Belgian Food & What to Eat in Belgium

white wine

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic wine

💰Cheaper: chicken broth

Non-alcoholic wine maintains flavor without alcohol.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier with good fats.

cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

fresh parsley

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: dried parsley

Dried parsley is more affordable and has a longer shelf life.

Travel to Bruges, Belgium on market day.

Discuss the importance of mussels in Belgian cuisine, particularly cooked in beer.

Demonstrate how to eat mussels using one shell to pick out the others.

Mention that mussels are served in large quantities, often requiring sharing.

Introduce fries, explaining they are double-fried and served with mussels and other dishes, often topped with mayonnaise or ketchup.

Describe croquettes as a popular starter, mentioning cheese and shrimp varieties, and how they are fried and served with mustard.

Introduce Flemish stew, explaining it is made with beef cooked in beer and spices, served with a rich sauce.

Mention rabbit as another dish, served with a sauce and potatoes, usually fries or mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

Highlight the significance of Belgian chocolate, recommending visitors buy a variety from local shops and try chocolate mousse or ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Discuss Belgian waffles, explaining they can be found on the street or in restaurants, often topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, and warn about the messiness when eating them.

Encourage trying Belgian beer, noting the variety of flavors and strengths, and recommend ordering smaller sizes to sample multiple types.

Mention non-alcoholic options like hot chocolate, especially during Christmas, and assure that tap water is safe to drink.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens