Belgium to Holland: 10 Foodie Stops You Can’t Miss on Your Journey
Traveling from Belgium to Holland offers more than scenic landscapes and historic landmarks – it’s also a culinary adventure. Both countries are known for their distinct food traditions, from decadent Belgian chocolates to savory Dutch cheeses. If you’re planning a journey between Belgium and Holland, you’re in for a treat. Here are 10 foodie stops you absolutely can’t miss, ensuring that your taste buds are as satisfied as your wanderlust.
Belgium to Holland: Brussels, Belgium – Savor the Best Belgian Waffles
Starting your foodie journey in Belgium’s capital is a must. Brussels is the birthplace of the world-famous Belgian waffle, and trying one from an authentic street vendor is essential. Whether you prefer the light, airy Brussels waffle or the dense and sweet Liège waffle, you’re sure to find your favorite in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to top it with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
Beyond waffles, Brussels offers a range of culinary delights, including mussels and fries (moules-frites), as well as a thriving chocolate scene that any sweet-toothed traveler will love exploring.
Belgium to Holland: Ghent, Belgium – Discover Traditional Flemish Stew
Ghent is not only famous for its stunning medieval architecture, but also for its hearty and flavorful Flemish stew, known as “stoverij” or “carbonnade flamande.” This slow-cooked beef stew is made with Belgian beer and is traditionally served with fries or a slice of rustic bread. The rich and savory flavors of the stew are perfect for warming up after a day of exploring Ghent’s historic sites.
Ghent is also home to a growing vegetarian scene, making it a great stop for plant-based food lovers, with numerous veggie-friendly restaurants offering innovative dishes.
Bruges, Belgium – Indulge in Belgian Chocolate
A visit to Bruges wouldn’t be complete without sampling its world-renowned chocolate. The city is dotted with charming chocolatiers offering everything from pralines to truffles, each more tempting than the last. One of the best places to start is at the Choco-Story museum, where you can learn about the history of Belgian chocolate-making and enjoy plenty of tastings along the way.
Bruges is a great place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in a café, sipping on hot chocolate and savoring artisanal treats while admiring the city’s picturesque canals and cobblestone streets.
Antwerp, Belgium – Sample Fresh Belgian Beer and Fries
Antwerp is a bustling port city with a vibrant food and drink scene. While you’re here, be sure to visit one of the many beer cafés to sample Belgium’s vast array of brews, ranging from fruity lambics to strong Trappist ales. The city’s beer culture is world-renowned, and you’ll find plenty of unique, local brews to try.
Pair your beer with a serving of authentic Belgian fries from one of Antwerp’s famous “frietkot” stands. Belgian fries are twice-fried for a crispy exterior and soft interior, often served with a variety of sauces, including the classic mayonnaise.
Breda, Holland – Delight in Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
Once you’ve crossed the border into Holland, Breda is the perfect place to stop for a classic Dutch treat – pannenkoeken. These delicious pancakes are larger and thinner than American pancakes, and can be served sweet or savory. Popular toppings include syrup, powdered sugar, apples, bacon, or cheese.
In Breda, you’ll find many cozy pancake houses where you can enjoy this Dutch specialty in a charming, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, pannenkoeken are a must-try dish during your foodie journey through Holland.
Rotterdam, Holland – Explore Foodhallen for Street Food Delights
Rotterdam is known for its cutting-edge architecture and innovative food scene. A visit to the Foodhallen is a must for any foodie. This indoor food market brings together some of Holland’s best street food vendors, offering a wide variety of international dishes.
Here, you can sample everything from gourmet burgers to sushi, as well as traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen – deep-fried balls filled with a creamy meat ragout. The bustling atmosphere and the diversity of food options make it a great place to refuel before continuing your journey through Holland.
