Woah. That was some gooood food. So good, I think I am still full from those frites in Bruges. We promised we’d do the same in Brussels and here I am, true to our words, thinking of the countless chocolate pralines I engulfed in under 24h. Who am I kidding? I am certain we finished a bag (or two) in just half an hour. But it is all for the sake of taking advantage of the time spent in Belgium and bringing it closer to you. Plus we burn the calories by endless walking while exploring each city, right? Does that work as an excuse? Please say yes.
With a bod now far from that of Jean-Claude van Damme (he’s known as ”The Muscles from Brussels” for a reason), we have put together a little guide of some of our favourite places to get immersed in the best of Belgian food in Brussels (and some other extras). Enjoy!
1. Chocolatiers – Neuhaus & Godiva
Now, let’s talk about Neuhaus. Where do I start? It is like heaven on earth for those with a sweet tooth. Carefully selected luxury chocolates decorate the windows of the Neuhaus boutique at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. A chocolate bust of Jean Neuhaus Jr. faces you from the entrance, almost as if saying “come on in, don’t be scared...”. You can’t help being swayed by the aroma of fresh artisanal cocoa. Any excuse for a bit of chocolate, right?
With a trademark for world renowned dark, milk and white truffles since 1857, the place is also full of chocolate spreads, biscuits and dozens of bonbon boxes.
Atelier de Neuhaus | Galerie de la Reine 29, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium / Grand Place 27, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Next to the rather smaller Neuhaus boutique at La Grand-Place is its rival Godiva. Every time I hear the name, my mind just pictures Blair Waldorf waking up to a box of chocolates and exclaiming “Lady Godiva, my only friend”. Queen Bee certainly had great taste. And it’s true – Godiva is one of the best examples of fine Belgian luxury chocolates. There is plenty of choice here as well, brought to you by some of the greatest maître chocolatiers that have been following the steps of Pierre Draps Sr. since 1926.
Delicious from start to end, you will certainly feel like a kid in a candy store (no pun intended).
Godiva | Grand Place 21-22, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
2. Belgian beer
What if I told you that there is a bar in Brussels where you can order almost every sort of beer you want? It is true, I am not joking. Delirium Café holds the ultimate Guinness World Record with 3,162 commercially available types of beer from all over the world. They set their old record back in 2004 with, you guessed it…2004 different options! There is beer for every taste, and they keep adding more names to the menu.
Whether you fancy something more traditional like an ale or a lager, or you are feeling adventurous and opt for a banana and spices beer, you won’t be disappointed.
Delirium Café | Impasse de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
3. Belgian cuisine – Moules-Frites and Mitraillette
The second thing that comes to my mind when thinking of Belgian food, and perhaps only surpassed by glorious amounts of chocolate, is Moules-frites. This popular Belgian dish made of Mussels and fries can be enjoyed at its very best at Le Zinneke. Although we didn’t get to grab a seat on this occasion, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to mention this popular bistro. A favourite to both locals and tourists, Le Zinneke offers a great variety of traditional Belgian cuisine since 1956. Quick tip: keep your eyes peeled for the cute menus that look like Asterix and Obelix and Tintin comic books!
Le Zinneke |Place de la Patrie 26, 1030 Schaerbeek, Belgium
Fries are also part of the majority of Fritland‘s dishes. What is perhaps the most famous friterie in Brussels has been serving a variety of fast food options since 1978. And the Mitraillette is without a doubt at the top of their game. Let me tell you, it is INSANE. It reminded me a bit of a Philly Cheesesteak, but on a whole different level. Fries, burger meat, fried onions and cabbage, all stuffed in half of a baguette and topped with a sauce of your choice from the never-ending list of options (we went for the classic ketchup cuz we lazy).
Fritland | Rue Henri Maus 49, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Have you ever been to Brussels? What other places (and food) would you recommend trying? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
G.x
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