When most Americans hear “Belgian food,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Likely waffles, chocolate, and perhaps some fries with mayonnaise. We understand, but there’s much more to this culinary heritage than what meets the eye. Did you know that the typical American can only name two Belgian foods, even though Belgium boasts one of Europe’s most varied food cultures? It’s time we got to the bottom of some lingering food myths that have been circulating.
At Taste of Belgium, we’ve been on a mission to bring our community the amazing diversity that Belgian-inspired cuisine has to offer, beyond the stereotypes. Every day, we watch the eyes of our guests widen when they find something they never equated with Belgian cuisine. Here, we are going to break six myths surrounding Belgian food that could change your mind about this creative cuisine forever. So pick up a beer (Belgian, naturally!), get comfy, and get ready to have everything you believed turned on its head – but in the best possible way.
Myth #1: Belgian Food Is Just Waffles and Frites
“Oh, you have Belgian cuisine? So… waffles?
Belgian cuisine is very diverse, and at Taste of Belgium, we reflect that diversity in dishes such as our Carbonnades Poutine – a wonderful dish with beer-braised beef, frites, pickled onions, and Urban Stead cheese curds. And then there are our Belgian Meatballs, a comfort food classic made with a combination of pork and beef, served with your choice of Belgian or marinara sauce.
What most people don’t know is that Belgium’s geographical location – being sandwiched between France, Germany, and the Netherlands – has resulted in a melting pot of culinary influences that we’ve incorporated into our menu. Our creative interpretations of Belgian favorites take this rich heritage and add new, local ingredients. So the next time someone says Belgian food is just waffles, kindly direct them to our menu’s featuring Mussels du Jour, Niçoise Salad, Belgian Turkey Club, Ham & Brie, Fish Sandwich, and Farmer’s Fresh Ciabatta.
Myth #2: Belgian Cuisine Is Too Heavy and Rich
We can’t even count how many times we’ve overheard, “Belgian food? Isn’t that just really heavy and rich?” The myth likely owes to the fame of comfort foods such as carbonnade flamande (beef stew served with beer) and the notoriety of Belgian beer itself. While Belgium does indeed boast its fair share of hearty foods ideal for frigid winter afternoons, the truth about Belgian-inspired fare is far more balanced and refined.
At Taste of Belgium, we debunk this myth every day through our scratch kitchen style. Everything is prepared fresh in-house, so we can maintain control over quality and balance in each dish. Consider our Harvest Salad, for instance – a colorful mix of grilled chicken, herbed farmer’s cheese, apple, sweet potato, dried cherries, farro, and black pepper nuts with a fruity pomegranate vinaigrette. Or our Niçoise Salad with rare-seared tuna, haricots verts, fingerling potatoes, and olives.
The reality is that Belgian cuisine traditions prioritize fresh, seasonal ingredients and considerate preparation. Our Brussels sprouts side dish is a case in point – these aren’t grandma’s overcooked sprouts! We cook them with pancetta and a light sherry vinaigrette that draws out their inherent sweetness. Even our signature Liège waffles show this restraint – prepared using a brioche-like dough instead of batter, they’re chewy in texture but not heavy or cloying.
Belgian cuisine is really all about balance and contrast – rich notes counterpointed with bright, crisp elements. It’s this thoughtful consideration of flavor profiles that keeps our menu on the table every day, rather than for the occasional occasion.
Myth #3: Belgian Chocolate and Beer Are Overrated
We’ve heard others write off Belgian chocolate as “just another sweet treat” and Belgian beer as “overpriced and pretentious.” Nothing could be more untrue! There’s a reason Belgian beer culture was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016 – the artistry is unmatched.
Belgian brewing heritage stretches back centuries, with methods handed down through generations. Here at Taste of Belgium, we pay homage to this heritage by offering our well-chosen beer selection that highlights the variety of Belgian brewing. Our Belgian Mule cocktail offers a creative twist on this tradition, mixing Genever (the ancestor of Belgian gin) with lime juice and ginger beer.
And as for chocolate, Belgian chocolate production is an art form raised to new heights by methods such as praline-making (developed in Belgium in 1912) and shell-molding. It’s all about the details: more cocoa butter, longer conching, and old-fashioned methods honed over generations. Though we don’t produce chocolates ourselves, our dessert menu pays tribute to this heritage of excellence and attention to detail.
What sets Belgian chocolate and beer apart isn’t marketing fluff – it’s the real craftsmanship and quality control. The best way to appreciate this is through experiencing well-thought-out pairings. Next time you’re here, try our Beer Cheese made with raspberry lambic paired with one of our Belgian beers – the pairing might just convert the biggest cynic!
Myth #4: Belgian Cuisine Is the Same as French Food
“Isn’t Belgian cuisine just French cuisine with a different accent?” This myth most specifically tickles me. True, there are undoubtedly influences (particularly in portions of southern Belgium), but Belgian cuisine possesses a unique personality influenced by its special history and geography.
Where French cooking tends to focus on strict technique and presentation, Belgian cuisine is more rustic, hearty, and humble. Belgian food generally has more robust flavors, with beer frequently being utilized where French dishes would use wine. Our Carbonnades Poutine is an example of this – beef is braised in our TOB Tripel beer to produce rich, deep flavors that are distinctly Belgian in nature.
One of the distinguishing features you will observe is in the use of ingredients. Belgian cuisine worships ordinary components brought out through meticulous preparation – potatoes, leeks, endives, and beer are all staples. Our Belgian Frites illustrate this philosophy to perfection – twice-fried to get that crunchy outside and airy inside, accompanied by housemade dipping sauces that turn an ordinary potato into a thing of magic.
So although we value our French neighbours, Belgian food should be noted for its own distinct identity and what it brings to world food culture!
Myth #5: Belgian Food Isn’t Vegetarian-Friendly
Think Belgian food is all about meat and mussels? Think again! At Taste of Belgium, we’ve got plenty of love for our plant-based pals. From crisp garden salads to indulgent sweet waffles, our vegetarian-friendly menu proves that you don’t need bacon to bring the flavor.
Craving something savory? Try the Farmer’s Fresh Ciabatta packed with fresh cucumber, tomato, spinach, and herbed farmer’s cheese on house-made ciabatta. Want something cozy and cheesy? Our Mac & Cheese hits the spot every time.
For a lighter bite, the Granola Parfait or Peppers, Onions & Herbed Cheese Crêpe are wholesome, feel-good choices. And let’s not forget the sweet stuff – from the Over-the-Top Waffle to the classic Banana & Nutella, our waffles are vegetarian-friendly and 100% irresistible. Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just veggie-curious, our menu offers a delicious variety of Belgian-inspired dishes that don’t skimp on satisfaction.
Interested in busting these myths and trying innovative Belgian cuisine? Come to Taste of Belgium. We have multiple outlets across Cincinnati including Rookwood and Findlay Market. We are happy to serve you.
Rediscovering Belgian Cuisine One Bite at a Time
Having delved into these five Belgian food myths, we hope you’re as enthused as we are by the amazing variety and ingenuity of this frequently maligned cuisine. From the painstaking artistry of our Liège waffles to the depth of flavor in our beer-braised dishes, Belgian cuisine has far more to offer than the myths imply.
We invite you to join us to rediscover Belgian cuisine – if you’re an old fan or a new-to-Belgium fan who’s never gotten past chocolate and waffles. Everything in our scratch kitchen is made fresh in-house every day, so every visit is a chance to try the care and attention that marks Belgian-inspired cooking.
Explore our menu online or, better still, come by one of our locations to see for yourself how we’re changing the face of Belgian-inspired cuisine in America. Order now!