Gouda, Holland – Taste Famous Dutch Cheese
Gouda is a small city with a big reputation, thanks to its world-famous cheese. The Gouda cheese market, held weekly in the city’s beautiful market square, is a fantastic place to experience traditional Dutch cheesemaking. You can taste a variety of Gouda cheeses, ranging from young, mild varieties to aged, sharp options.
Beyond cheese, Gouda is also known for its stroopwafels, a delicious caramel-filled waffle cookie that pairs perfectly with coffee. A stop in Gouda will satisfy both your savory and sweet cravings, making it a must on any foodie road trip through Holland.
The Hague, Holland – Enjoy Indonesian Rijsttafel
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and a cultural melting pot, which is reflected in its diverse food scene. One of the highlights is the Indonesian rijsttafel, a Dutch-Indonesian feast that consists of many small dishes served with rice. This culinary tradition stems from the colonial period, and today, The Hague is home to some of the best Indonesian restaurants in Holland.
The rijsttafel typically includes a mix of meats, vegetables, and spicy sauces, offering a flavorful and exotic dining experience. It’s perfect for sharing and provides a great introduction to Indonesian cuisine, which is a beloved part of Dutch food culture.
Utrecht, Holland – Sip on Dutch Craft Beer
Utrecht is a vibrant university town with a lively craft beer scene. The city is home to several local breweries that produce a wide variety of unique and flavorful beers. Take a stroll along the city’s beautiful canals and stop by one of the many beer cafés to sample a flight of local brews.
In addition to beer, Utrecht has a thriving café culture, making it the perfect place to relax with a drink and some light bites. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a place to unwind, Utrecht is a great stop on your foodie journey.
Amsterdam, Holland – Experience Traditional Dutch Herring
No foodie trip to Holland would be complete without trying Dutch herring, a beloved street food in Amsterdam. You can find herring stands throughout the city, where this delicacy is served raw, typically with onions and pickles. For the full experience, try the “Dutch way” of eating herring – by holding the fish by its tail and taking a bite.
If raw fish isn’t your thing, Amsterdam has plenty of other culinary delights to offer, including Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) and poffertjes, mini fluffy pancakes often served with butter and powdered sugar. Amsterdam’s diverse food scene ensures that there’s something for every palate.
Conclusion
From waffles in Brussels to herring in Amsterdam, the culinary journey from Belgium to Holland is a feast for the senses. Each stop offers a unique taste of the local food culture, ensuring that your trip is as delicious as it is memorable. Whether you’re indulging in Belgian chocolate, sampling Dutch cheeses, or exploring vibrant food markets, the rich flavors of both countries will make this journey truly unforgettable.
FAQs
1. What are the must-try foods when traveling from Belgium to Holland?
Some must-try foods include Belgian waffles, Flemish stew, Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken), Gouda cheese, and Dutch herring. Both countries offer a wide variety of traditional dishes that showcase their culinary heritage.
2. Where can I find the best Belgian chocolate?
Bruges is known for its artisanal chocolatiers, and you can find some of the best Belgian chocolate in the city’s many chocolate shops and at the Choco-Story museum. Brussels also offers a fantastic selection of gourmet chocolate.
3. Is Dutch herring served raw?
Yes, Dutch herring is typically served raw with onions and pickles. It’s a popular street food in the Netherlands, especially in Amsterdam. Many locals eat it by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite.
4. What is a rijsttafel, and where can I try it?
A rijsttafel is an Indonesian feast consisting of a variety of small dishes served with rice. It’s a Dutch-Indonesian tradition, and The Hague is one of the best places to experience it, as the city has a rich Indonesian food culture.
5. Are there vegetarian options in Belgian and Dutch cuisine?
Yes, both Belgium and Holland offer a range of vegetarian options. In Belgium, Ghent is known for its vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and many cities in Holland, like Rotterdam and Amsterdam, have a growing number of vegetarian and vegan eateries.
Also read: Can You Drink Water from Tap in Amsterdam? 8 Incredible Health Perks Revealed!
