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Belgium is known for its beer, chocolate, and waffles, but there are plenty of culinary options that are sure to delight your taste buds. Brussels, Belgium’s capital, might just be the best place to experience these unique offerings, from mussels and frites to delicious waterzooi stew. Here are ten things you must try:

Carbonnade Flamande at Fin de Siecle

If you’re for looking for a rich, meaty meal, you can’t get much better than carbonnade. It’s a Belgian beef stew, with tender beef simmered in dark beer and onions. Fin de Siecle is a great place to try it, as they’re known for their consistently excellent preparation of classic Belgian cuisine.

Frites at Maison Antoine

Never go to Belgium and ask for ‘french fries’. While this is the name most Americans use, it will be met with indignation in Brussels. In Belgium, you order ‘frites’. You’ll find places with a singular devotion to frites, dedicated to making the crispiest, tastiest snack possible. One of the best options is Maison Antoine, a stall that never stops drawing customers.

Moules at Bij den Boer

Moules, or mussels, are a Belgian favorite and often called Belgium’s national dish. Typically served with a heaping helping of frites, you can find this classic combo all over the place. The mussels will be served in a huge pot, but there are a few different ways the meal can be prepared. Head over to Bij den Boer between September and February and you’ll get one of the best moules meals around.

Waffles

You’ve had a Belgian waffle, right? Regardless, Brussels is the best place to try one. Belgians love their waffles, so you won’t have any trouble tracking down these tasty treats. Whether you want a breakfast option or something sweet at any time of day, you’ll be amazed at the plethora of choices. Waffles with chocolate, waffles with fruit, Nutella, whipped cream…whichever waffle you get, you can trust that it will be amazing.

Anguilles au Vert at Belga Queen

Translated to ‘eel in green sauce’, anguilles au vert is one of Belgium’s favorite seafood options. Eel has the consistency of chicken, so if you’ve never tried eel before you don’t have to fear. For anguilles au vert, chunks of eel meat are stewed in a thick sauce made from sorrel and chervil. Head over to Belga Queen for a stellar example of this unique dish.

Grey Shrimp Croquettes at De Noordzee/La Mer du Nord

Belgians love their shrimp, and North Sea grey shrimp are the most common variety to find in Belgium. Belgian restaurants usually serve shrimp in a croquette, a crispy breaded ball with shrimp in the middle. Head to the De Noordzee/La Mer du Nord fish counter for some of the best grey shrimp croquettes in all of Brussels, and don’t forget to pair it with a good white wine.

Speculaas at The Dandoy Tearoom

Similar to gingerbread, speculaas are crunchy, tasty cookies originating from the Belgian and Dutch tradition of celebrating Saint Nicholas. These cookies are often served with coffee, so you’ll have no trouble finding them around Brussels. If you want the best example, however, head over to the Dandoy Tearoom. Dandoy is a traditional cookie maker, so you can trust them to perfect this delicious treat.

Waterzooi at Au Vieux Bruxelles

Waterzooi is fun to say, but it’s also delicious. This dish is a creamy stew made with eggs and butter, and while it was originally made with fish, today you’ll usually find it made with chicken instead. Au Vieux Bruxelles is a great place to try it: this establishment has been serving up classic Belgian cuisine since 1882.

Beer at Delirium Café

Beer lovers, you’ve found your paradise. Beer is a big deal in Belgium, and Belgian beer is well-known around the world. If you’re a beer fan stopping Brussels, you can’t miss Delirium Café. With over 3,000 kinds of beer, this café holds the record for the most beers available commercially worldwide. You’ll find all sorts of local creations, so grab a beer and take a seat on one of the three floors of this unique establishment.

Maison Pierre Marcolini

Belgian chocolate is arguably the best in the world, and you’ll find a number of expert chocolatiers in Brussels. But Pierre Marcolini might just be the best of the best. He chooses his own unprocessed cocoa beans personally and roasts them himself at Maison Pierre Marcolini, which could very well be Brussels’ best chocolate shop. We’ll let you decide.

Whether you’re looking for chocolate, seafood or beer, there’s plenty of unique food and drink in Brussels.  Come enjoy this beautiful Belgium city.

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Jim Bozzelli
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