Exploring Brussels: Local Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Exploring Brussels: Local Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is not only known for its stunning architecture and rich history but also for its delicious local cuisine. The city boasts a fusion of French and Dutch culinary influences, resulting in a unique food culture that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From savory dishes to mouthwatering desserts, here is a guide to exploring Brussels' local cuisine.

Belgian Waffles

No visit to Brussels is complete without indulging in one of their famous Belgian waffles. These light and crispy waffles are a true culinary delight. They are traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar or topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, or melted chocolate. Don't forget to try a Brussels waffle, which is rectangular in shape and usually lighter and crispier than the Liege waffle.

Moules-frites

Another iconic dish of Brussels is moules-frites, which consists of succulent mussels cooked in a flavorful broth, served with a side of golden and crispy French fries. The mussels can be prepared in various ways, such as marinière (with white wine and garlic) or à la crème (with cream). This dish perfectly showcases the Belgian love for seafood and potatoes.

Brussels Sprouts

Yes, Brussels sprouts are named after the city itself! These miniature cabbages are a staple in Brussels' cuisine. They are often sautéed or roasted and served as a side dish. Brussels sprouts are known for their slightly bitter taste, and their small size makes them an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes or a vegetarian option for main courses.

Carbonade Flamande

Carbonade Flamande is a hearty Belgian stew that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. This dish features tender beef, slowly braised in beer, and flavored with onions, mustard, and spices. It is traditionally served with frites (French fries) or mashed potatoes, allowing you to savor every last drop of the delicious gravy.

Chocolate

Belgium is renowned for its high-quality chocolate, and Brussels is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth. From artisanal chocolatiers to well-known brands like Neuhaus and Leonidas, you will find a wide variety of chocolates to suit every taste. Don't forget to try pralines, which are filled chocolates with a soft center, often flavored with nuts, fruit, or liqueurs.

Recommended Restaurants

When in Brussels, be sure to visit these local restaurants to experience the best of the city's cuisine:

• Belga Queen: Located in a former bank, this upscale restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Belgian dishes, with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients.
• Chez Léon: A Brussels institution, this restaurant has been serving mussels and other Belgian specialties since 1893. It's a great place to experience classic Belgian cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
• La Maison du Cygne: Situated in a historic building on the Grand Place, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a menu featuring both Belgian classics and innovative creations.
• Le Jardin Van Buuren: Located in the beautiful Van Buuren Museum gardens, this restaurant provides a tranquil setting to enjoy seasonal and locally sourced ingredients prepared with a modern twist.
• Au Vieux Bruxelles: Tucked away in the heart of Brussels, this cozy restaurant specializes in traditional Belgian cuisine, offering dishes such as beef stew, rabbit in beer sauce, and, of course, moules-frites.

Try These Recipes at Home

If you want to recreate the flavors of Brussels in your own kitchen, here are two classic recipes to try:

Brussels Waffles

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 7g instant yeast
• 75g granulated sugar
• 10g salt
• 250ml lukewarm milk
• 250g unsalted butter, melted
• 4 eggs

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a smooth batter forms.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease it.
5. Cook the waffles according to the instructions of your waffle iron until golden and crispy.
6. Serve the waffles hot with your favorite toppings.

Moules-frites

Ingredients:

• 2kg fresh mussels
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 250ml white wine
• 250ml fish or vegetable stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig of thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1kg potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Scrub the mussels under cold running water and remove any beards.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Add the white wine, stock, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the mussels. Cover the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mussels open. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
5. While the mussels are cooking, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F).
6. Blanch the potato fries in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
7. Fry the potato fries in batches until golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve the moules-frites hot, with a side of mayonnaise or aioli for dipping.