Must-try Dishes
Filet d'Anvers - Antwerp Style Beef Steak - Tender cuts of aged beef, grilled to perfection, typically served medium-rare with a flavorful sauce. Locals often enjoy it for dinner, paired with a side of crisp Belgian fries.
Frikandel - Street Sausage - A deep-fried skinless sausage made of minced meat, often served with a tangy curry ketchup and mayonnaise. Commonly found at street vendors, it makes for a quick and satisfying snack, especially after a night out.
Stoofvlees - Flemish Beef Stew - Hearty chunks of beef slowly braised in a dark beer sauce, resulting in a rich, savory flavor. It’s a beloved family dish, often found in bistros during colder months, best enjoyed with a side of fries to soak up the sauce.
Waterzooi - Chicken Stew - A creamy broth mixed with tender chicken, vegetables, and sometimes fish, thickened with egg yolk. Traditionally served on chilly evenings, it's a comforting dish that reflects the local love for hearty, warming meals.
Gentse Stoverij - Ghent Stew - A variation of beef stew cooked with beer and served with a dollop of mustard, giving it a unique kick. It's usually enjoyed with friends at local pubs, especially during the fall.
Ganda Ham - Ham from Ghent - This dry-cured ham is expertly prepared and often served with sweet and sour pickles. Pairing it with a local beer, especially during local festivals, is a common practice that highlights the region’s culinary heritage.
Asperges - Belgian White Asparagus - Seasonal white asparagus, boiled and served with melted butter, is a springtime favorite. Locals celebrate the asparagus season with dedicated menu specials, making it an exciting time to visit.
Bitterballen - Savory Dutch Meatballs - Crispy, deep-fried balls filled with a rich beef ragout, typically served with mustard for dipping. Often enjoyed with drinks during happy hour, these bites are a popular way to toast the end of a busy day.
Desserts & Drinks
Witbier - Witbier (Belgian white beer) - A refreshing beer brewed with wheat, coriander, and citrus peels, served chilled with a slice of orange. It's a favorite during summer terraces and social gatherings, sneaking its way into lively conversations over lazy afternoons.
Speculoos Latte - Speculoos Latte (spiced cookie coffee) - A delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, and crushed speculoos cookies, topped with whipped cream. Perfect on brisk autumn days, this drink evokes the cozy feeling of the holiday season with every sip, often enjoyed at coffee shops while the leaves turn.
Ice Coffee - IJs Koffie (chilled coffee drink) - Brewed coffee poured over ice, often transformed with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Locals sip this at outdoor cafés during the sweltering summer days, with a common mix-up being asking for "cold coffee" which can just get you brewed coffee over ice.
Chocoladebroodje - Chocoladebroodje (chocolate pastry) - A flaky, buttery croissant-like pastry filled with rich dark chocolate. Warm from the oven, it’s a staple at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, commonly accompanied by a cup of tea, and is best enjoyed fresh from local bakeries.
Rijstevlaai - Rijstevlaai (rice pie) - A cold dessert made with a rice pudding filling, encased in a buttery pie crust, often topped with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. Traditionally served at family gatherings and holidays, this treat sings of nostalgia with its creamy texture and homemade feel.
