What Food To Try in Kortrijk and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Kortrijk for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Kortrijk cafes and restaurants
$15.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $13.08
$60
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $54.5
$8.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.45
What to Try in Kortrijk
Must-try Dishes
Omelet - Omelet (hearty breakfast) - Fluffy eggs mixed with local cheese and herbs, often folded with sautéed vegetables. Locals enjoy this flavorful dish at home or in cafés during leisurely weekend breakfasts.Kottek - Kortrijk street food (mushroom delight) - Crispy potato cakes filled with sautéed mushrooms and herbs, served hot and often enjoyed during local festivals. They make a perfect bite while socializing with friends.
Carbonnade Flamande - Belgian Beef Stew (rich traditional dish) - Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in dark beer with onions and spices, served with fries or bread to soak up the sauce. Typically enjoyed for Sunday dinners at family gatherings.
Pickles (Limburgse Kriek) - Local specialty (sour cherries) - Freshly picked sour cherries preserved in a rich syrup, often served as a tangy side with meats. This traditional dish is cherished around the region during gatherings, especially in summer.
Sour Cream and Leek Pizza - Uienpizza (surprising combination) - A thin crust topped with cream and sautéed leeks, baked until crispy. It's a staple at local pizzerias, and don’t forget to order it with extra cheese for a local twist!
Asparagus - Asperges (seasonal delight) - White asparagus steamed and drizzled with melted butter, often enjoyed in spring when they are freshly harvested. Locals relish it as a Sunday lunch, appreciating the short season intensely.
Waterzooi - Waterzooi (brothy stew) - A creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables, traditionally served with crusty bread. It's a favorite for a cozy dinner, especially in colder months, and a beloved comfort food for Kortrijk locals.
Desserts & Drinks
Koffie - Koffie (rich coffee) - A robust blend brewed from local beans, often enjoyed strong and black, with a dollop of cream. Locals tend to savor this in cozy cafes mid-morning, making it a perfect pick-me-up after an early start.Kriek - Kriek (cherry beer) - This refreshing blend of Belgian lambic beer and sour cherries creates a fruity drink that’s both tart and sweet. Best enjoyed on a sunny day at outdoor terraces, it's common to see locals toasting with it during leisurely warm evenings.
Ardeensche Poffertjes - Poffertjes (mini pancakes) - Light, fluffy pancakes made with yeast and served dusted with powdered sugar, often paired with a blob of butter. They're a favorite at festive markets, making their appearance during local events, with a crispy edge that is simply irresistible.
Gelato - Italiaans IJs (smooth ice cream) - This creamy delight, available in rich chocolate or local fruit flavors like speculoos, offers a smooth texture that’s perfect on hot afternoons. It's a must-have treat in Kortrijk's squares, often enjoyed as a refreshing break while exploring.
Speculoos - Speculoos (spiced cookies) - These spiced shortcrust biscuits, often shaped in elegant designs, are made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, providing a rich, caramel flavor. Locals love them with their afternoon tea or coffee, especially during special occasions like festive gatherings. By the way, they pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
Food and Groceries in Kortrijk
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.37 |
| Bananas | $1.41 |
| Oranges | $1.51 |
| Potatoes | $1.05 |
| Apples | $1.83 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.45 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.12 |
| Imported Beer | $1.27 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6 |
| Milk 1L | $0.86 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $18.89 |
| Chicken | $9.06 |
| Cigarettes | $8.18 |
| Rice | $1.23 |
| Local Cheese | $16.53 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Around lunchtime, the local eateries bustle with energy, reflecting Kortrijk’s communal spirit. As I strolled through the city center, the fragrance of fresh frites mingled with the scent of local boulangeries wafting from the doorways, signaling that the mealtime rhythm is in full swing. Here, a typical lunch hour stretches from noon to 2 PM, with locals often indulging in simple fare, like a croque monsieur or a salad, typically ranging from €8 to €15.
In Kortrijk, dining prices can vary dramatically depending on the district. The streets around the market offer more budget-friendly options; for instance, a hearty portion of waterzooi can be found for around €12, whereas restaurant-lined Boudewijnslaan often sees meals in the €20-€35 range. Interestingly, some visitors mistakenly believe that dining in the city center is always the most expensive. However, tiny kitchen eateries tucked away in quieter neighborhoods present fantastic dishes at price points that won't break the bank.
Payment customs are straightforward, often with cash accepted everywhere, but card payments are gaining traction, particularly in trendy spots. Many restaurants in the city employ a service charge of around 10% included in the bill, making tipping less of a norm; however, rounding up to show appreciation is always welcome.
As the evening approaches, consider scheduling dinner earlier, as many local restaurants start to fill up by 7 PM. A common dining habit observed is the leisurely approach to meals, so don’t rush through your dessert; lingering is part of the experience, especially when paired with a local beer or a glass of Genever.
A popular practice is the "apéro" culture—sharing small bites and drinks with friends, typically before dinner. This can often lead to some delightful conversations as locals unwind from their day. A common tourist error is to ignore this ritual; participating not only helps you settle into the local vibe but also opens up a whole new world of flavor.
If you're planning on dining at popular spots, making a reservation is wise, especially on weekends. With the influx of patrons during market season, popular dining establishments can fill up quickly—a moment I've seen turn many hopeful diners away on a busy Saturday evening.
As seasons shift, you'll catch locals opting for heavier fares in colder months, often favoring seasonal ingredients available at the nearby markets. The joy of a warm dish after a brisk walk is a hallmark of local dining culture. Keep an eye on the local calendar for food festivals, as they present fantastic opportunities to experience local dishes at various price points, often leaning towards the budget-friendly side.
In Kortrijk, dining prices can vary dramatically depending on the district. The streets around the market offer more budget-friendly options; for instance, a hearty portion of waterzooi can be found for around €12, whereas restaurant-lined Boudewijnslaan often sees meals in the €20-€35 range. Interestingly, some visitors mistakenly believe that dining in the city center is always the most expensive. However, tiny kitchen eateries tucked away in quieter neighborhoods present fantastic dishes at price points that won't break the bank.
Payment customs are straightforward, often with cash accepted everywhere, but card payments are gaining traction, particularly in trendy spots. Many restaurants in the city employ a service charge of around 10% included in the bill, making tipping less of a norm; however, rounding up to show appreciation is always welcome.
As the evening approaches, consider scheduling dinner earlier, as many local restaurants start to fill up by 7 PM. A common dining habit observed is the leisurely approach to meals, so don’t rush through your dessert; lingering is part of the experience, especially when paired with a local beer or a glass of Genever.
A popular practice is the "apéro" culture—sharing small bites and drinks with friends, typically before dinner. This can often lead to some delightful conversations as locals unwind from their day. A common tourist error is to ignore this ritual; participating not only helps you settle into the local vibe but also opens up a whole new world of flavor.
If you're planning on dining at popular spots, making a reservation is wise, especially on weekends. With the influx of patrons during market season, popular dining establishments can fill up quickly—a moment I've seen turn many hopeful diners away on a busy Saturday evening.
As seasons shift, you'll catch locals opting for heavier fares in colder months, often favoring seasonal ingredients available at the nearby markets. The joy of a warm dish after a brisk walk is a hallmark of local dining culture. Keep an eye on the local calendar for food festivals, as they present fantastic opportunities to experience local dishes at various price points, often leaning towards the budget-friendly side.