Belgium is often synonymous with chocolate, waffles, beer, and fries, but its culinary richness goes far beyond these iconic dishes. On my recent journey to this small yet diverse country, I made it my mission to immerse myself in its vibrant food culture. From the bustling streets of Brussels to the tranquil canals of Bruges, each city offered a unique culinary experience that captured the essence of Belgium’s gastronomic heritage.
Brussels: The Heartbeat of Belgian Cuisine
My first stop in Belgium was its capital, Brussels, a city that not only serves as the administrative center of Europe but also boasts an extraordinary array of culinary delights. On my very first evening, I visited Chez Léon, a family-owned restaurant located in the heart of Brussels, near the iconic Grand Place.
Chez Léon
- Location: Rue des Bouchers 18, 1000 Brussels
- Dish I Tried: Moules-frites (Mussels and Fries)
Walking into Chez Léon was like stepping into a warm, inviting space filled with the scent of freshly prepared seafood. The restaurant has been in operation since 1893, and the atmosphere still reflects a sense of timeless tradition. I couldn’t wait to try moules-frites, arguably the most quintessential Belgian dish. When my order arrived, I was presented with a huge pot of steaming mussels, bathed in a delicate broth of white wine, garlic, and parsley. The mussels were plump, tender, and infused with the aromatic flavors of the broth. Alongside the mussels came a generous portion of fries, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The balance of flavors was incredible, and what struck me most was how fresh the ingredients were. The fries, often regarded as a national treasure in Belgium, lived up to their reputation. Lightly salted and served with a side of homemade mayonnaise, they were the perfect companion to the briny mussels. Sitting there, savoring each bite, I felt like I was tasting a piece of Belgium’s culinary history.
My experience at Chez Léon was a perfect introduction to Brussels’ food scene, but I wasn’t done exploring just yet.
Maison Dandoy
- Location: Rue Charles Buls 14, 1000 Brussels
- Dish I Tried: Belgian Waffles (Liège Waffle)
No trip to Belgium would be complete without indulging in one of its most famous treats—waffles. I decided to visit Maison Dandoy, a waffle shop that has been serving up delicious waffles since 1829. Maison Dandoy is known for its traditional Liège waffles, a denser and sweeter version of the more common Brussels waffle.
When my waffle arrived, it was still warm, with caramelized sugar coating its exterior. The texture was different from any waffle I’d ever had—chewy, sweet, and slightly crispy from the caramelized edges. Topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, it was the perfect afternoon snack. Maison Dandoy is the ideal spot to indulge in authentic Belgian waffles, and I highly recommend stopping by if you’re ever in Brussels.
Bruges: Medieval Charm and Comfort Food
After exploring the culinary delights of Brussels, I made my way to Bruges, a city that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. With its picturesque canals, medieval buildings, and cobblestone streets, Bruges is a feast for the eyes—and for the stomach. My food journey in Bruges led me to De Vlaamsche Pot, a restaurant specializing in traditional Flemish dishes.
De Vlaamsche Pot
- Location: Helmstraat 3, 8000 Bruges
- Dish I Tried: Carbonnade Flamande (Flemish Beef Stew)
De Vlaamsche Pot has a cozy, rustic charm that immediately made me feel at home. The wooden beams and low lighting gave the restaurant an intimate feel, perfect for enjoying a hearty meal. I decided to try the Carbonnade Flamande, a traditional Flemish stew made with slow-cooked beef, onions, and a dark Belgian beer.
The stew arrived in a steaming bowl, accompanied by a side of fries and a small salad. The first bite was sheer comfort. The beef was incredibly tender, having been simmered for hours in the rich, slightly sweet beer sauce. The sauce was thick and velvety, with a deep, malty flavor that complemented the succulent beef. Paired with the crisp fries, the dish was a true taste of Flemish tradition. I took my time, savoring each bite, letting the flavors melt together.
As I sat back, full and satisfied, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this dish embodied the heart of Belgian cuisine—simple ingredients elevated through time-honored cooking techniques.
