Must-try Dishes
Monkfish - Zeewolf (tender and meaty) - A firm, white fish often grilled or roasted, served with seasonal vegetables. Locals enjoy this hearty dish during Sunday family dinners, perfectly paired with a crisp white wine.
Beef Stew - Stoverij (rich and flavorful) - A slow-cooked beef dish simmered in dark beer with onions and spices, resulting in a savory sauce. Typically eaten for lunch in colder months, it's a comforting meal that brings friends together around the table.
Frikandel - Frikandel (spiced sausage) - A skinless, spiced sausage that's deep-fried and often served with curry ketchup and mayo. It’s a popular street food, perfect for a quick bite during festive events, but be careful—people often mistake it for a hot dog!
Mussels - Mosselen (fresh and succulent) - Locally sourced mussels cooked in white wine with garlic and herbs, served in a deep bowl with crusty bread on the side. Enjoyed during the summer months, it’s a communal dish that sparks lively conversation.
Endive - Witloof (bitter and bright) - Savoy-cooked endive often wrapped in ham and smothered with béchamel sauce and cheese before baking. This local specialty is a winter favorite, especially around Christmas time, favored for its warming comfort.
Saté - Saté (sweet and savory) - Grilled skewered meat, often chicken or pork, served with a flavorful peanut sauce and pickled cucumbers on the side. It’s a beloved dish for summer barbecues, and locals would devour it under the bright sun.
Cabbage - Stoemp (creamy and filling) - A dish combining mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables like carrots or cabbage, often enriched with bacon. Served as a side or a main, it’s a popular choice during chilly nights, perfect for winding down after a long day.
Desserts & Drinks
Hot Chocolate - Chocolat chaud (rich hot drink) - Decadently thick hot chocolate made with dark chocolate and cream, served piping hot. Locals enjoy this delightful beverage, especially during the winter months at cozy cafés after strolling through the historical streets.
Beer - Brugse Zot (local ale) - A refreshing blonde beer brewed with malt, hops, and a hint of orange peel, often served in a stylish chalice. Beloved during social gatherings, this drink is a staple at local breweries, where patrons typically enjoy it on sunny terraces.
Speculoos - Speculaas (spiced cookie) - A crunchy spiced shortcrust biscuit, flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, often enjoyed with coffee or tea. These cookies are especially popular around the winter holidays and are often seen at festive markets, my favorite being paired with a hot cup of coffee.
Water Ice - Waterijs (fruit-flavored frozen dessert) - Simple and refreshing, this frozen treat is made from pure fruit juice, giving it a vibrant flavor. It's a summer staple at local fairs and events, perfectly enjoyed by kids and adults alike while strolling along the canals.
Poffen - Poffertjes (mini pancakes) - Light and fluffy mini pancakes, best enjoyed fresh off the griddle and usually topped with powdered sugar and butter. These are commonly sold at fairs and special occasions; the unique cooking method—the special poffertjes pan—creates their delightful shape and texture.
By the way, don’t be surprised if you see locals enjoying beer with lunch; it’s totally normal here, and the atmosphere is usually relaxed!
