Since there are so many delicacies that you cannot miss when visiting this charming city, we have prepared a top 15 of the best. Our recommendation is that you don't waste time choosing and try them all, as we are sure it is the best decision.
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Since there are so many delicacies that you cannot miss when visiting this charming city, we have prepared a top 15 of the best. Our recommendation is that you don't waste time choosing and try them all, as we are sure it is the best decision.
Here is the best of the best when it comes to Belgian food available in Brussels:
Enjoying an authentic moules-frites dish is an experience that no one visiting Belgium should miss, so we start with this dish in the top 15. Several restaurants in Brussels offer this delicious specialty, each with its own unique touch.
It consists of fried mussels accompanied by fried potatoes, bathed in white wine and olive oil, accompanied by different types of vegetables to give it a unique touch.
They are a famous culinary emblem of Belgium and Brussels, since the combination of fresh mussels with crispy fries is an expression of the gastronomic richness of the region.
Add to this the abundance of mussels on the Belgian coast and the tradition of preparing fries in a distinctive way, elements that have led to the creation of this iconic dish. Locals enjoy it as a celebration of local produce and as a symbol of Belgian culinary identity.
You can try it at Chez Léon, a famous restaurant located in the heart of Brussels at Rue de Bouchers 18. It must be said that it is revered for being one of the oldest restaurants in the city, specialized in the preparation of moules-frites. The authenticity of this place and the quality of its ingredients make the visit worthwhile.
After all, if you're going to eat moules-frites, why not eat them with those who specialize in them? Now, if you are interested in an alternative, La Boussole is another restaurant known for the taste of its moules-frites, so it is also a highly recommended option to visit.
Belgian fries, or "frites" could not be missing from the top of this list. This world-famous dish can be found in many places in Belgium, but some establishments stand out for their mastery in the preparation of this snack.
Special mention should be made of Friterie du Café Georgette, a friterie located in the heart of Brussels, which is known for its fresh, crispy fries. It is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Similarly, there is Frit Flagey, which is located near Place Flagey and is famous for its high-quality fries. It is a perfect stop after exploring the surroundings, when you need a delicious snack to complement you Brussels adventure.
The reason why you should try them is that Belgian fries have transcended the borders of Belgium to become an internationally recognized culinary phenomenon.
The double frying technique, which gives them their characteristic crunchy texture, has been perfected over the years in Belgian "friteries", making these fries emblematic, and their popularity in Belgium is due not only to their delicious taste, but also to the devotion to the quality of the ingredients and the mastery in their preparation.
Belgian meatballs are appreciated for their hearty flavor and their association with Belgian culinary tradition. In fact, their popularity lies in the unique combination of beef and pork, as well as the blend of spices that gives them an authentic taste.
Nowadays, they are a beloved element of the Belgian table and have endured over time as a specialty that stands out in the richness and diversity of Belgian cuisine. Also known as "boulets", it is possible to enjoy them at Au Viex Bruxelles restaurant, as it is known for offering authentic Belgian meatballs in a traditional setting. It is a popular choice for those looking to explore the local cuisine.
In addition, if you think of this dish when wondering what to eat in Brussels, you can also choose to visit Le Fin de Siècle, another restaurant in Brussels that serves delicious Belgian meatballs. Their cozy atmosphere and focus on traditional recipes make them an attractive option.
Flemish stew is a mainstay of Belgian cuisine, especially in the Flanders region, but it is also appreciated in Brussels. The combination of tender veal slowly cooked in dark beer, along with spices and vegetables, results in a comforting and flavorful dish. In fact, when it comes to Belgian food in Brussels, this is one of the best dishes to pair with beer in Brussels.
Its popularity in the city is due to Belgium's rich culinary tradition, where the quality of ingredients and dedication to recipes handed down from generation to generation are valued. As such, this stew is a showcase of Belgian hospitality and a reflection of the importance placed on food as an integral part of the local culture.
You can enjoy it in several places in Brussels, but some restaurants are known for offering exceptional versions of this delicacy. One of them is Estaminet 't Kelderke, an establishment that is famous for its homemade Flemish stew. It is a popular place among lovers of traditional Belgian cuisine, so you should visit it if you want to try a very authentic taste.
Gray shrimp croquettes are typical of Brussels due to the city's rich culinary tradition and its proximity to the North Sea, which provides an abundant supply of fresh gray shrimp, so you won't want to visit Brussels and miss its parade of flavors either.
It is worth mentioning that another reason why this is a typical Brussels dish is due to the combination of two factors, the influence of Belgian cuisine and availability of fresh ingredients in abundance in the region. Therefore, you should not be surprised if you discover that it is the favorite dish of many Belgians and first thing they answer to tourists wondering what to eat in Brussels.
To enjoy this delicacy, which is also known as "Garnaalkroketten", you have a wide variety of places in Brussels. One of the most prominent, for example, is Maison Antoine, which is located on Place Jourdan. It is especially known for its authentic gray shrimp croquettes, which are served with a generous portion of fries.
