Alright, let’s start with the basics: what even is Belgian cuisine? If your mind immediately jumps to chocolate and waffles, you’re only halfway there. Sure, Belgian chocolate is legendary, and waffles are the shining stars of breakfast (and brunch, lunch, dinner… honestly, they fit anywhere). But Belgian cuisine is much more than that—it’s a delightful mashup of rich history, global influences, and a strong desire to make every meal feel like a celebration.

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Belgian food so irresistible, and dive into its historical and cultural influences.

What is Belgian Cuisine?

 

 

 

Did you know that French fries are actually Belgian? That’s right. Those crispy, golden beauties aren’t French at all. They’re Belgian, and they’ve been deceiving you your entire life. 

Belgium, with its rich and varied cuisine, is a melting pot of influences from its neighbors—France, Germany, and the Netherlands—plus a little something extra that makes Belgian food truly unique. When you think of Belgian cuisine, think of the quality of French food paired with the hearty portions of German cuisine. Best of both worlds, right? Belgian cuisine takes the finest ingredients, throws in some serious culinary deliciousness, and makes sure you leave the table full (but still wanting more).

Influences on Belgian Cuisine

Belgium is like that cool kid who picked up the best traits from all their friends and made them even better. Over the centuries, Belgian food has been influenced by:

• Flemish traditions (the northern region)
• French techniques (Belgium’s southern neighbor)
• German heartiness
• Celtic and Roman culinary flair
• Even Austrian influences snuck in there somewhere

This wide array of cultural influences has resulted in a cuisine that can be both elegant and rustic. From delicate pastries to stews that could knock you into a food coma, Belgian food has it all.

The Classic Belgian Dishes You Need to Know About

Okay, you’ve heard about waffles, fries, and chocolate, but there’s so much more to Belgian cuisine than those beloved staples. Let’s dive into the culinary hall of fame of Belgian dishes:

• Moules-Frites (Mussels and Fries): Imagine plump mussels swimming in a garlic-infused broth, paired with golden, crispy fries. This dish is basically a love letter to seafood lovers.
• Waterzooi: A creamy stew, traditionally made with fish, though modern versions often use chicken. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
• Stoofvlees (Carbonnade Flamande): This hearty beef stew is slow-cooked in Belgian beer (because what isn’t better with beer?), giving it a rich and slightly sweet flavor. At Taste of Belgium, we even have a version served over frites as poutine—because we’re not messing around.
• Waffles (Obviously): But not just any. Belgian cuisine gives us two kinds: the lighter, crispier Brussels variety and the sweeter, more caramelized Liège style. Both are so good, that they’ll make you question your loyalty to pancakes forever.

 

These dishes represent the heart of Belgian cooking: rich, flavorful, and unapologetically indulgent. And guess what? You can find them all at Taste of Belgium.

Belgian Cuisine in Cincinnati

Let’s be honest—when you think of Belgian cuisine, you probably don’t think of Cincinnati right off the bat. But thanks to Taste of Belgium, that’s all about to change. We’ve taken the time-honored traditions of Belgian food and given them a Cincinnati twist. Think of it as Belgian classics getting a little Midwestern makeover. The result? A culinary experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

Our flagship location in Over-the-Rhine is more than just a restaurant—it’s a brasserie, a Belgian-style dining spot that emphasizes casual, social eating. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or staying for a full-blown meal, we make sure every bite gives you a taste of Belgian culinary heritage.

What Makes Belgian Cuisine So Special?

What sets Belgian cuisine apart from other European food cultures? It’s all in the ingredients and technique. The Belgians have a deep respect for local produce, from their iconic Brussels sprouts to their beloved mussels. Traditional dishes are made with fresh, regional ingredients like endives, white asparagus, and of course, beer (seriously, it’s like the unofficial national ingredient).

Belgium is also known for its love of cooking techniques like braising and slow cooking, which explains why Belgian stews and roasts are so rich and flavorful. At Taste of Belgium, we honor those traditions, while giving a nod to American tastes. You’ll find everything from the classic Waffle & Chicken (because let’s face it, this combination just works) to our take on Carbonnades Poutine, a beautiful Belgian-Canadian hybrid featuring beef braised in beer, frites, and pickled onions.

Waffles: More Than Just Breakfast

In Belgium, they are serious business. Forget the idea that they are just for breakfast; in Belgium, they’re enjoyed any time of day. At Taste of Belgium, we follow that same philosophy. We’ve got them for every occasion, whether you want them sweet, savory, or somewhere in between.

Feeling fancy? Try our Waffle Benedict, a twist on the classic eggs Benedict but with waffles as the base (because English muffins are just so yesterday). Or how about the McWaffle, a delicious mashup of a breakfast sandwich and a waffle, stacked with bacon, Gruyère, and an over-easy egg, served with Ohio maple syrup? It’s like breakfast on steroids.

The Belgian Brasserie: Social Dining at Its Best

 

 

The Brasserie is the heart and soul of Belgian social dining. It’s where friends and family gather to enjoy hearty meals, great beer, and even better conversation. At Taste of Belgium, we’ve recreated that experience in Cincinnati. Our locations are more than just spots to grab a bite—they’re places to kick back, enjoy a Belgian beer, and share a meal with the people you love.

With six locations in Cincinnati, including our original spot in Findlay Market, there’s always a Taste of Belgium nearby. Whether you’re brunching, lunching, or grabbing a beer after work, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.

 

More Than Just Waffles: Belgian Cuisine Today

Sure, we love our waffles, but Belgian cuisine is much more than that. From mussels to frites to stoofvlees, Belgian food offers a little something for everyone. And don’t even get us started on the beer. Some of the best beers in the world hail from Belgium, and our curated menu at Taste of Belgium features both Belgian brews and local favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich Duvel, a fruity Saison Dupont, or a refreshing local Rhinegeist IPA, we’ve got you covered.

Oh, and did we mention the cocktails? From Espresso Martinis to Belgian Mules (yes, it’s a thing), our drink menu is designed to perfectly complement your meal.

 

 

Cincinnati has embraced Belgian cuisine with open arms, and Taste of Belgium has become a beloved fixture in the city’s dining scene. From our signature waffles to our S’more Waffle, we’re constantly finding new ways to bring Belgian food to life in Queen City.

Feeling inspired? Whether you’re in the mood for brunch with friends or a cozy dinner. We are for you. And if you’re looking to cater your next event, we’ve got that covered too—Taste of Belgium Catering is the perfect way to bring a little bit of Belgium to your next party.

Belgian cuisine is totally unforgettable. From its rich culinary history to its modern-day evolution, Belgian food is all about bringing people together over hearty, delicious meals. So whether you’re a Cincinnati local or just passing through, stop by Taste of Belgium and get a taste of what Belgium has to offer.

As the Belgians say: Since everybody has to eat three times a day, why not make a feast of every meal?

Now, go grab a friend and your appetite and head on over!