The Best Belgian Food in Brussels
I loved that I knew very little about Belgian cuisine before my visit. It meant I could really take the time to try out some highly rated spots while sampling traditional local dishes. My understanding of Belgian cuisine is that it’s a cross-section of French, Dutch and German flavours, presented as comfort food that prioritises quality and local ingredients.
Food is important here — I got that impression immediately. Even the homestyle, more ‘rustic’ dishes are done properly and with care. Sauces are rich, deep and flavourful, often made with beer, butter or cream. There’s also the undeniable fact that “fries come with everything”, as one server jovially told us. And a good thing too — the fries are always excellent!
Beer in Brussels
Then there’s the subject of beer. I always tell people I’m not a big drinker, especially when it comes to beer. But with Belgium being known for it, and having over 1,500 varieties, it seemed rude not to give some a try. Going in with an open mind and asking for their sweeter styles, I was pleasantly surprised to find plenty of options — whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or a beginner!
I had 72 hours to try as much food and drink as I could, so here are my recommendations if you’re looking to sample some authentic Belgian flavours on your next trip to Brussels — featuring a few classic dishes, too.
Some Examples of Belgian Classic Dishes and Flavours
- Belgian waffles – Two types: Brussels (rectangular, fluffy, with toppings) and Liège (round, dense, caramelised).
- Frites – Fries served with a variety of sauces.
- Moules-frites – Mussels with fries, a national dish.
- Stoemp – Mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and sausage or meat.
- Waterzooi – Creamy fish or chicken stew.
- Carbonnade Flamande – Beef stew made with beer and spiced with gingerbread.
- Boulets Liégeois – Sweet-and-sour meatballs from Liège.
- Vol-au-vent – Creamy chicken or veal ragout served in puff pastry.
- Tomaat met grijze garnalen – Tomatoes stuffed with tiny grey shrimp.
- Mitraillette – Baguette filled with fries, fried meats, and sauce.
- Speculoos – Spiced biscuits often served with coffee.
- Pistolet – Small round bread roll, often used for sandwiches.
- Grilled endive – Popular local vegetable dish.
My Favourite Eateries/Bars in Brussels
Le Rendez-Vous Brasserie Restaurant
For: A hearty traditional meal in cosy surroundings
A solid all-round eatery for those wanting cosy vibes, friendly and attentive service, and lots of traditional food options — helpfully marked on the menu with a little Belgian flag. Their beef stew and beef fat double-cooked fries were so delicious!
Everything here was perfect — just be sure to book ahead, as it gets busy.
Address: Rue Dejoncker 24, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium
Le Bistro – Porte de Hal
For: A big serving of moules and castle views
Moules-frites is said to be Brussels’ national dish, thanks to its geography and traditions. You can get a really good taste of it here at Le Bistro Porte de Hal. I had the garlic and white wine mussels, which arrived in a glorious big steaming pot with an aromatic broth infused with parsley, celery and other delicious seasonings.
And yes — there’s actually a castle just opposite its front door. Obviously.
Address: Bd de Waterloo 138, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Fromagerie Catherine
For: An incredible old-school deli experience and the most outrageous sandwiches
Picture a traditional cheese shop that’s been around for decades (since 1951, to be exact), serving the local community with expert, borderline obsessive knowledge about cheese — that’s Fromagerie Catherine. It’s the real deal!
With 1,001 (yes, really!) cheeses to keep on top of, Catherine, José and their small team serve each customer carefully and lovingly. We queued for around 20 minutes because the gentleman before us was being guided through a vast selection, with Catherine discussing each cheese’s flavour profile in depth as he tasted them.
We decided — via good old Google Translate — to ask for two sandwiches made with whatever fillings they fancied. I trusted their expertise entirely. The result was two beautiful baguettes, smothered with just the right amount of salted butter, rocket, finely cut ham and a sharp 24-month aged cheese. They were carefully wrapped in paper and cost only six euros!