The Chocolate Line
- Location: Simon Stevinplein 19, 8000 Bruges
- Dish I Tried: Assorted Chocolates
Of course, no visit to Belgium would be complete without indulging in chocolate. Bruges is home to some of the world’s best chocolatiers, and I made sure to stop by The Chocolate Line, known for its artisanal chocolates. I picked up an assortment of pralines, each one a small work of art. Some had classic flavors like hazelnut and caramel, while others ventured into more exotic territory, with fillings like chili and lemongrass.
The chocolates were divine—smooth, rich, and bursting with flavor. Each bite was a reminder of why Belgian chocolate is considered some of the best in the world. If you’re in Bruges, The Chocolate Line is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ghent: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
After my time in Bruges, I made my way to Ghent, a city that’s a perfect blend of medieval history and modern energy. Ghent’s food scene reflects this blend, with a mix of traditional Belgian fare and innovative cuisine. I had the pleasure of dining at Vrijmoed, a Michelin-starred restaurant that takes Belgian ingredients and reimagines them in creative, contemporary dishes.
Vrijmoed
- Location: Vlaanderenstraat 22, 9000 Ghent
- Dish I Tried: 7-Course Tasting Menu
Dining at Vrijmoed was one of the highlights of my trip. I opted for the 7-course tasting menu, which showcased the chef’s talent and creativity. Each course was beautifully presented, with flavors that surprised and delighted me. The menu changed with the seasons, but one of the standout dishes was a delicate scallop starter, served with a citrusy sauce and garnished with edible flowers. The freshness of the ingredients and the complexity of the flavors were astonishing.
Another memorable course was the lamb, cooked to perfection and served with a rich jus, seasonal vegetables, and a touch of black garlic. The meal was paired with wines that complemented each course, enhancing the flavors even more. The service was impeccable, and the dining experience as a whole felt luxurious without being pretentious. For anyone seeking an unforgettable meal in Ghent, Vrijmoed is a must.
Antwerp: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
The final stop on my Belgian culinary tour was Antwerp, a city known for its fashion, art, and, of course, food. Antwerp’s proximity to the North Sea means that seafood is a staple, and I couldn’t leave without trying some of the freshest catches available. I visited Maritime, a charming seafood restaurant near the waterfront.
Maritime
- Location: Suikerrui 4, 2000 Antwerp
- Dish I Tried: Oysters and Grilled Sea Bass
When I arrived at Maritime, I was greeted by the inviting scent of the sea. The restaurant’s décor is nautically themed, with blue accents and wooden touches, giving it a cozy, maritime feel. I started my meal with a platter of fresh oysters, which were served with a classic mignonette sauce. The oysters were incredibly fresh, with a briny flavor that transported me straight to the coast.
For the main course, I chose the grilled sea bass, served with roasted vegetables and a light lemon butter sauce. The fish was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin and tender, flaky meat. The simplicity of the dish allowed the natural flavors of the sea bass to shine, making it one of the best seafood meals I’ve ever had.
Other Must-Try Restaurants in Belgium
While I couldn’t visit every restaurant during my trip, here are a few more that come highly recommended:
Le Rabassier (Brussels)
- Cuisine: Fine Dining
- Highlight: Known for its luxurious truffle dishes, Le Rabassier offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on refined flavors.
’t Zilte (Antwerp)
- Cuisine: Michelin-Starred
- Highlight: Perched atop the MAS museum, ’t Zilte offers not only panoramic views of Antwerp but also a menu that blends Belgian and French culinary techniques.
Pakhuis (Ghent)
- Cuisine: Contemporary Belgian
- Highlight: Set in a former warehouse, Pakhuis offers modern Belgian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors.
Belgium may be small, but its culinary scene is mighty. From the rich, hearty dishes of Flemish cuisine to the fine dining experiences in Michelin-starred restaurants, Belgium offers something for every food lover. Each meal I had was a testament to the country’s dedication to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, with a dash of creativity thrown in.
