You don't have to be a foodie to swoon over Belgium's gastronomic delights. The small country is world-renowned for its signature food dishes, from tantalizing chocolates to full-bodied beers. And if you're looking for a picture-perfect background from which to enjoy your Belgian food journey, you can't go wrong with Bruges.
The small medieval city might be swamped with tourists over the summer, but the rest of the year it's all canals, cobblestone, and quaint town squares. The picturesque town is best explored on foot, ensuring you'll have plenty of opportunities to walk off the heaps of calories you're sure to be consuming.
Ready to discover the culinary delights of Bruges? Read on for the details!
Chocolate
PHOTO: Belgian Chocolate
Skip the internationally recognized names of Belgian chocolate that you can buy from anywhere in the world, and instead opt to explore some of Bruges smaller scale chocolatiers. You'll quickly stumble upon numerous family-run chocolate shops while exploring, but here are a few to get you started:
Chocolatier Depla
This chocolate shop has been operating since 1958, making it the oldest artisan's chocolatier in Bruges. The family-run institution is now run by son Pol Depla. The son of the founder, Pol Depla showcases a collection of traditional chocolates based on the recipes of his father, as well as a growing collection of modern chocolates with seasonal flavors and adventurous taste combinations. Don't miss the chocolate covered orange slices if you really want to discover why Chocolatier Depla is regularly considered to be the best in Bruges.
Chocolatier Dumon
Another family-run chocolate shop, Dumon is known for its excellent hand-crafted chocolates, truffles, and pralines. Though the store is often busy and the service not always overwhelmingly friendly, the decadent chocolates at reasonable prices are always worth the wait. The chocolates here make great souvenirs, if you can get them home without eating them all first!
Other famous chocolate shops include The Chocolate Shop, The Chocolate Line, and Mary Chocolates-and those are just a few! With many mouth-watering options, it's hardly any wonder why Bruges is considered the chocolate capital of the world.
Waffles
Photo by Morgan Johnston via Flickr
The Belgian waffle (sometimes called the Brussels waffle) is characterized by its large size, light and airy inside, and crispy brown outside. You'll often find it generously topped with whipped cream, chocolate, and fruit, making it sometimes difficult to savor the waffle underneath!
Sit down in the afternoon at any cafe for a generous serving of waffle, washed down by an aromatic cup of coffee. Laurenzino is a popular option, both for its waffles and ice cream. Alternatively, try a simple but delicious Gaufres de Lige, or Belgian sugar waffle, typically served freshly on the spot by market vendors.
Moules-frites
Mussels and Fries
Perhaps Belgium's most iconic dish, Moules-frites, or mussels and fries, are an absolute must-try during any trip to the country. Beware of the overly touristic restaurants that serve a subpar version at marked-up prices. Breeder De Coninck is an excellent choice for fresh mussels cooked in a white wine sauce to perfection.
If you aren't a seafood fan but don't want to miss out on Belgian frites, there are ample street carts that serve steaming frites with a generous side of mayonnaise for dipping. For the most authentic frites, be sure they are double fried, ensuring their crispiness on the outside but softness on the inside. Alternatively, the Frietmuseum is dedicated to the history of potatoes and the production of Belgian fries. It's a bit kitschy, but it's also the only museum in the world devoted to fries.
Beer
So Many Beers So Little Time!
We've saved the best for last! Perhaps one of the single best reasons to visit Bruges is for a chance to explore its vast array of hand-crafted brews. There are some 80 different drinking establishments in Bruges, ensuring you'll have plenty of options to fuel your beer tasting. Here are a few of our favorite places to get started:
De Halve Maan Brewery
Bruges one surviving brewery, De Halve Maan takes visitors through the small operational factory, explaining the beer making process and heritage of De Halve Maan. It's an educating experience whether you enjoy the taste of beer or not. In addition, the rooftop of the brewery boasts some of the best views in all of Bruges and is an included stop on the tour.
Brugs Beertje is an attractive beer house located in the city center, making it a convenient stop for most tourists. There are about 300 different Belgian beers from which to choose. Alternatively, Staminee De Garre is tucked away down an inconspicuous alley and is the only bar to serve Tripel De Garre beer. The potent brew is characterized by its golden color and large white head; it's a must-try for avid beer lovers. Cheers!
We hope this cheat sheet to Belgian cuisine helps you navigate the delicious fare that Bruges has to offer! What other food recommendations would you recommend for a trip to the city?
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
