Hey there, fellow epicurean explorer! Buckle up because we’re about to embark on a gastronomic escapade that’s going to make your taste buds do a happy little jig. Brussels, the quirky heart of Belgium where Flemish and Francophone cultures play a never-ending game of culinary chess. Today, we’re going to dive headfirst into the wild world of food, flavors, tradition, and innovation that make Brussels cuisine the Picasso of palate pleasers. From crispy waffles that defy geometry to stews that’ll warm your soul, and chocolate so seductive it could steal your heart, this is the lowdown on Brussels grub that’ll have you saying, “I Brussels, therefore I am”, or something along those lines.
As a simple tip, before we get into our gastronomic adventure, we would like to recommend one of our favourite options for transportation, when in the city. Book Brussels airport transfers with AtoB, one of the city’s longest-lasting transportation services, who offer an affordable ride, for a great price. When you are huffing and puffing after eating all of the food on this list, allow professional drivers of AtoB airport transfer service to safely get you back to your accommodation, or back to the airport to catch that early morning flight.
1. Belgian Waffles: Edible Artistry at its Best
Let’s book an AtoB airport taxi and kick off our gustatory gallivant with the pièce de résistance—Belgian waffles. These golden rectangles aren’t just breakfast; they’re edible art. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with enough toppings to make you believe in dessert for breakfast. What’s their secret? It’s the yeasted batter, my friend. It makes these waffles rise to fame like a culinary rockstar. You can’t walk five steps in Brussels without bumping into a waffle stand, and that’s a scientific fact, we think…
2. Moules-frites: The Ultimate Brussels Power Couple
Hire a Brussels airport taxi and prepare to meet the Brangelina of the Brussels food scene—moules-frites. It’s a love story as old as time, where plump mussels frolic in a white wine, garlic, and herb bath while golden fries stand by, ready to dive into the deliciousness. This dish is so revered in Belgium that they dedicated a day to it. Chez Léon, a Brussels institution since forever, is where you want to have this classic dish. Dive in, and you’ll be swimming in flavor.
3. Belgian Chocolate: The Dark and Divine Temptation
Belgium is where chocolate went to become a god. Brussels is home to some of the world’s finest chocolatiers—Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini, to name-drop a few. These wizards craft pralines, truffles, and bars that could make Willy Wonka weep. The chocolate shops in Brussels are like sacred temples where cocoa is the deity. Brace yourself; you’re about to commit a chocolatey sin.
4. Brussels Sprouts: From Green Villains to Veggie Heroes
Time to rewrite your childhood nightmares because Brussels sprouts are no longer the evil overlord of vegetables. They’ve gone through a transformation, like a veggie version of Cinderella. Roasted, sautéed, or even fried, they’re now your nutty, earthy friends. Brussels sprouts in Brussels? It’s like a reunion tour you didn’t know you wanted.
5. Carbonnade Flamande: When Flemish Stew Gets a Francophone Twist
In a city where Flemish and Francophone cultures have an ongoing tête-à-tête, you get dishes like Carbonnade Flamande—a hearty stew that’s a bit like a linguistic cocktail. Tender beef, beer, and caramelized onions come together like a truce after a long feud. This dish is the Brussels equivalent of “Can’t we all just get along?”
6. Speculoos: Spice Up Your Cookie Life
Meet Speculoos, the spiced biscuits that are so crunchy, they could moonlight as percussion instruments. These aromatic delights are perfect for coffee dunking or ice cream crumbling. You’ll find them in all shapes and sizes, but the traditional windmill-shaped cookies are a must-try. Think of them as cookies with character.
7. Waterzooi: A Soup That’s a Hug in a Bowl
Ever wanted to hug a soup? Waterzooi is that soup. It’s a creamy stew that traditionally stars fish but sometimes goes rogue with chicken. Brussels’ answer to comfort food, it’s like a cozy sweater for your insides, especially on those chilly Belgian days.
8. Frites: Street Food Royalty with a Side of Swagger
Let’s talk fries. Not just any fries, mind you. Belgian fries, or as they’re mistakenly called, “French fries.” These golden sticks of joy are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and they come with more sauce options than you have friends on Facebook. The fritkots (fry stands) in Brussels are like the VIP section of the potato world.
9. Stoemp: Mashed Potatoes with an Identity Crisis
Stoemp is what happens when mashed potatoes decide they need to be more than just mashed potatoes. They invite vegetables to the party, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, and suddenly, you have a dish that’s confused about its identity but utterly delicious. It’s comfort food that thinks outside the mashed potato box.
10. Lambic Beer: Sipping Brussels History in a Glass
Brussels has a beer history that’s as old as time, and Lambic beer is its granddaddy. It’s beer with a tart twist, thanks to spontaneous fermentation. Gueuze, a blend of young and old Lambic, is a local favorite. Drinking it is like sipping history while sitting in a cozy Brussels café. It’s not just beer; it’s a time machine.
11. Jenever: When Gin Had Baby Steps
Take an AtoB airport taxi and get our spirits high—Jenever, the ancestor of modern gin. It’s like gin’s wise old uncle who still knows how to party. This juniper-flavored liquor has been brewed in Belgium for centuries and is often enjoyed as a digestif. Sip it slowly; you’re tasting history, one sip at a time.
12. Belga Queen: Where Food Meets Fancy
Before we say our final “au revoir,” we have to give a shout-out to Belga Queen—a restaurant that’s basically a culinary cathedral. It’s housed in a former bank, where you can easily get by AtoB airport transfer, and the grandeur of this place is only surpassed by its menu. It’s where tradition and innovation waltz on your plate.
Conclusion: Brussels—Where Every Bite Tells a Tale
As we bid adieu to our Brussels food adventure, remember this: every bite you take in this city is a page in a tantalizing story. From waffles that defy geometry to stews that soothe the soul, Brussels’ cuisine is a whirlwind of flavors, history, and a pinch of quirky charm. So, whether you’re indulging in Belgian chocolate, hugging a bowl of Waterzooi, or dancing with a Belgian beer, know that in Brussels, you’re not just eating; you’re experiencing a delicious narrative. As they say in this quirky culinary kingdom, “Santé et bon appétit!” or “Prost en eet smakelijk!” (Cheers and enjoy your meal!)
