Situated right between the Germanic and the Latin countries of Europe (France and Germany) Belgium is famous for a unique culture of people, several nationally spoken languages, and of course Belgium food. Belgium food is perhaps most well known for the Belgium waffle but believe me, it doesn’t stop there. Aside from their delectable breakfast pastries, Belgium food features some of the most amazing chocolates you will ever sink your teeth into. Yes, Germany and France may have some competition when it comes to this cocoa treat, but Belgium food definitely got it right. Perhaps the most well known of the Belgium chocolate is a little treat called a praline. These carmel-ish filled chocolates are hollow inside to allow for plenty of ooey gooey praline, and the shell consists of some of the highest quality chocolate you will ever taste.
You can’t mention Belgium food without talking about the Belgium waffle. What does the Belgium waffle have that other waffles from other countries don’t you ask? Well for starters there are two different kinds to choose from; Brussels and Leige. Brussels waffles are a Belgium food that is prepared with a yeast-leavened batter, and are lighter, crispier, and filled with more pockets than your everyday average waffle. Leige waffles are a Belgium food that is made with rectangular sides for even baking or frying. What makes this Beligum food so special are the toppings. Usually you will see them served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream as opposed to the American maple syrup, or the jelly used in some countries.
Another Belgium food that is world famous is the Belgium French fry. Of course, they refer to these treats as “Frites” or “Frieten”, and they are no every day average fast food offering. Belgium food fanatics (and Belgians themselves) like to claim that they were the creators of this dish. Whether this is true or not, they definitely got it right. They are longer and thicker than the American or other European country’s fry and are fried in animal fat as opposed to a plant or vegetable-based oil, giving them the distinct Belgium food taste that can only be found in the native country. When you visit this country look on the streets for Belgium food vendors, you will run into several “Frites” stands.
Last but not least, Belgian beer. You can’t mention Belgian food without the delicious brews that originate from this country. This country is comparatively small, and for its small size, it produces an impressive amount of beer and ships it to the rest of the world for Belgium food fans to drink and enjoy. Belgian food tastes so much better with the right beer by its side, and with beers ranging from limbic ales and sour ales to Belgian white brews, there is no Belgian food that can’t be matched with the perfect mug of beer.
These Belgium food favorites are just the tip of the iceberg for Belgian cuisine, but you can perfect Belgian cooking easily in your own home, or visit the country for a sweet sample of the real deal.