Top 3 Foods You Didn’t Know Came from Belgium – A Delicious Food Adventure
Discover three surprising foods that originated in Belgium
When people think of Belgian cuisine, the first things that come to mind are usually waffles, chocolate, and beer. But Belgium’s contribution to the world of food extends far beyond these well-known treats. In fact, some of the most popular foods you enjoy today actually originated in this small European country.
If you’re a true foodie looking for your next food adventure, prepare to be surprised! Here are three iconic foods that you probably didn’t know came from Belgium.
French Fries: A Belgian Creation
Despite their name, French fries actually originated in Belgium. The story goes back to the late 1600s, when villagers in the Meuse Valley (present-day Belgium) used to fry small fish they caught from the river. However, during harsh winters when the river froze, they had to find an alternative—and that’s when they started frying potatoes instead.
So, why are they called “French” fries? Some say American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I mistakenly thought they were in France and named them accordingly. Others believe it was due to the fact that French was widely spoken in Belgium at the time.
If you want the most authentic food adventure, try Belgian fries the way locals eat them: crispy, double-fried, and served with a generous dollop of mayonnaise or a variety of unique sauces. In Belgium, fries are considered a meal on their own and are often paired with mussels or served in a paper cone from a local “friterie.”
The Surprising Roots of the American Waffle
The Belgian waffle is world-famous, but did you know it was Belgium that introduced this culinary delight to the United States? The Brussels waffle was first showcased to Americans at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, where a Belgian entrepreneur renamed it the “Belgian waffle” to make it sound more appealing. It was an instant hit, and the rest is history!
However, Belgium actually has two distinct types of waffles:
- Brussels waffles – Light, crispy, and rectangular with deep pockets.
- Liège waffles – Denser, sweeter, and caramelized with pearl sugar.
Unlike American waffles, Belgian waffles don’t require syrup—they are often eaten plain or with just a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re ever in Belgium, make sure to try both varieties for a real food adventure.
Speculoos: (Biscoff) More Than Just a Cookie
If you’ve ever had cookie butter or enjoyed a caramelized spiced biscuit with your coffee, you’ve probably had speculoos—a traditional Belgian treat. Originally made as a holiday cookie for Saint Nicholas Day, speculoos has now gained global recognition, especially in its spreadable form.
This delightful spiced cookie, flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, has become a staple in many coffee shops worldwide. The Belgian brand Lotus Biscoff played a significant role in making speculoos popular outside of Belgium, especially in the U.S. and Europe.
For the ultimate food adventure, try speculoos in different ways:
- As a biscuit with coffee
- Crumbled over ice cream
- Spread on toast
- Mixed into cheesecake or milkshakes
Belgium’s culinary contributions go far beyond waffles and chocolate. From crispy golden fries to authentic Belgian waffles and spiced speculoos cookies, the country has given the world some of its most beloved foods—often without getting the credit it deserves.
If you’re looking for a true food adventure, why not try these dishes in their place of origin? Whether it’s enjoying authentic Belgian fries from a street vendor, savoring a freshly baked Liège waffle, or indulging in a speculoos-inspired dessert, Belgium has plenty to offer for every foodie.
Next time you bite into a fry or spread some cookie butter on your toast, remember—you’re experiencing a taste of Belgium.
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