If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to cuisine. Whether you’re heading to Belgium’s Christmas markets and hoping to sample some sweet treats like waffles, chocolate, and speculoos or wondering why the country is famed for its moules frites, our guide features the best food to try in Belgium.
Belgian food history and traditions
Belgian cuisine has always been rooted in regional and seasonal produce. Popular ingredients include potato, leek, chicory, and white asparagus. Many dishes also feature meat, cheese, or butter.
Most typical Belgian food is intertwined with culinary traditions in neighbouring countries. For example, the introduction of seafood from French cuisine in the 18th century led to the popularity of moules frites. The same is true of fries and waffles, which are also popular in the Netherlands and Germany. However, each place has its own take on these dishes, making for a unique experience.
Belgium also has several regional specialities if you’re looking to try something a little different. In Ghent, be sure to try waterzooi, a soup made with egg yolk, cream, and fish or chicken. In Verviers, the speciality is tarte au riz, a pie filled with rice pudding.
Belgian chocolate
Belgium is known as the chocolate capital of the world, and for good reason! With more chocolate factories than any other country, it’s one of the main exports, alongside beer.
But what makes Belgian chocolate so special? It’s considered more luxurious (and delicious) because it contains high quantities of 100% pure cocoa and less refined sugar. Artisanal chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Laurent Gerbaud and Wittamer have shops across the country – the perfect place to buy souvenirs from your trip or treat yourself!
DFDS TOP PICK: Choco-Story Brussels - Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting
Belgian waffles
Belgian waffles are characterised by their thicker appearance, created by a yeast-infused batter. They also have deeper pockets to hold your preferred toppings and are covered with crystallised sugar for extra sweetness. The most common way to eat them is with a dusting of powdered sugar, but popular additions include whipped cream, chocolate, caramel and fresh fruit.
Savoury waffles are an increasingly popular brunch option, topped with smoked salmon, bacon or cheese. If you want to try fresh Belgian waffles on the go, you can buy them from street vendors in major towns and cities, but many cafes and restaurants also serve them.
DFDS TOP PICK: Ghent - Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting
Belgian fries
Although you may be familiar with French fries, Belgian fries (friet in Flemish) are totally different. They’re much thicker and are traditionally fried in animal fat. Friet are typically served with sauces and toppings, including mayonnaise, curry ketchup, cheese and Andalouse sauce – a mix of peppers, mayonnaise, tomato paste and pickles.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re an integral part of Belgium’s cultural identity, so expect to see them served everywhere, from street food vendors to high-end restaurants. There’s even a dedicated museum to friet in Bruges – the Frietmuseum – if you want to learn more about the origins of this dish.
DFDS TOP PICK: Bruges - Frietmuseum Entry Ticket
Belgian beer
Belgium has been producing beer since the Middle Ages when monks transformed brewing into an artisanal trade. Beer was more sanitary than water then, making it an essential part of daily life. After centuries of refining their craft, Belgian beer is considered some of the best in the world, so be sure to try it when you visit.
With thousands of varieties available, you can find Belgian beers to suit every taste. From Trappist beers (still brewed by monks today!) to light and fruity wheat beers – there’s an array of flavours to explore.
DFDS TOP PICK: Brussels - Belgian Beer Tasting and Course at a Private Bar
Moules-frites
Wondering what to eat in Brussels, Belgium? Moules-frites – mussels served with fries – are a must-try. This dish is popular throughout the country, but you’ll find many restaurants in Brussels exclusively serving moules-frites. The most popular way to enjoy mussels in Belgium is in a white wine, parsley, butter and shallot sauce, but several variations exist.
Although most of Belgium’s mussels come from Zeeland, on the western coast of the Netherlands, connoisseurs say the best ones are found in the River Scheldt, which flows from the Netherlands through Belgium and into France.
Tarte au riz
If you like rice pudding, try the Belgian version – tarte au riz. Originating in Verviers, it’s a recipe strongly associated with the Liège region, but you can find it on menus across Belgium. The rice pudding filling is baked into shortcrust pastry and served warm or cold. It’s the perfect dessert or afternoon pick-me-up.
Liège syrup
Another delicacy from this region is Liège syrup. Despite what the name suggests, it’s more like jam and is made with apples, pears, apricots or dates. It’s usually eaten as a spread on a tartine (open sandwich) with cheese or on lacquemant waffles. However, it can be added to meat-based sauces like boulets à la Liégeoise – a meatball recipe.
Speculoos
These sweet cinnamon biscuits are synonymous with Belgium, having originated here in the 17th century. Although you can enjoy speculoos year-round, as they’re often served with coffee, they have strong ties to Christmas traditions. Speculoos are typically eaten on the feast day of Saint Nicholas, on 6th December, and come in festive shapes.
Restaurants to try in Belgium
Whether you’re driving in Belgium and visiting several locations or heading to one of the country’s major cities for a weekend break, these are some of the best restaurants to try. We’ve included options for all budgets and tastes so you can start planning your perfect Belgian feast.
Frites Atelier (£). With several locations across Belgium, this restaurant chain has perfected the art of frites. Choose classic toppings like Flemish beef stew and mussels or unique creations inspired by other cuisines.
Le Choux de Bruxelles (££).This restaurant in Brussels serves moules-frites in over 30 different ways, making it the ideal spot to try this national dish.
Bistro Ernest (££). This cosy restaurant on the banks of the River Scheldt in Antwerp serves typical Belgian fare made with local produce.
Roots (£££). Enjoy a tasting menu of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients at this modern bistro in Ghent, including lunch and dinner options.
Our routes
Newhaven to Dieppe
With our Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing, you can arrive in France in 4 hours. Enjoy excellent facilities while you sail, including restaurants and an on-board shop.
Dover to Calais
Hop aboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in France in just 100 minutes. There are many ways to spend time on board, from dining to Duty Free shopping.
Dover to Dunkirk
With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, Holland and more. Enjoy dining and Duty Free shopping on board.
