If you’ve ever visited Belgium, you’ve undoubtedly sampled at least one of its delectable foods. Whether you’re a lover of Belgian Fries, waffles, or chocolates, this article is sure to enlighten you on a few of the best. Here, we’ll also cover the most delicious Belgian chocolates and Fry Shacks.
Belgian Fries
If you’ve never had Belgian fries, you’re missing out! These fried potatoes are double-fried and deliciously crunchy on the outside. Traditionally, the Belgians dip them in mayonnaise instead of ketchup. They also have their own sauce, called andalouse. Here are 25 Belgian foods that everyone needs to try!
The Belgian fries, also known as frites, are fried twice, making them the perfect thickness. The potatoes are super-crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. They are served in cone-shaped containers with a dipping sauce. While most Belgian fry shops use vegetable oil to fry their fries, true Belgian fries are fried in beef fat.
The potato industry in Belgium, which was once the world’s largest exporter of potatoes, has been hit by a massive food crisis. Last year, a coronavirus outbreak halted exports to China and led to a slowdown in potato sales across Europe. Many consumers hoarded their potatoes, and demand dropped. After the coronavirus outbreak, Belgium’s fast food chain industry closed shop, causing a further slump in demand.
Belgian Chocolates
When you think about the culinary culture of Belgium, you might not expect to see anything that isn’t French or Dutch. But despite its bordering superpowers, the country actually has some wonderful dishes that everyone should try. Listed below are some of the most delicious dishes from the country:
Asparagus: This veggie is white and peeled. Asparagus is naturally vegetarian and goes well with many dishes, including a lean piece of steak or plump chicken breast. Belgian chocolate is a must-try. You can even make your own chocolate ice cream with just three ingredients! You can even add coffee granules for a more complex flavor. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCER0qwjASUEnPZzHin8FJdQ/about
Beer: This alcoholic beverage is an essential part of Belgian cuisine. Beer, waffles, and mashed potatoes are among the best known. The cuisine of Belgium corresponds with that of its neighboring countries: France, Germany, and the Netherlands. You should try one of these foods if you visit Belgium. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sample at least one type of Belgian chocolate.
Waffles
With its borders bordering some of the world’s culinary superpowers, Belgium seems like an underdog when it comes to food. But that’s not the case, as the country is packed full of delicious dishes. Here are 25 foods that every visitor to Belgium must try. Read on to discover what Belgium’s locals love to eat and drink.
The first thing you’ll want to try in Belgium is a traditional dish called Brussels stew. This dish is a staple of the country’s culture and is a must-try for foodies. And once you’re back home, you can recreate the authentic taste of Belgian food. And because this cuisine is so delicious, it’s easy to make it at home, too!
A Christmas meal in Belgium isn’t complete without a traditional Brussel sprouts. Other traditional food staples include white asparagus, mushrooms, and chicory, which is a specialty of winter. In addition to the brussel sprouts, Belgians enjoy a hearty breakfast of baked crusty rolls, butter, and jam. Some people even opt for cougnou, a sweet bread that is baked in a baby’s shape.
Fry Shacks Fast Food
In Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium, you will find fritkot, a type of grease-covered shack. You’ll find these shacks in public squares, on major roads and even in small rural towns. You can’t help but notice the lingering aroma of warm animal fat, which is a sure-fire magnet for hungry, tipsy Belgians. A good fritkot offers a variety of tasty sides, including onion rings, steak fries, and fries topped with tartare sauce and samourai sauces.
Fries are the most popular type of fast food in Belgium, so try to find one near you. You’ll likely see a line of these stands in your neighborhood, and they usually come in paper or plastic boxes. If you’re a tourist in Brussels, you might even want to try a traditional fritter sandwich called a mitraillette. You’ll find a fritter in almost every neighbourhood!
Rice Tart
In spite of the fact that rice is not used heavily in Belgian cooking, rice is a key ingredient in Rijsttaart, also known as “tarte aux riz” in French. This simple but delicious treat has an exterior layer made of rice flour and a custard filled with milk. You can find this dish in various sizes and it’s best to eat it cold. The Rijsttaart is believed to have originated in the town of Vervier near Liege, Belgium, in the 17th century.
Another delicious dish from Belgium is the Waterzooi. This hearty stew is made with rice and chicken, and is traditionally mixed with fish. The holy Roman Emperor Charles V, born in Ghent, loved it and ordered it often. The stew is particularly delicious when served with a side of cherry preserves. It’s a traditional wintertime meal in Flanders. https://www.goodreads.com/stevehacks
Liége Syrup
A sticky sweet jam served with baguettes, Speculoos and cheese, Liége Syrup is a must-have when visiting Belgium. This thick, syrupy substance can also be used in sauces, marinades, and salad dressings. Produced by a three-stage process involving continuous evaporation, Liege Syrup is one of the world’s most famous desserts. Speculoos, the famous gingerbread-like cookies, are also an iconic Belgian treat.
Another food that should not be missed while visiting Belgium is Postel. This semi-soft cheese was originally invented by monks in the Abbey of Pastel. It is best served with Postel beer. The rich, creamy cheese is great for snacking or can be shredded over baked potatoes. Liége Syrup is one of 25 BELGIUM FOOD THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO EAT & DRINK
Another must-eat food in Liege is Riesttaart, a specialty dish originated near Liege. Originally a mixture of rabbit and prunes, it is now served with croquettes in the Outremeuse district. The dessert, a rice pudding base filled with egg or milk custard, is served with sugar icing.
Speculoos
You might think that the spiced cookies called speculoos come from Belgium, but they are actually very popular across Europe. While speculoos are traditionally baked around the holidays, they’re also known as Dutch windmill cookies and St. Nicholas cookies. Regardless of where you live, you can find speculoos recipes online, in books and in bakeries.
When visiting Belgium, make sure to try the country’s famous Speculoos biscuits. These biscuits are made with a unique combination of spices, including ginger and nutmeg. When you’re in Belgium, you’ll be tempted to sample every single one of these foods! And don’t forget to sample their delicious drinks!
“Lard Balls” Dutch Doughnuts or Dutchies
Despite being called a ball, these deep-fried confections are not actually balls, but rather doughnut-like treats. They’re served hot, sprinkled liberally with powdered sugar, and served in paper cones. Originally from the area of Ghent, Belgium, and Lille, France, they are now found across the country. In fact, the Dutch have made them a popular part of their Christmas markets and fairgrounds.
In the nineteenth century, a popular snack in Holland was the oliekoek (oil cookie). Later, the doughnuts were called oliebol, or “oil dumplings.” The word oliebol wasn’t included in the Van Dale dictionary until 1868, when it was first used to refer to the sphere-shaped, oil-fried balls. The Dutch gave them the name “Dutch doughnuts” because they were baked in lard or rapeseed oil. Eventually, it became a popular word in the early twentieth century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that oliebol began to gain widespread popularity.
Traditionally, oliebollen were fried dough balls and eaten on New Year’s Eve. These tasty treats can be filled with raisins, powdered sugar, cinnamon, or apple pieces. They’re also known as smoutballen in Flanders and Wallonia. Throughout Europe, they’re known as Dutchies, smoutballen, and fritule.