Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

If you’re wondering what to eat in Belgium, you’ve come to the right place.

As a Belgian myself, I can confidently say that Belgian food is one of the best parts of travelling around the country. And you don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to experience it.

Some of the best Belgian food is actually incredibly simple: crispy fries from a local frituur, a warm Liège waffle, Belgian chocolate, a messy smos or a plate of mussels and fries by the coast.

Belgium has a surprisingly diverse food culture, with everything from traditional Belgian dishes to sweet treats, bakery classics and the kind of late-night snacks you end up craving after a night out.

In this Belgian food guide, I’ll share the foods I think you should actually try, including some of my personal favourites and a few local tips you probably won’t find in a generic Belgium travel guide.

Belgian Fries

Let’s get one thing straight.

Belgian fries are Belgian, not French.

And yes, Belgians take this very seriously.

The exact history behind the name “French fries” is debated, but Belgium has a very strong fry culture, and fries are an essential part of Belgian food culture.

And here, fries aren’t just a side dish.

You go to a frituur, stand in line, choose your sauce and then spend an unreasonable amount of time deciding which snacks to add.

Somehow, everyone also has very strong opinions about which frituur is the best.

And honestly?

Once you try proper Belgian fries, you’ll understand.

If you’re visiting Belgium for the first time, Belgian fries are one of the first foods I’d recommend trying.

What to Order at a Belgian Frituur

You can obviously just get fries with a sauce, but I recommend trying some of the classic Belgian snacks too.

Some popular options include:

  • Frikandel
  • Bicky Burger
  • Mexicano
  • Viandel
  • Cervela
  • Twijfelaar

A Twijfelaar literally means “the doubter”, and it’s perfect if you can’t decide. You get a combination of different snacks instead of having to choose just one.

And honestly, that’s part of the fun of going to a Belgian frituur.

Belgian fries and food from a Belgian frituur
Photo from frituurkarin.be

My Favourite Belgian Fry Sauces

My personal favourites are:

  • Andalouse
  • Joppie
  • Tartare
  • Curry ketchup

And please don’t overthink finding the perfect frituur.

Just type “frituur” into Google Maps and you’ll probably find several nearby.

My Local Tip

I wouldn’t get my fries from the most touristy place right next to Brussels Central Station.

Instead, walk a little further and look for a local neighbourhood frituur.

That’s where you’re more likely to get the everyday Belgian experience.

If you want to know how to order fries like a local, check out my guide to Belgian Fries in Belgium.

Planning your Belgium trip?

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Belgian Waffles

You can’t come to Belgium without trying a Belgian waffle.

But there’s an important distinction:

Belgium has two famous types of waffles: Brussels waffles and Liège waffles.

Brussels Waffle

The Brussels waffle is:

  • Light
  • Crispy
  • Rectangular
  • Usually less sweet

You’ll often see it topped with powdered sugar, chocolate, fruit or whipped cream.

Liège Waffle

The Liège waffle is:

  • Smaller
  • Denser
  • Sweeter
  • Caramelised
  • Made with pearl sugar

The sugar melts into the waffle while it’s being cooked, giving it those delicious caramelised bits.

Personally?

Give me a warm Liège waffle over a Brussels waffle any day.

If you’re only going to try one Belgian waffle, that’s the one I’d choose.

My Local Tip

If you’re in Brussels, don’t automatically buy a waffle from the first tourist shop you see around Brussels Central.

Look for a proper bakery or local waffle stand instead.

Belgian Chocolate

Obviously, we can’t talk about Belgian food without talking about chocolate.

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and you’ll find chocolatiers pretty much everywhere.

You’ll see everything from traditional pralines and truffles to chocolate bars, pastries and more creative flavours.

One thing you’ll quickly notice is that Belgian chocolate isn’t just something tourists buy as a souvenir.

Belgians actually eat chocolate in everyday life too.

You’ll find chocolatiers in cities and towns all over the country, and buying a box of Belgian chocolates is practically a Belgian travel ritual.

Belgian chocolate in Belgium

My Local Tip

Don’t just buy the first box you see in a tourist shop.

If you want to take Belgian chocolate home, look for a local chocolatier instead.

And yes, buying chocolate as a souvenir is basically mandatory.

If you’re planning a trip around the country, my Belgium Complete Travel Guide is a good place to start, with guides to Belgium’s cities, food, festivals and local tips.

Traditional Belgian Food You Need to Try

Belgian cuisine isn’t necessarily about complicated dishes.

A lot of traditional Belgian food is hearty, creamy and very comforting.

Here are some classic Belgian dishes you’ll come across in restaurants and homes throughout the country.

Stoofvlees

Stoofvlees is a traditional Belgian beef stew, usually cooked slowly with Belgian beer.

It’s rich, tender and generally served with, you guessed it, fries.

It’s definitely one of the dishes you should try if you want to experience traditional Belgian cuisine.