If you want a more classically styled experience, you can visit Frituur No. 1, another establishment that is famous for its crispy and delicious gray shrimp croquettes.
As a third option, located near the lively Place Flagey, you will find Friterie Flagey. This place is appreciated for its fresh and tasty gray shrimp croquettes, which you can accompany with french fries.
Vol-au-vent, a classic Flemish dish, is a mixture of chicken, mushrooms, sauce and small meatballs, all wrapped in a puff pastry dough. Equal parts of nutrition and flavor that you will love.
This dish is quite appreciated in Brussels due to its rich culinary tradition and the ability of local chefs to create a delicious and unique version of this classic Flemish dish.
If you are looking to enjoy a delicious vol-au-vent in Brussels, consider visiting Au Vieux Saint Martin, as this restaurant on Rue Saint Martin is known for offering a high quality vol-au-vent with an outstanding review rating.
Another option worth mentioning is La Cigale in Saint-Gilles, a place recommended for its excellent Belgian cuisine and cozy atmosphere. As a third recommendation we must mention the restaurant Aux Armes de Bruxelles, which is not only known for its delicious vol-au-vent, but also for its Waterzooi and its chops, which you should also try if you visit it.
The Cannibale, also known as steak tartar, is an option for lovers of gastronomic adventure visiting the city, and its presence highlights the diversity of culinary options that Brussels has to offer, since it is seasoned raw meat, a most peculiar dish, but whose taste we are sure you will be delighted with.
If you are looking to enjoy the famous Cannibale in Brussels, we recommend you visit the Bar à viandes Cannibale, a place that takes pride in preparing the steak tartar at the diner's table and serving it with slices of bread and a sauce with a spicy touch. This combination of elements makes it the best place in town to try it.
Belgian waffles are a delicacy recognized around the world, and in Brussels, the tradition of making them in an exceptional way continues, highlighting the city's mastery in baking, hence we could not avoid mentioning them in this list of Belgian food in Brussels.
To enjoy the best Belgian waffles in Brussels, you can go to Maison Dandy, as it is considered one of the most famous waffle shops with the best waffles in Brussels.
We now come to the sweetest part of the list, which can never be missing when you decide to delight your palate. In this case, we have to talk about Belgian pralines, which have become a symbol of Belgian chocolate excellence and are an exquisite option for those who want to enjoy the best of Belgian chocolate in Brussels.
Unlike traditional chocolates, in this case we are talking about exquisite chocolate bonbons with praline filling. This filling gives them their indescribable flavor, with well-valued crushed almonds and caramelized sugar.
You can eat to your heart's content at any of the city's outstanding chocolate shops, including Chocolates Mary, Chocolates Laurent Gerbaud and the ever-reliable Chocolates Darcis.
When you do not know what to eat in Brussels, but you know you want something sweet and for all tastes, Speculoos cookies are always a good choice, as they are an emblematic product of Belgian gastronomy, and in Brussels they are made in an artisanal way following the tradition, offering visitors and locals a delicious snack full of tradition.
Speculoos cookies, traditional of Belgian gastronomy, can be found in several places in Brussels. Some recommendations include the Maison Dandoy: With 11 establishments in the city, it is a place that is known for making these cookies in an artisanal way, which gives them a unique taste.
In the same way, you can also visit Nihoul.be, where you can also enjoy these cookies with that sweet and unique flavor.
The "Rabbit with Beer" is a delicacy that reflects the authenticity of Walloon cuisine in Brussels, combining the tenderness of the rabbit with a beer sauce that gives it a unique flavor.
At restaurants such as Chez Leon, 9 et Voisins and Fin de Siècle, travelers have praised not only the quality of the food, but also the authentic culinary experience. This dish, cooked with olive oil, vegetables and a masterful touch, offers a unique perspective on the fusion of flavors in the region that you will love.
The "Carbonnade Flamande" is a jewel of the Belgian cuisine, and Brussels serves it masterfully. Consisting of a stew of beef, bacon, onion, brown sugar, vinegar, light beer, rustic bread and mustard, it offers an explosion of traditional flavors.
You can try it in restaurants such as Nüetnigenough and Au Vieux Bruxelles, which are known for offering an exceptional culinary experience with this emblematic dish.
If you're looking to explore the unique flavors of Brussels, you can't miss the "Paling in 't Groen". Originating from the Flemish region, this dish of eel cooked in a vibrant green herb sauce is a delight for the senses.
Although it has faced restrictions due to environmental concerns, some local restaurants still offer this culinary specialty.
Waterzooi is a typical Belgian dish that has found its place on the menus of many restaurants in Brussels. Whether prepared with chicken or fish, this stew composed of carrots, onions, celery and leek offers a comforting and delicious experience.
Places like Le Cirio and Aux Armes de Bruxelles are recommended for those who wish to taste authentic Waterzooi in the city.
With all these varied recommendations, you will never again have to wonder what to eat in Brussels. Come and try them all and learn more about them, you won't regret it!
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