Belgium

Region: Western Europe (Low Countries)

Culinary profile: Belgium

where fries, waffles, chocolate and beer dispel political doubts

Belgium is a politically divided country. Luckily there is something that unites quarreling Flemings and Walloons, and that is their love for food! The differences between Dutch and French speakers may seem insurmountable, but when it comes to gastronomy Belgium functions perfectly as flavorsome buffer zone where Germanic and Gallo-Roman culinary influences tastily intertwine.

The Dutch, Belgium’s northern neighbors, affectionately dub Belgians as true Burgundians, recognizing their penchant for savoring life’s finer pleasures. And indeed, Belgians whether Flemish or Walloon, relish dining and imbibing in style.

Even their monks, secluded in tranquil abbeys boast a fondness for crafting their own Trappist beers and cheeses. The Belgian joie de vivre is marked by plentiful feasting and toasting, and is one of the rare traits the Dutch and the French – both notorious for poking fun at Belgian quirks, refrain from mocking.

Belgium seamlessly integrates into a culinary continuum stretching from the lowlands near the North Sea to the Ardennes and beyond. As a result, Belgian cuisines shows similarities with both the southern part of The Netherlands and northern France.

In Belgium, heartiness meets finesse. Take for instance, the classical restaurant scene nestled within Brussels’ vibrant Beenhouwersstraat/Rue de Boucherie, that has clearly drawn inspiration from its Parisian counterpart. Yet, the products remain staunchly local, boasting delicacies ham, chicory, and of course Brussels sprouts.

Belgian cuisine is mostly renowned for its mussels, fries, and waffles — the three most iconic dishes of the country. Moules-frites, or mussels served with fries, is perhaps the most famous Belgian dish. Mussels are mostly imported from neighboring Zeeland, a province of the Netherlands, before they are steamed in a variety of broths, including white wine, garlic, and cream. This dish is a staple in brasseries across Belgium and is best enjoyed with a cold glass of Belgian beer, such as Jupiler, Stella Artois, or some ‘special beers’ like Leffe, Duvel, or Kriek (beer with cherries).

Belgian fries, are a national obsession. Unlike their thinner, American counterparts known as French fries, Belgian fries are thick, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. They are traditionally double-fried in beef tallow for an extra-rich flavor and are often served in a paper cone with a dollop of Belgian mayonnaise (mayonaise with lemon) or other sauces. A populair option is a frietje stoof -fries with beef stew, in Dutch known as stoverij of stoofvlees, and in French carbonade flamande.

Belgian waffles come in two main varieties: the Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle. The Brussels waffle is light and crispy, typically served with powdered sugar, or for tourists with whipped cream, chocolate and/or fresh fruit. The Liège waffle is denser (heavier) and sweeter, made with a dough that includes chunks of pearl sugar, which caramelize during the cooking process.

Belgium is of course also famous for its outstanding chocolates and pralines. Belgian chocolatiers, such as Godiva, Côte d’Or, and Leonidas, are celebrated worldwide for their craftsmanship and quality. Pralines are delicate filled chocolates, which often come with a variety of fillings, and which are beautifully presented in ornate boxes.

When we zoom in a little and look at local dishes, we find must-tries like waterzooi (a stew with either chicken or fish) from Ghent, vlaai – a sweet pie from the province of Limburg that is currently protected as local dish by the European Union, shrimp croquettes at the North Sea coast, and game in the Ardennes.

In conclusion, Belgian cuisine is a celebration of Germanic heartiness and French finesse, reflecting the country’s history, geography, and cultural amalgamation. From the crisp waffles of Liège to the savory stews of Flanders, each bite offers a glimpse into Belgian life.

Smakelijk – Bon appétit!