Famous dishes and culinary specialties of Belgium
Belgium is a land of traditions, where history and modernity harmonize perfectly. The gastronomic culture of this kingdom is no exception to this rule. Restaurateurs strictly adhere to ancestral recipes, while occasionally adding a personal touch.
Some iconic dishes of Belgian cuisine
– Waterzooi: composed of vegetables and fish or poultry, waterzooi is a kind of creamy broth.
– Flemish carbonnades: these are pieces of tender beef simmered for a while in their juice, beer, and some vegetables.
– Liège meatballs: these are meatballs usually served with a small salad, fries, and a sauce made with Liège syrup and raisins.
– Chicons au gratin: for our French friends, it is worth noting that chicons are what they call endives. The recipe is quite simple: wrap the chicons with a slice of ham, add a bit of cream, butter, and garlic in an oven dish, and cover everything with grated cheese.
Fries, a true institution
If there is one symbol associated with Belgium in the minds of many people around the world, it is the fry, even more so than the Atomium, Manneken-Pis, Tintin, or Eddy Merckx. Fries are potato sticks that are plunged for a few minutes into boiling oil. They are consumed as is, served in a tray or cone, with the sauce of your choice (mayonnaise, ketchup, etc.). They also perfectly accompany meats, mussels, or poultry. Three countries have claimed the origin of this delicious dish for many years. France, Italy, and Belgium each have their version of the facts… We will not provide a definitive answer here.
Belgian beers
A good typical Belgian meal without a good Belgian beer is like a little sacrilege! Belgian beers are renowned worldwide. They are used as an ingredient in many recipes, such as rabbit with prunes or Flemish carbonnades. The most sought-after and flavorful of these beers are the Trappist beers like Orval, Chimay, and Rochefort, for example. These are most often served with some pieces of cheese, another great Belgian specialty. Each region, province, or even commune has its beer, from Ingelmunster to Bruges or Hasselt, passing through Liège (Jupiler) and Leuven (Stella Artois). Fruity beers also have their little success, whether it is Kriek (cherry), Framboise (raspberry), or Pêcheresse (peach).
