Local Food

Food and Drink in Belgium

Belgium is famous for its proliferation of good restaurants and wide variety of eating options. Not only is the cuisine influenced by favorite dishes from surrounding countries, but also by the cuisine of its immigrants from all over the world. Chinese, Italian, Greek, German and Thai restaurants are all fairly easy to find, as of course are the American fast food chains.

Most pubs serve good food at reasonable prices. Traditional Belgian food is very similar to what one might find in French restaurants but with locally inspired differences. National specialities include mussels cooked in white wine, onions and celery and served with French Fries. It is a widely held belief (especially in Belgium) that French fries are a Belgium invention and not French at all. Regardless of their origin, the visitor will find countless outlets called “frituur” or “friterie” selling takeaway French fries.. with mayonaise as the preferred condiment. Other Belgian foods include different varieties of waffle and of course chocolate.

Belgians love beer and the country has a very long history of brewing beer which can be traced back to the monks and abbeys of medieval times. This proud tradition has survived and flourished, with over 300 varieties of beer now available in Belgium. Indeed, Belgium now has the second largest brewery in the world.

The minimum drinking age in bars and clubs 16 for beer, and 18 for stronger drinks with an alcohol content of more than 22%.