Belgian cuisine has a strong reputation even though it is a tiny country. The food is known for its rich, warming dishes that are prepared with high-quality ingredients and a lot of care. Belgian delicacies are renowned for being filling, cosy, and bursting with flavour. It is a cuisine that captures the geography, history, and culture of the nation.
The little nation of Belgium is surrounded by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg in the centre of Europe. And so, Belgian cuisine has a perfect blend of the distinctive traditions of its neighbours. As a result, Belgian cuisine is incredibly varied and receptive to new ideas and influences. Belgians enjoy celebrating, and their cuisine reflects that.
Whether you’re a foodie or just seeking a change of pace, you must experience the diverse flavours of Belgian cuisine. We’ll introduce you to classic meals, unusual ingredients, and the background of Belgian beer as we take you on a gastronomic tour of Belgium in this book. Along with the best venues to enjoy Belgian food, like the Belgian Beer Cafe and other restaurants in Dubai, we’ll also give some cooking advice for making Belgian recipes at home.
Belgian Ingredients and Their Unique Flavours
Belgians have a strong enthusiasm for cuisine and are proud of their creations. Belgian ingredients are renowned for their superior quality and unusual flavours, from the country’s widely recognised chocolate to its countless cheese differences. Belgian cuisine is a unique culinary experience that stands out by its use of high-quality, fresh ingredients often sourced locally. In Belgian cooking, this is one of its unique traits.
- One of the most distinctive ingredients in Belgian cuisine is the endive which adds a distinct flavour and texture to the dishes like salads, stews, gratins, and soups. It is also used in gratins and soups, creating a variety of delicious options for those who love this versatile vegetable.
- Speculoos cookies are a popular dessert option in Belgian cuisine, made with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create a warm and comforting taste. They are a unique and delicious addition to any meal.
- Belgian cheese, such as the semi-hard Bruges cheese with its nutty flavour and the soft Chimay cheese with its fruity flavour, is also well-known worldwide.
- Another key component of Belgian cooking is Belgian beer, which is frequently used in stews, sauces, and marinades. From delicious lambics to deep, complex Trappist beers, there are many different types of Belgian beer available.
Belgian cuisine
The History of Belgian Beer
Since the Middle Ages, Belgian beer has had a long and colourful history. In Belgium, monks were among the first to manufacture beer, and several of the most popular breweries are still run by Trappist monks today. Belgian beer features diverse flavours and fragrances, which frequently include fruity, spicy, and flowery overtones.
Two of the best-known Belgian beers include Orval, a Trappist beer with a complex flavour profile that evolves with age, and Duvel, a robust golden ale with a fruity and hoppy flavour. Belgian beer is frequently served in unique glasses, with a particular glass for each beer style.
One of the best places in Dubai to enjoy Belgian food is the Belgian Beer Cafe, which offers a huge variety of traditional meals and a large range of Belgian beers. The Belgian Beer Cafe is one of the best brunch places in Dubai and offers other brunch favourites like eggs benedict and avocado toast, amazing Belgian waffles with a variety of toppings, and Gruyere cheese croquettes.
Visit the Belgian Beer Cafe for a more premium brunch experience. Here, you can savour a sumptuous brunch with spectacular views of Dubai.
Famous Belgian Dishes
- One of the most famous Belgian dishes is moules-frites, or mussels and fries. This dish features fresh mussels cooked in white wine and shallot sauce and served with crispy fries.
- Another popular dish is waterzooi, a creamy soup made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream. Carbonnade flamande is a hearty beef stew cooked in beer and served with bread or potatoes.
- Belgium is also known for its variety of meat dishes, including stoemp, a mashed potato dish with sausage, bacon, or vegetables mixed in.
- Another popular dish is vol-au-vent, a puff pastry filled with a creamy chicken and mushroom mixture.
- Lastly, Flemish beef stew is a hearty and delicious dish made with tender beef, onions, and beer.
Tips for cooking Belgian dishes at home
- There are a few suggestions to keep in mind if you want to try making Belgian food at home. Primarily, make sure you use premium ingredients, particularly when it comes to meat and beer.
- When using beer in cooking, pick a beer that goes well with the other flavours. A dark, malty beer like a Dubbel would be a fantastic match for beef stews, while a light, fruity beer like a lambic would go well with seafood dishes.
- Last but not least, don’t be averse to experimenting with various spices and flavours. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen because robust, complex flavours are a big part of Belgian cuisine.
A unique culinary gem, Belgian cuisine offers a wide range of flavours and cooking techniques to experience. Belgian cuisine, which ranges from robust stews to delicate sweets, reflects the various cultural influences that have shaped the nation.
The greatest part of Belgian cuisine is possibly how open the culture is to new ideas and innovation, which is described as “joie de vivre.” The typical cuisine of Belgium combines creativity and tradition, using natural ingredients to adapt to today’s preferences.
Belgian food is sure to please your palate, whether you’re cooking up a substantial beef stew at home or sipping a Belgian beer and moules frites at the Belgian Beer Cafe. Why not go to Belgium on a gastronomic adventure to experience the diverse flavours of Belgian food for yourself?