Personally?

It’s a little too meaty and heavy for me, so it’s not my favourite.

But I can absolutely see why people love it.

Belgian beef stew with fries
Photo by 24kitchen.nl

Vol-au-vent / Koninginnenhapje / Vidé

One dish.

Three names.

You’ll hear vol-au-vent, koninginnenhapje or simply vidé, depending on who you’re talking to.

It’s a creamy chicken preparation with mushrooms and usually puff pastry, often served with fries.

And honestly?

This is one of my favourites.

It’s creamy, comforting and very Belgian.

If you’re not sure what to order in a traditional Belgian restaurant, this is one of my safer recommendations.

Belgian vol-au-vent with fries
Photo from mijnspar.be

Mussels with Fries

Mosselen met friet is one of Belgium’s most famous food combinations.

You’ll usually get a huge pot of steamed mussels with fries on the side.

There are different preparations and sauces, but the classic version is simple and delicious.

And honestly, mussels are at their best on the Belgian coast.

There’s just something about eating a big pot of mussels by the sea in summer.

If you’re heading to the coast, Ostend is a great place to try them.

→ Planning a visit? Check out my Ostend Travel Guide for more things to do and where to go.

Belgian mussels and fries

Belgian Meatballs

Ballekes in tomatensaus are basically Belgian-style meatballs served in tomato sauce.

They’re simple, comforting and very much the kind of food that feels like grandma’s cooking.

You’ll find different versions depending on the region and restaurant.

Usually they’re served with fries, bread or another simple side.

Nothing fancy.

Just good comfort food.

Belgian meatballs in tomato sauce

Shrimp Croquettes

If you’re visiting the Belgian coast, you’ll probably come across garnaalkroketten, or Belgian shrimp croquettes.

They’re crispy on the outside with a creamy shrimp filling inside.

They’re especially associated with the Belgian coast and are one of the dishes I’d definitely recommend trying.

And if you have the chance, I’d save shrimp croquettes for the Belgian coast, where you can enjoy fresher seafood alongside that classic seaside atmosphere.

If you’re in Ostend, definitely add them to your food list.

→ Heading to the coast? Check out my Ostend Travel Guide for more.

Belgian shrimp croquettes
Photo from visitFlanders.com

Witloof in de Oven

This one is a very Belgian classic.

Witloof in de oven is Belgian endive wrapped in ham, covered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked in the oven.

It’s slightly bitter because of the endive, but the cheese sauce makes it incredibly comforting.

Definitely not the lightest meal, but very traditional.

If you want to try something that feels more like traditional Belgian home cooking, this is a good one.

Belgian endive wrapped in ham with cheese
Photo from lebelle-lekker.be

Smos

Belgium also has a serious sandwich culture.

One of the classics you’ll see in sandwich shops is the smos.

It’s usually a baguette filled with things like:

  • Ham
  • Cheese
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Egg
  • Mayonnaise

The exact ingredients vary, but the important part is that it’s usually very messy.

And that’s kind of the point.

If you’re looking for a quick Belgian lunch, grab a smos from a local sandwich shop.

It’s cheap, filling and something you’ll see Belgians eating all over the country.

Belgian smos sandwich with fresh toppings
Photo from remiaprofessioneel.nl

Belgian Sweets You Should Try

Belgian food isn’t just about fries and hearty meals.

We also take our sweets pretty seriously.

Here are a few Belgian treats worth looking out for.

Speculoos

Speculoos is a spiced, caramelised biscuit that you’ll find absolutely everywhere in Belgium.

You’ll see it as:

  • Biscuits
  • Spread
  • Ice cream
  • Dessert toppings
  • Cake ingredients
  • Coffee accompaniments

It’s one of those Belgian flavours that you can’t really escape.

And honestly, why would you want to?

Belgian speculoos biscuits
Photo from belgianfoodie.com

Cuberdons

Cuberdons, also called neuzekes, are small cone-shaped Belgian sweets with a soft, fruity filling.

They’re traditionally raspberry flavoured and are especially associated with Ghent.

You’ll often see them sold at market stalls.

They’re sweet, colourful and very Belgian.

Definitely worth trying if you spot them while exploring Ghent.

→ Visiting Ghent? Check out my Ghent Travel Guide for more things to do, places to eat and local tips.

Belgian neuzekes candy
Photo from lekkeroostvlaams.be

Best Belgian Food & Drink Experiences

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Belgian Food on the Coast

If you’re travelling around Belgium, I genuinely think the Belgian coast deserves its own food stop.

This is especially true if you love seafood.

The Belgian coast is a great place to try:

  • Mussels
  • Shrimp croquettes
  • Fresh fish
  • Seafood dishes
  • Fries by the sea

There’s something about sitting on a terrace with seafood after spending the afternoon at the beach that just feels like Belgium.

And if you want the freshest seafood experience, I’d choose the coast over a random inland restaurant.

