Must-try Dishes
Sauces and Meat Balls - Boulets Liégeois (meatball dish) - These are hearty meatballs made from minced pork and beef, often served with a rich, sweet-and-sour sauce. Locals love to enjoy them with fries as a comforting dinner, especially in winter months.
Liege Waffle - Gaufre de Liège (sweet street snack) - This is a denser waffle made with a brioche-like dough, studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes on the outside. You’ll find vendors selling them warm on street corners, perfect for grabbing on the go while strolling through the city.
Pork and Vegetables - Chicons au Gratin (endive dish) - Wrapped in ham and doused in a creamy béchamel sauce with cheese baked until golden, this dish is a staple comfort food. It's typically served at family gatherings or a cozy dinner in winter.
Liège-style Fries - Frites Liégeoises (street food) - Thick-cut fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, usually served with a variety of delicious homemade sauces. They’re perfect for a late-night snack while hitting up local bars.
Sausage and Potato Casserole - Boudin Blanc (traditional sausage dish) - A smooth, mild sausage made from meat and breadcrumbs, often accompanied by mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables. You'll find locals enjoying it during family meals, especially on chilly evenings.
Seasonal Delicacy - Potée Liégeoise (hearty stew) - This rich stew features a mix of meats, vegetables, and legumes, perfect for warming up on a cold day. It's commonly savored in the winter months, ideally served in local brasseries.
Surprising Combo - Liège Salad - Salade Liégeoise (salad)** - A unique mix of fresh greens topped with warm bacon, potatoes, and a vinaigrette that melds flavors perfectly. It's a common lunch choice for locals who enjoy a mix of comfort and freshness during their work week.
By the way, don’t be surprised if you see people sharing their fries—it's customary for locals to split a large portion, enjoying those golden bites together!
Desserts & Drinks
Café Liégeois - Café Liégeois (coffee dessert) - A delightful combination of strong coffee, whipped cream, and sometimes a touch of vanilla ice cream. Enjoyed after a meal, this dessert is often topped with chocolate syrup and served in a tall glass—perfect for coffee lovers.
Witloof - Witloof (chicory beer) - A unique beer brewed from locally grown chicory, lending it a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. Many locals enjoy this refreshing drink on warm summer evenings, particularly at outdoor festivals—a true taste of Liège.
Framboise - Framboise (raspberry beer) - A sweet and fruity lambic beer made from fresh raspberries, this drink is best enjoyed chilled during Liège's summer fairs and gatherings, where the vibrant color adds a festive touch. It’s an easy mistake to think of it as a soft drink, but it packs an alcoholic punch!
Liège Wafer - Gaufre de Liège (pastry treat) - This indulging treat features a dense, chewy texture filled with pearl sugar, creating a sweet caramelization during baking. Often enjoyed as a street snack or during local celebrations, they are especially good when fresh and warm from the vendor—definitely a hand-held delight.
Panna Cotta - Panna Cotta (cream dessert) - Creamy and rich, this Italian-born dessert has been embraced in Liège, often served with berry coulis or a drizzle of local honey. It’s a summer favorite among locals, served cold at family gatherings and celebrations—its velvety texture is simply irresistible!