Brussels Food: A Culinary Journey Through Must-Try Dishes

Brussels is often at the heart of European culinary traditions, blending rustic flavors with refined techniques. But what exactly makes this city’s cuisine so special? The variety of flavors, textures, and techniques make it an irresistible destination for food lovers. Below, we explore the must-try dishes that define Brussels’ food scene, so you know exactly what to order on your next visit.

Must-Try Savory Dishes in Brussels

Brussels offers a diverse range of hearty, savory dishes that are deeply rooted in tradition, yet adaptable to modern tastes. Whether you’re sitting at a cozy bistro or a high-end restaurant, these dishes are culinary staples.

1. Moules-Frites: The Star Dish

Moules-Frites, a combination of mussels and fries, is one of Belgium’s most iconic dishes. This simple yet flavorful meal includes mussels steamed in a broth of white wine, shallots, garlic, and herbs, served with crispy fries on the side. The mussels absorb the broth’s essence, offering a briny, aromatic bite that perfectly complements the fries.

Why You Should Try It

• The broth-soaked mussels are soft, tender, and pack a punch of flavor.
• Double-fried Belgian fries add a crispy texture.
• Often served with mayonnaise, which enhances the richness.

Want to recreate this iconic dish at home? Check out our Moules-Frites recipe.

2. Belgian Fries: Crispy Perfection

Belgian fries (or frites) are more than a side dish in Brussels—they are a cultural symbol. Unlike typical fries, Belgian frites are fried twice, typically in beef fat, to achieve an exceptional crispiness. You can find them at dedicated friteries throughout the city.

Popular Sauces for Frites:

• Mayonnaise (the classic choice)
• Andalouse sauce (a blend of mayonnaise, tomato paste, and peppers)
• Tartar sauce for an extra tangy touch

3. Stoemp: Comfort on a Plate

Stoemp is a rustic Belgian dish made from mashed potatoes combined with vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or cabbage. This creamy, hearty mash is typically served alongside sausages or pork chops, making it the perfect comfort food for cold weather.

What Makes Stoemp Special:

• The mix of potatoes and vegetables offers a balanced flavor profile.
• Often served with saucisse (Belgian sausage) or pork stew for added richness.

4. Carbonade Flamande: Beer-Infused Beef Stew

Carbonade Flamande is a hearty beef stew that uses Belgian beer instead of wine as its base. Slow-cooked with onions and herbs, the beer reduces to create a deep, malty sauce that enhances the beef’s tenderness. This dish is usually served with fries or boiled potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.

Flavor Notes:

• The beer adds a subtle sweetness that contrasts the savory beef.
• Caramelized onions bring an additional layer of richness.

Or try cooking with beer. Here are 10 of the best beer recipes you can make at home.

5. Waterzooi: Creamy Comfort

Waterzooi is a traditional Belgian stew typically made with chicken or fish, simmered in a rich, creamy broth with vegetables like carrots, leeks, and potatoes. Originating from the city of Ghent, this dish has made its way to Brussels, where it’s enjoyed for its comforting warmth and complex flavors.

Key Ingredients:

• The creamy broth binds the chicken or fish and vegetables into a cohesive, satisfying dish.
• Waterzooi is often garnished with fresh parsley or chervil for a bright finish.

6. Boulets Liégeois: Meatballs with a Twist

Boulets Liégeois is a meatball dish specific to the Liège region but is popular across Belgium, including Brussels. These meatballs are made from a blend of beef and pork and are simmered in a rich sauce that can be flavored with tomatoes or cherries, giving it a distinctive sweet and savory combination.

Why It Stands Out:

• The sweet, tangy sauce adds complexity to the savory meatballs.
• Usually served with frites or stoemp, enhancing the overall flavor balance.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with These Belgian Delights

No culinary tour of Brussels would be complete without indulging in its renowned sweet offerings. Whether you’re walking through the cobblestone streets or relaxing at a café, these treats are impossible to resist.

1. Belgian Waffles: Two Types of Bliss

Belgian waffles come in two distinct varieties, each offering a unique take on this classic treat.

• Brussels Waffles: These are light, rectangular waffles with large, deep pockets. They are typically topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.
• Liège Waffles: These are denser and sweeter, made with a brioche-like dough and studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes as it cooks.

What Makes Them Unique:

• Brussels waffles are perfect for adding decadent toppings without becoming too heavy.
• Liège waffles have a naturally sweet taste, needing minimal garnishing.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with our Belgian Waffles recipe.

2. Belgian Chocolate: A Sweet Masterpiece

Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, and Brussels houses some of the best chocolatiers. Whether you’re indulging in pralines, truffles, or bonbons, Belgian chocolate is known for its high-quality cocoa and delicate craftsmanship.

Where to Try:

• Godiva: A household name for premium chocolates.
• Pierre Marcolini: Known for innovative, high-end chocolate creations.
• Neuhaus: The inventor of the praline, offering a balance of tradition and luxury.

3. Speculoos: Spiced Perfection

Speculoos are spiced biscuits that have become synonymous with Belgian coffee culture. Flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these biscuits are crispy and often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Why They’re a Must-Try:

• The warm spices make them an excellent snack, especially during the winter months.
• Speculoos can also be used as a topping for ice cream or incorporated into desserts like cheesecakes.

Try making brownies with Speculoos with this Speculoos Brownie Cake Recipe.

Drinks to Pair with Brussels Cuisine

To round out your culinary experience, Brussels also boasts a variety of local beverages that perfectly complement its food.

1. Belgian Beer: More Than Just a Drink

Belgium is known for its beer culture, with thousands of varieties brewed across the country. Some must-try beers in Brussels include Trappist beers, Lambics, and Saison.

Popular Brands:

• Chimay: A famous Trappist beer with rich, full-bodied flavors.
• Cantillon: Known for its Lambic beers, brewed with spontaneous fermentation for a sour, complex flavor.

2. Genever: The Belgian Spirit

Genever, also known as jenever, is a juniper-flavored spirit that is the precursor to gin. It’s typically enjoyed as a digestif and is available in a variety of flavors, from fruity to herbal.

Where to Try:

• A La Mort Subite: A historic café serving some of the best genever in the city.
• Delirium Café: Known for its extensive beer and spirit selection, including many varieties of genever.

Final Thoughts on Brussels’ Food Scene

Brussels offers a vibrant food culture that blends tradition with innovation. From hearty stews to sweet treats, each dish reflects the city’s rich history and culinary prowess. Whether you’re exploring its streets or dining at a restaurant, the flavors of Brussels are sure to leave a lasting impression.