Must-try Dishes
Oeufs Cocotte - Baked Eggs - Silky eggs baked in cream with herbs, often topped with cheese. It’s a popular breakfast dish enjoyed at cozy cafés, typically paired with crusty bread.
Les Boulets de Liège - Liège Meatballs - Juicy meatballs made of pork and beef, braised in a rich sauce of beer, onions, and spices. Locals devour these hearty delights at casual bistros, often with fries, especially during lunch.
Sauerbraten - Marinated Beef Roast - Tender beef marinated in vinegar and spices, slow-cooked until beautifully flavorful. This is a special dish typically served at family dinners or festive occasions, often with red cabbage.
Wok de Canard - Duck Wok - Stir-fried duck breast with seasonal vegetables, served with rice or noodles for a unique twist. Many locals favor this unexpected pairing at Asian-inspired restaurants around town.
Cromesquis de Fromage - Cheese Cromesquis - Crunchy cheese balls, deep-fried to perfection, often filled with gooey cheese and herbs. A popular street food offering found at markets, it makes for a perfect snack any time of day.
Stoemp - Vegetable Mash - Creamy mashed potatoes enriched with seasonal vegetables like carrots or leeks, often paired with a sausage. These filling plates are commonly enjoyed during lunch, especially in winter months.
Chicons au Gratin - Endives au Gratin - Belgian endives wrapped in ham and smothered in a cheesy béchamel sauce, baked until golden brown. Best enjoyed during colder months, this dish showcases the warmth of Belgian comfort food.
By the way... many locals prefer to take their time savoring meals, often leading to long lunches that stretch into the evening!
Desserts & Drinks
Chocolatine - Chocolatine (chocolate croissant) - Flaky pastry filled with rich dark chocolate, often enjoyed fresh from local boulangeries. Best sampled in the morning, accompanied by a cup of coffee as locals gather for a leisurely breakfast.
Pêche Melba - Pêche Melba (dessert with peaches and ice cream) - This elegant dessert combines poached peaches with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream, served chilled and beautifully plated. It's a summer favorite, often enjoyed during festivals or special celebrations, creating a refreshing end to a meal.
Farida - Farida (spiced fruit drink) - A vibrant beverage made from seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of sugar, served over ice, perfect for hot days. Locals enjoy this refreshing drink during summer picnics or at family gatherings, often made with a fruit that’s at its peak ripeness.
Jenever - Jenever (Belgian gin) - A strong distilled spirit made from malt wine, flavored with juniper berries, served in a small glass. Commonly enjoyed during social gatherings or celebratory moments, especially around the holidays; just remember to sip it slowly—it’s stronger than it seems!
Sorbet - Sorbet (frozen dessert) - A soft, creamy frozen treat made from puréed fresh fruits and water, offering a light and refreshing way to cool down. Best enjoyed in the local patisseries during the sunny months; it’s common to find unique local flavors like blackcurrant or raspberry. By the way, it’s a nice palette cleanser after a hearty meal!