I loved how there was absolutely no rush here. Our sandwiches were made with such care and attention, just like those for the people before us. It’s well worth a short wait to receive the sandwich of dreams — I’m still not over how good it was.
Address: Rue du Midi 23, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Belgian Waffles
For: A sweet treat — sampling proper Belgian waffles
For super fresh and tasty waffles made to order, head to Belgian Waffles — it does exactly what it says on the tin! There are loads of toppings to choose from — nuts, sauces, ice cream and fruit — so you can perfectly customise your order to your taste.
It’s worth noting that there are two main types of waffles in Belgium: the Brussels-style waffle and the Liège-style waffle. Brussels waffles are rectangular, light and fluffy — ideal for piling on toppings like fruit and ice cream. Liège waffles, by contrast, are round, dense and caramelised, and sweet enough to eat on their own. Or try them with a drizzle of Speculoos (a biscuit spread similar to Biscoff) — my personal favourite!
Address: Rue du Marché aux Poulets 51, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Poechenellekelder
For: The perfect people-watching spot near Manneken Pis
While I was initially sceptical that a bar so close to a major tourist spot like Manneken Pis would be any good, I was pleasantly surprised. Poechenellekelder isn’t just a prime spot for a rest in the heart of Brussels — it also boasts a fantastic array of local beers and delicious snacks.
We sat outside enjoying the autumnal ambience, but the interior is well worth a look — historic, quirky and completely unique, with every bit of wall and ceiling space adorned with puppets and art. Whimsical and wonderful!
Address: Rue du Chêne 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
9 Et Voisins
For: Traditional, casual dining with no-frills Belgian fare
Another fantastic spot for classic Belgian dishes. The menu focuses on Belgian specialities, fish and grilled items, as well as hearty salads. I tried the stuffed chicory — one of Belgium’s most popular vegetables — which was delicious, served with mashed potato and a rich gravy. The stoemp here is also delightful, as is the pork knuckle with its tangy mustard sauce.
They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait outside. We queued for about 15 minutes, but it was worth it! We sat upstairs overlooking the tables below — perfect for people-watching.
Address: Rue Van Artevelde 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Fritkot Chouke
For: A tiny hole-in-the-wall chip shop
Sometimes, when you’re feeling peckish on a city break, only a hearty portion of chips will do. That’s when you should head to Fritkot Chouke — an affordable and filling fries pit stop.
The menu is succinct, offering fries with various sauces alongside extras like bitterballen (a traditional Dutch fried snack) and other options, including vegetarian choices.
There’s usually a queue and minimal seating, but you can grab a table or take your fries to go. Either way, they make for the perfect pick-me-up when you need to refuel after exploring.
Address: Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Delirium Café
For: Record-breaking beer numbers and fun vibes
A beer institution! This spot is a must-visit. With over 2,000 varieties of beer, you’ll almost certainly find something you like. The atmosphere is laid-back — great for tasting flights or just hanging out with friends. There’s memorabilia everywhere, and it’s a lively spot — a little touristy (a bit like Temple Bar in Dublin), but that’s part of the fun.
‘Proost op onze lever!’ — or, as they say, ‘Cheers to our liver!’
Address: Imp. de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
What about chocolate shops?
It’s no misconception that chocolate is a big deal in Belgium, and Brussels is no exception. There are hundreds to choose from for all budgets, but my personal recommendations for top-quality chocolate include Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, and Elisabeth Chocolatier.
Big Flavours in Brussels
From meaty stews and seafood to game meats, cheeses, potato-packed meals, mouth-watering sweet treats, chocolates and more beers than days of the year — Brussels is a foodie paradise. I’d recommend visiting in autumn or winter, when you can truly lean into the comfort foods and warm up with a hearty plate of stoemp, carbonnade flamande or moules-frites.
My tip? Don’t bother with a starter — the main meal will be filling and delicious all on its own!
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
