Belgian Cuisine: The Holy Trinity of Mussels, Waffles, and Fries,

Belgium, despite being a small country, possesses a unique gastronomic culture that has made enormous contributions to world cuisine. This cuisine, where French elegance meets German heartiness, is known for its chocolate, thousands of varieties of beer, and distinct street foods.

In this article, we focus on Belgium’s main dish from the coast, the queen of sweet street foods, the waffle, and the country’s national pride, the French fry.

Here is Belgium’s gourmet trio: Moules Frites, Gaufres de Liège, and Belgian Fries.

1. The Indispensable Main Dish: Moules Frites

Moules Frites (Mussels and Fries) is considered the national dish of Belgium and combines seafood and street food culture in a single plate.

• What is it? Fresh mussels steamed, typically prepared with white wine, shallots, celery, and parsley. A generous serving of Belgian-style fries is served alongside.
• How is it Eaten? The mussels usually arrive in tall, deep pots, and an empty mussel shell is often used like tongs to eat the rest of the mussels. The fries are dipped into the mussel broth sauce.
• Why is it Special? The combination of the sea salt and wine aroma of the mussels with the crispiness of the fries reflects the culinary spirit of both the Belgian coast and its cities.

2. The Queen of Desserts: Gaufres de Liège (Liège Waffle)

There are two main types of waffles in Belgium: the Brussels Waffle and the Liège Waffle. This type, originating from Liège (Luik), builds a bridge between desserts and street food delicacies.

• What is it? A waffle made from yeast dough, which is rounder and more irregularly shaped, denser, and chewier than the Brussels waffle. Its dough contains pearl sugar that remains unmelted.
• The Trick: The pearl sugar melts during cooking, creating caramelized, crispy, and shiny spots on the surface of the waffle.
• How is it Consumed? It is usually eaten without adding anything on top (or maybe just a little cream), as the dough is already sweet enough.

3. The National Pride of the Streets: Belgian Fries

Belgian Fries (Frites or Frietjes) are not just a snack but a part of Belgian cultural heritage. There is a “Fries Legend” associated with this delicacy.

• What is it? Thick-cut potatoes are deep-fried using a two-stage (double-frying) cooking technique, traditionally in beef tallow (ossenwit). This method ensures the inside is soft while the outside is incredibly crisp.
• How is it Consumed? Typically served in a cornet (cone-shaped cardboard container) and eaten with at least one type of sauce. Mayonnaise, Andalousie sauce, or Samurai sauce are the most popular options.
• The Flavor Experience: The street stalls that offer this delicacy in Belgium are called Fritkot, and these stands are an integral part of the country’s social life.