eating your way through belgium

Belgium has a wonderful food scene. I like to think of Belgium as the very border separating Western Europe between south and north gastronomy wise. I tend to lower my expectations when dining anywhere north of Belgium. That being said I’m presenting a list of the most common local dishes ordered by the Belgians when going out for dinner. I find that in most countries the common and popular dishes on restaurant menu’s not always represent what’s being eaten at home by the residents of the country. Thus I’m sharing a list of the most popular dishes people eat at home and where to find them.

Stoverij -
Flemish beef Stew

All time classic. Especially in the northern Flemish-speaking part of Belgium which is called Flanders. It’s basically a slow cooked beef and onion stew with some other aromatics and herbs added to it as well as dark brown beer. Served in almost all Belgian restaurants and the local frietkot or frituur. Must absolutely be paired with fries.

Steak Frites -
steak with fries

Probably the most ordered dish in Belgian restaurants. As simple as it sounds, beef steak with fries. Mostly served with a salad as a side and an option out of a wide array of sauces such as pepper sauce, mushroom sauce, bearnaise, blue cheese sauce, … to pair with the meat.

Moules frites -
Mussels with fries

Again as simple as it sounds. You get a large pot of mussels and a side of fries. You’ll often get to choose out of a variety of recipes for the mussels such as white wine, cream, …