Belgian gastronomy: the taste of winter

Stoemp, waterzooi, carbonnade flamande, chicons au gratin... So many specialties to fortify you against the cold. Even though these traditional dishes can be enjoyed all year round, they become even more tasty during winter. That particular 'winter effect' can be attributed to the use of seasonal products. You simply cannot leave Brussels without having tasted at least one of these recipes. Whether you want to spend a pleasant moment with family or friends, the city is full of restaurants that will satisfy your taste buds.

Here is a list of Belgian specialities you can discover in Brussels, together with the go-to addresses.

Mussel season is in full swing during the winter. They are particularly tasty and delicious at this time of year. Accompanied by a portion of homemade chips, it is a delicious meal to enjoy 'nature', with a white wine marinade or even 'provençale'… This dish is on the menu of most restaurants. Among them, Zinneke is famous for the 69 different ways mussels are prepared on its menu!

The crispy, bubbly crust of chicons au gratin coming straight out of the oven, it makes any Belgian food lover's mouth water. Prefer small ground Belgian endives and enjoy them with a butter mash, which guarantees a rich sauce. Happiness on a plate!

Belgians consider this delicious treat to be as essential to their cuisine as Eddy Merckx is to cycling. Served as an entree or a main course, they can be considered as a national monument.

Two-time winner of the prawn croquette competition, Fernand Obb Delicatessen is one of the firm favourites of Brussels residents.

Veggies and vegetarians are not forgotten! Some of the restaurants mentioned above offer dishes that are meat-free and fish-free dishes as well as vegan. Here too are some ways to turn Belgian recipes into vegetarian or vegan dishes without losing any of its flavour. Replace the shrimp croquette by a cheese fondue, ask for a chicon au gratin without ham slices, or enjoy your stoemp with tofu.

• Le Zinneke, place de la Patrie 26, 1030 Brussels
• Fernand Obb Delicatessen, rue de Tamines 27, 1060 Saint-Gilles  
• Aux Armes de Bruxelles, rue des Bouchers 13, 1000 Brussels
• Chez Léon, rue des Bouchers 18, 1000 Brussels
• Le Petit Palais, rue du Baudet 5, 1000 Brussels
• Les Brigittines, place de la Chapelle 5, 1000 Brussels
• Au Vieux Bruxelles, rue Saint-Boniface 35, 1050 Brussels
• La Quincaillerie, rue du Page 45, 1050 Brussels
• Le Variétés, place Sainte Croix 4, 1050 Brussels
• Friture René, place de la Résistance 14, 1070 Brussels
• In 't Spinnekopke, Pl. du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, 1000 Brussels

*Some of the restaurants mentioned above have earned the Belgian quality label Brusselicious.