Why travel thousands of miles when you can bring Belgium to your dining room? With its indulgent frites and dips, world-famous beer, and presentation of chocolate as an art form, Belgium’s culinary scene is a love letter to comfort and flavor.
Whether you are celebrating any special occasion or just need to sit back and relax, a Belgium-themed dinner party with rich and diverse flavors is the perfect way to transport your guests to the heart of Brussels—no passport required!
Read further to get a complete checklist for hosting a Belgium-themed dinner party.
Setting the Mood: Décor and Ambiance
If food is the heart of the Belgian-style dinner party, then décor and ambiance are the soul. Belgian décor style depicts an appreciation for nature. Bringing forward a relaxed aura consisting of earthy hues to attain simplicity and elegance.
To set up the mood, choose a rustic European aesthetic with warm lighting and wooden accents. Incorporating Belgian iconic symbols like lace, beer steins, and waffle motifs with elegant tableware makes the space feel straight out of a Belgian bistro. Every detail, from the flickering of candlelight to vintage beer coasters, helps to capture the heart of Belgian hospitality.
Planning the Perfect Belgian Menu
The secret ingredient to a successful party lies in planning a perfect Belgian menu. It is an ideal harmony of rich flavors, hearty classics, and indulgent delights, curating a treat of tradition and taste.
Starters
- Frites & Dips: Twice-fried Belgian frites accompanied by a trio of dipping sauces—chipotle mayo, pesto mayo, and curry ketchup.
- Beer Cheese: A rich blend of raspberry lambic-infused cheese served with house-made pretzels.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with pancetta and sherry vinaigrette, offering a savory and tangy flavor profile.
Main Course
- Waffle & Chicken: This is our signature dish. It features a crispy Belgian waffle paired with fried chicken, drizzled with Ohio maple syrup, and accompanied by a side salad. The perfect combination for any dinner party!
- Carbonnades Poutine: This is comforting option. Belgian beer-braised beef is served over frites, topped with pickled red onions, Urban Stead cheese curds, and a sunny-side egg.
- Moules-Frites (Mussels & Fries): Add a true Belgian classic to your dinner party menu with our Moules-Frites. Tender mussels steamed in a flavorful white wine garlic broth, served with a side of crispy Belgian frites and house aioli. It’s elegant, shareable, and authentically Belgian.
Desserts
- Liège Waffles: Traditional Belgian waffles with a caramelized sugar crust, served with an assortment of fresh berries, Belgian chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and Ohio maple syrup.
- Waffle Flight: A selection of four mini waffles featuring flavors like S’mores, lemon curd & lavender sugar, strawberries & cream, and banana & Nutella—a delightful way to sample various sweet combinations.
By incorporating these dishes and desserts your dinner party will offer an innovative and memorable Belgian culinary experience.
Pairing Your Meal with Belgian Beers & Cocktails
No Belgian-themed party, feels like one, without beer. Belgium is famously known as being a beer lovers’ paradise, offering beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs some of the most flavorful and complex beers in the world.
Belgium Beer
Belgium offers a wide variety of beers, giving a testament to true craftsmanship. Whether you want a light, crisp sip to start your meal or a deep, malty brew to complement a hearty dish, there’s a Belgian beer to match every course.
For example, light, citrusy Witbier is a perfect match for seafood, enhancing the delicate flavors of dishes like smoked salmon and crispy croquettes. Its refreshing profile also pairs well with creamy cheese boards.
For heartier fare, Trappist Ales—rich and complex beers like Dubbels and Tripels—complement the deep, savory notes of beer-braised beef and indulgent burgers with smoked bacon and Havarti. These traditional Belgian brews elevate the dining experience, striking a perfect balance between bold flavors and smooth, malty finishes.
Cocktails to Elevate Your Belgian Feast
Add some flair to your Belgian dining experience with our handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully designed to pair with everything from frites to waffles.
Start with the Belgian Mule, a bright and zesty mix of genever, lime, and ginger beer that cuts through rich dishes like Vol-au-Vent or Carbonnades Poutine. Prefer something fresh and citrus-forward? The Queen City Rita, made with tequila, guava, orange liqueur, and lime, is the perfect match for shareables like frites & dips.
And if you’re after something vibrant and fruity, the Summer Vibes cocktail (berry-infused rum, orange juice, pineapple, mango, and Sprite) brings a tropical contrast to sweet dishes like our Liège waffle.
You’ll find these and more at Taste of Belgium Rookwood and other Cincinnati locations—crafted to complement every flavor on your plate.
Entertaining Your Guests with Belgian Traditions
When you host a party it is crucial to keep your guests entertained. You can conduct various activities to build a strong bond. Here are a couple of ideas to explore:
Beer Tasting
Host a beer-tasting event to get your guests excited for the dinner. Set up a tasting station with a variety of Belgian beers, from light Witbiers to deep Trappist ales. Provide small tasting glasses, and encourage guests to note the flavors, aromas, and pairings with different foods.
Belgium Music and Dance
Set the mood with a Belgian-inspired playlist, featuring classics from Jacques Brel to modern beats from Stromae. For a lively twist, teach guests a few steps of traditional Belgian folk dances, like the Brabançonne Waltz or Mazurka, and get everyone moving!
Waffle Making
Get your guests to participate in making hot and crispy waffles. Provide freshly made Liège waffle dough and let guests create their own sweet or savory masterpieces. Offer toppings like Belgian chocolate, fresh berries, whipped cream, and Nutella.
Tips for a Stress-Free Dinner Party
Here are some tips to host a successful Belgium-themed dinner party:
- Prep In Advance: To host a stress-free dinner, always be a step ahead and prepare the dishes ahead of time for easy hosting.
- Serving Plan: Creating a seamless serving plan saves one from the last-minute kitchen chaos.
- Check Dietary Restrictions: to ensure that no one is left out, understand your guest’s dietary restrictions and plan accordingly.
The Easiest Way to Host: Taste of Belgium Catering
By now we know that nothing beats the warmth of a Belgian-style dinner, but let’s be honest—between those mouth-watering Belgian Frites, carbonnades poutine, and decadent desserts, it’s a labor of love!
Here, Taste of Belgium comes to the rescue like a foodie superhero, handling the hard part. With fresh dishes to a customized catering menu, ToB brings the charm of Belgium to your table with its catering service. It helps you to make your dinner party effortless and delicious by bringing one closer to innovative Belgian flavors at any event.
Elevate your gathering by booking Taste of Belgium catering for a truly unforgettable experience!
