At Taste of Belgium, we believe food should do more than fill your plate, it should spark a connection. Belgian food is full of history, tradition, and flavor passed down over generations. Whether it’s a Liège waffle or a crisp craft beer brewed by monks, every bite has a backstory.
In our kitchens and on your table, we bring these stories to life. Here’s a closer look at five Belgian favorites that you’ll find on our menu, each with a rich origin and an even richer flavor.
Liège Waffles: The Sweet Street Food That Started It All
Long before Belgian waffles became a brunch staple in America, they were a beloved street food in the city of Liège. These aren’t your standard diner-style waffles. Made from a brioche-like dough and loaded with pearl sugar that caramelizes on the iron, Liège waffles are dense, chewy, and bursting with buttery sweetness.
At Taste of Belgium, our Plain Waffle, Strawberries & Cream, and Over-the-Top Waffle are all inspired by the Liège original. You can even find waffles in unexpected places like our Brunch Burger or McWaffle. It’s not just dessert, it’s tradition.
Belgian Frites: More Than Just Fries
In Belgium, frites are serious business. These double-fried golden bites are often considered the country’s true national dish (yes, even more than waffles). Served with an array of flavorful dipping sauces, Belgian frites are crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, a product of perfect technique and lots of care.
Our Belgian Frites and Frites & Dips honor this tradition with house-made sauces like chipotle mayo and curry ketchup. Order them as a side or shareable, and you’ll see why a simple potato has such a loyal following in Belgian food culture. You can taste them at our outlets across Cincinnati, including Over The Rhine and Findlay Market.
Mussels du Jour: A Classic Worth Celebrating
Ask anyone in Belgium about comfort food, and moules-frites will top the list. Mussels, often steamed in white wine or beer with herbs, are served with, you guessed it, frites. The tradition dates back to the 1700s and became a staple in Belgian brasseries over time.
On our menu, you’ll find Mussels du Jour, made fresh with seasonal ingredients. Add a side of frites or bread to soak up the broth, and you’ve got a meal that’s as authentic as it is delicious.
Beer Cheese with Raspberry Lambic: A Twist on Tradition
Beer and cheese are both essential to Belgian culinary heritage. So when we combine them, we’re not just creating a dip, we’re continuing a cultural tradition. Lambic beers, in particular, are unique to Belgium. Made through spontaneous fermentation and often infused with fruit, they deliver tart, funky, deeply layered flavors.
Our Beer Cheese, blended with raspberry lambic and served with soft pretzels, is a tribute to Belgium’s brewing ingenuity. It’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and perfect for pairing with one of our rotating craft beers or a mimosa on the side.
Belgian Craft Beers: Centuries in a Glass
No discussion of Belgian food is complete without beer. From the Trappist monks who began brewing behind abbey walls centuries ago to today’s independent brewers pushing boundaries, Belgian beer is both art and science.
At Taste of Belgium, our Belgian 101 and 201 Flights showcase this history with beers like:
- Chimay: Brewed by monks, rich and balanced
- Orval: Earthy, complex, and iconic
- St. Bernardus Abt 12: A velvety quadrupel with deep malt
- Duvel 6.66: Bright, modern, and citrusy
- La Chouffe: A golden ale with spice and joy in every sip
Not sure where to start? Stop by our outlets in Rookwood or OTR and just ask our team. We are happy to help
Raise a Waffle to Belgian Tradition
From waffles to mussels, craft beer to beer cheese, Belgian food is always rooted in story. Every dish on our menu has a purpose and a past, shaped by generations of culinary craft. That’s why, whether you’re sipping a citrusy mimosa at brunch or digging into a plate of frites, you’re not just tasting food, you’re experiencing culture.
So next time you visit Taste of Belgium, try something new and toast to tradition. Browse our full menu, build your own Belgian beer flight, and discover why every Belgian dish has a story and why you can taste it.
