Belgian food
Belgian food is a mix of French finesse and Dutch comfort. From filling stews to golden Belgian fries (they really love fries), sweet waffles, and spiced speculoos biscuits, the cuisine reflects the country’s mix of influences.
In Flanders, the Dutch-speaking north, a traditional favourite is carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in dark beer), slow-cooked until the meat melts in the mouth. While the city of Ghent has waterzooi, a creamy stew made with either chicken or fish.
Travel south to Wallonia, the French-speaking region, and you’ll find countryside cooking with a touch of sweetness. Signature dishes include Liège-style meatballs (boulets à la Liégeoise) and stoemp, a comforting mash of potatoes and vegetables, common across Belgium and often served with sausage.
Then there are the fries, an essential part of daily life and arguably Belgium’s most famous food. Double-fried for extra crispness and served with sauces like mayonnaise, Andalouse, or Samouraï, Belgian fries (frites) are a national obsession, enjoyed everywhere from street stalls to brasseries.
And of course, Belgian waffles are famous around the world. Whether the crisp Brussels waffle dusted with sugar or the denser Liège waffle caramelised with pearl sugar, these sweet treats are found in cafés, stalls and restaurants throughout the country.
