World-class food

Among the reasons to visit Belgium, food in Belgium is one of them. Belgian cuisine is diverse, with significant regional variations as well as influences from neighboring France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Belgian food is said to be served in the quantity of German cuisine but with the quality of French food. Belgium is best known outside of the country for its chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer.

Despite the fact that Belgium has many distinct national dishes, many internationally popular foods, such as hamburgers and spaghetti bolognese, are also popular in Belgium, and the majority of what Belgians eat is also eaten in neighboring countries. As a result, "Belgian cuisine" usually refers to dishes of Belgian origin or those considered typically Belgian.

Belgian cuisine has long valued regional and seasonal ingredients. In addition to common European staples like meat, cheese, and butter, potatoes, leeks, grey shrimp, white asparagus, Belgian endives, and local beer are common ingredients in Belgian dishes. Belgians typically consume four meals per day: a light breakfast, a medium lunch, a snack, and a large dinner.

Belgium has a plethora of dishes and products that are regionally specific. Waterzooi from Ghent, coque biscuit from Dinant, and Tarte au riz from Verviers are a few examples. While their origins are acknowledged, the majority of such dishes are popular throughout Belgium.