Ostend is one of my favourite places to combine Belgian food with a seaside day.

→ Read my Ostend Travel Guide before you go.

If you’re not sure which seaside town to visit, I’ve compared the best Belgian coastal towns to help you choose.

Belgian Food Culture You Should Experience

One thing I don’t want you to do is treat Belgian food as simply a checklist.

Some of the best food experiences in Belgium are incredibly casual.

Go to a local frituur.

Get fries.

Order a sauce you’ve never tried before.

Sit on a terrace with a waffle.

Walk into a bakery in the morning.

Grab a smos for lunch.

Try a local speciality when you’re visiting a different city.

That’s how you’ll experience Belgian food culture.

And don’t worry if you don’t know exactly what to order.

Ask the person behind the counter what they recommend.

That’s often how you’ll discover something you wouldn’t have chosen yourself.

Belgian Food: What Not to Do

One of my biggest tips?

Don’t assume the best Belgian food is right next to the main tourist attractions.

Especially around places like Brussels Central Station, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and snack places aimed at tourists.

Instead:

  • Ask locals for their favourite frituur
  • Check Google Maps
  • Walk a few streets away from the main tourist areas
  • Look for neighbourhood cafés and bakeries
  • Don’t be afraid to try somewhere that looks simple

The same applies to waffles and chocolate.

The most expensive place with the biggest tourist sign isn’t necessarily the best.

Late-Night Belgian Food Culture

Here’s something you might not find in every Belgium travel guide.

If you’re going out in Ghent or Leuven, you’ll eventually discover “de muur”.

This is basically the late-night snack culture you encounter after a night out.

Think:

Fries. Burgers. Snacks. Sauces. 2 AM.

In Ghent, you’ll find this culture particularly around Overpoort, while in Leuven, you’ll find plenty of late-night food around the Oude Markt and Zeelstraat.

If you’re spending a night in Leuven, check out my guide to the best bars and nightlife in Leuven for more ideas on where to go out.

And honestly, after a night out, there is nothing better than a greasy Belgian snack.

It’s practically part of the experience.

My 10 Favourite Belgian Foods

If I had to choose just 10 Belgian foods to try, these would be my picks:

  1. Belgian fries from a local frituur
  2. Liège waffle
  3. Belgian chocolate
  4. Vol-au-vent
  5. Mussels with fries
  6. Smos
  7. Speculoos
  8. Cuberdons
  9. Shrimp croquettes
  10. Stoofvlees

And if you’re going out in Leuven or Ghent, leave some room for a late-night frituur stop.

You’ll thank me later.

Final Thoughts: What to Eat in Belgium

If you’re still wondering what to eat in Belgium, my advice is simple:

Don’t overthink it.

You don’t need to book the fanciest restaurant or spend a fortune to experience Belgian food.

Some of my favourite things are incredibly simple:

A cone of fries after a night out.

A warm Liège waffle.

A smos for lunch.

Chocolate from a local chocolatier.

Mussels and fries on a summer day.

That’s what I love about Belgian food.

It’s comforting, social and very much part of everyday life.

And as a Belgian myself, I honestly think trying the local food is one of the best ways to experience Belgium.

So don’t just visit Brussels, Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp and tick off the sights.

Eat your way through them too.

If you’re still deciding where to go, check out my Belgium Cities Compared guide to see which Belgian city might suit you best.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

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FAQ: Belgian Food

What food is Belgium famous for?

Belgium is particularly famous for Belgian fries, waffles, chocolate, mussels with fries and traditional dishes such as stoofvlees and vol-au-vent.

What should I eat in Belgium?

If it’s your first time in Belgium, I’d recommend trying Belgian fries, a Liège waffle, Belgian chocolate, vol-au-vent, mussels with fries, shrimp croquettes and speculoos.

Are Belgian fries actually Belgian?

Yes. Fries are deeply rooted in Belgian food culture, and Belgium has a long-standing tradition of frituurs and Belgian-style fries. The exact history behind the English name “French fries” is more complicated than simply saying they originated in France.

What is the most popular food in Belgium?

Belgian fries are probably one of the most recognisable foods associated with Belgium. They’re eaten across the country and are traditionally served from frituurs with a huge choice of sauces and snacks.

What is a typical Belgian breakfast?

A typical Belgian breakfast can be quite simple, often consisting of bread or pastries with coffee, rather than a large cooked breakfast. Belgian bakeries are also a great place to grab something in the morning.

What Belgian food should I try if I’m on a budget?

Belgian fries, a smos, speculoos and snacks from a local frituur are some of the easiest ways to eat Belgian food without spending much money. Belgium can be expensive, but you don’t need to eat at restaurants to try some of the country’s most iconic foods.

What is Belgium’s most famous dessert?

Belgian waffles and Belgian chocolate are probably the country’s most famous sweet treats. If I had to choose one personally, though, I’d go for a Liège waffle.

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