Next Stop: Belgium

Belgium is a nation of Gourmands rather than Gourmets which translates into big cuisine rather than fine cuisine. In reality this means that along with big portions, you get pretty good quality and a kind of unpretentiousness. The word Gourmandise originally meant gluttony, but like in France it has taken over the above meaning. It is often said Belgium serves food with the quantity of Germany and the quality of France.

French fries, called frieten (Flemish) or frites (French) are very popular. The best place to enjoy Belgian frites is at a friture (frituur or informally frietkot in Flemish) which is a temporary construction usually strategically placed in busy squares.

Typical dishes include:

Moules Frites/Mosselen-Friet (mussels and chips) - Dishes often use typical Belgian beers
Lapin à la Gueuze or Konijn in Gueuze (rabbit in Gueuze) - which is a spontaneously fermented, sour beer from the area around Brussels.
Stoemp - potato mashed with other vegetables, often served with sausage.
Salade Liégeoise - a salad with green beans, pieces of bacon, onions and vinegar.
Flemish Carbonades or Vlaams stoofvlees - similar to the French Beef Bourguignon but made with beer instead of red wine.
Waterzooi - a mild casserole of fish or chicken in cream, associated with Ghent.
Paling In't Groen or Anguilles au vert - eels in a green sauce of mixed herbs.
Chicon Gratin/Gegratineerd witloof - Belgian endives baked in melted cheese.
Tartines - open sandwiches of rustic bread, served on a board and eaten with knife and fork. May be spread with paté or soft cheese.

The Ardennes is notable for Charcuterie, or cold meat products, particularly paté, which may be made of game such as wild boar.

Another Belgian speciality is beer. Although a comparatively small country, there are a large number of beers available in a range of different styles. Almost every different beer has its own unique drinking vessel, usually a glass of some description.

Belgium is also well known for its waffles, usually eaten a street snack, and its chocolate, particularly pralines (filled chocolates).