is that the city is home to what the locals call “The Tram Experience”. The concept is quite simple: passengers board the tram and, as it winds its way through the city, it invites them to sample some of the region’s typical dishes. What an innovative concept! Just goes to show that it’s perfectly possible to combine a cultural visit with a gastronomic tour. In this article, discover some of the best dishes in Brussels. Bon appétit!

What to eat in Brussels

1. The Brussels waffle

Instead of presenting our little list in the traditional way: starter, main course, dessert, we prefer to start straight away with the crème de la crème, which is none other than the inimitable Brussels waffle. To be honest, very few regions can cook waffles with as much precision as Brussels. Slightly crunchy on the outside, the egg whites give them a light, creamy texture. In fact, this dessert is one of the main reasons why tourists spend a few days in the city. Based on a recipe dating back to the 19th century, and with a small rectangular shape to which different types of topping can be added according to preference, this sweet treat simply leaves us speechless.

2. The Stoemp

Even if it sounds difficult to pronounce, it’s no less difficult to eat because this dish is so tasty! A little information about the etymology of the word? The word “stoemp” actually comes from the Dutch “doorgestooempte patatjes”, which in French means “mashed potatoes”. It’s a relatively simple, easy-to-prepare dish that was served at dinnertime for peasants after a hard day’s work in the fields. Over time, the famous potatoes won over the hearts of the people of Brussels, and the dish has become a must-try in the region, and indeed in the whole of Belgium. There are several versions, but the classic is made with bacon, carrots, onions, leeks, sausages and bacon.

3. Beer

Now it’s time for a drink, the big star of this ranking, to quench your thirst. It’s no secret that Belgium is the land of beer. Everywhere you go in the four corners of the country: bars, restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, bistros, brasseries… Beer will be at the top of the drinks menu. There are many different tastes and shades, but if we had to recommend one in particular, it would undoubtedly be “Chimay Bleue”. In fact, it was voted ‘Best Belgian Beer’ by RateBeer… with a perfect score of 100 out of 100. Atypical, when you open it, little notes of fruity and caramelised aromas tickle your nose.

4. Waterzoii

Here’s a traditional Belgian recipe! Once again, this dish has its roots in Dutch, which means “boiling water”. So it’s not hard to guess that it’s a kind of broth that’s cooked and then given a rather creamy texture. A bit like a stew, waterzoii is mainly cooked with chicken thighs, and is generally eaten in winter. This warm and invigorating meal is usually eaten with a few sliced vegetables such as potatoes (the undisputed favourites), carrots and celery.

5. The Belgian Tartine

And now for a staple food? While in France we’re famous for our crusty baguettes, in Brussels it’s the tartine that wins the day! It’s a must. Sometimes served with a hot soup, the delicious slice of thinly sliced bread can be accompanied by a light touch of butter or cheese, a few pieces of radish, and a little black pepper, to give it even more flavour. The Belgian tartine has a taste that remains a mystery to many, it’s unlike any other tartine you’ve eaten in your life, and the different foods you decide to spread on it accentuate this originality.

6. Chips

And the gold medal for the best chips goes, unsurprisingly, to Brussels! Whether you’re just passing through or live in the region, you’re bound to have smelled the smell of hot chips just out of the fryer when you pass by a chip shop with the doors and windows open. These little golden sticks, no longer than a finger, are perfect with a good plate of mussels, and a little pommes frites sauce on the side. You can also try them with a burger, where the soft, crunchy taste will stand out even more. It’s a savoury speciality that the people of Brussels can’t get enough of!

7. Carbonnade Flamande

Very popular in the north of France, this traditional Belgian recipe can be likened to a boeuf bourguignon. Its name comes from the word “charcoal” in reference to the way it is cooked. It is eaten mainly with slices of bread, which are delicious after being dipped in the slightly heavy sauce soaked in the famous beef and a few tablespoons of beer. To accompany it? As well as the bread, the people of Brussels like to eat this dish with a few peas and a fresh salad… And don’t forget the plate of chips!

8. Brussels Chocolate

Chocolate! From here you can feel your little heart racing (and ours too). Who hasn’t heard of the legendary Brussels chocolate: white, milk, dark, coffee, fruit… The choice is endless, and chocolate is king! The best chocolate makers in the world can be found in this region. The streets are filled with the sweet smell of chocolate bars, chocolate mousse, macaroons, chocolate bars and truffles. Chocolate is an art, and Brussels is its guardian. Served with a hot coffee, it makes your mouth water.

9. Boulettes Liégeoises and rabbit sauce

If you haven’t already guessed, meat consumption in Brussels is quite high. This recipe apparently originated in Roman times, and was a reserved dish served especially on royal tables. Served with a plate of chips or hash browns, you’re probably wondering why it’s called ‘rabbit sauce’? Well, the recipe contains no rabbit meat. In fact, it owes its name to Géraldine Lapin, the wife of Ernest Lapin, a famous poet who was also the collector of direct taxation in the suburbs of Liège. Well, well, well! Every dish has its story!

10. Vol-au-vent

Let’s end this culinary diversions with “vol-au-vent” (it’s amazing how imaginative you can be when naming dishes). This is a very tasty dish, much loved by children in particular. It consists of a thin puff pastry crust with a hollowed centre, into which a mushroom and chicken mixture has been stuffed. A king’s meal is crowned with a puff pastry crown. Succulent and splendid in equal measure, this is one of the flagship dishes of Belgium’s capital!