Brussels gastronomy: chocolate, waffles and beers, the Belgian trio

Belgian chocolate, a world-renowned art

Brussels is the world capital of chocolate. With over 80 artisan chocolatiers in the city, every neighbourhood holds its own treasures. Iconic houses such as Neuhaus, inventor of the praline in 1912, Godiva and Leonidas stand alongside innovative young artisans. The Choco-Story Brussels museum lets you follow the journey of cocoa from bean to praline and watch a master chocolatier at work. For a complete experience, stroll along Rue de la Madeleine and the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, where the most prestigious shops are concentrated.

Brussels waffles, a crispy delight

Belgium has two great waffle traditions, and the Brussels variety stands out for its rectangular shape, light batter made with beaten egg whites and its texture that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Unlike the denser and sweeter Liège waffle, the Brussels waffle is enjoyed plain or topped with whipped cream, strawberries, melted chocolate or icing sugar. The best addresses are found around the Grand Place and in the Marolles district. Beware of tourist stands overloaded with toppings and seek out traditional stalls instead.

Belgian beer, intangible cultural heritage of humanity

Belgian brewing culture has been listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016. Brussels has its own speciality: lambic, a spontaneously fermented beer brewed exclusively in the Senne valley. The Cantillon Brewery, founded in 1900, remains the last operational lambic brewery within Brussels and offers fascinating tours. To discover the full range of Belgian beers, from Trappist ales to gueuzes and fruit beers, head to the Delirium Café, famous for its menu of over 2,000 beers, or explore the many beer bars in the Saint-Géry quarter.

Moules-frites and other classics

You cannot leave Brussels without tasting moules-frites, the iconic dish served in generous pots alongside golden chips cooked in beef fat. Rue des Bouchers is packed with specialised restaurants, but connoisseurs prefer the establishments around Place Sainte-Catherine, a former fish market. Round off your gastronomic tour with stoemp, a mashed potato dish mixed with vegetables, waterzooi, a creamy stew typical of Brussels, and finish with speculoos, a spiced cinnamon biscuit that has become a classic Belgian treat.