Those in the Flemish Region, or Flanders, are known as connoisseurs of good food. Throughout the centuries, Flemish people have adopted various recipes and cooking techniques from the Spanish and French, as evidenced in their les frites (French fries), a national speciality. A typical Northern Belgium dish includes a stew called waterzooi (watery mess), initially made from fish but today commonly prepared with chicken, vegetables and herbs. Though regional dishes exist, the most common ingredients for all Belgians include lots of cream and butter. And typically, a choice of one of Belgian’s famous beers is served with meals, from pale lager to lambic and Flemish red beer. Belgium is world renowned for its production of beer, varieties of which even include cherry and strawberry flavoured beers. Different kinds of beers can be found throughout Belgium, in taverns, cafes, restaurants and hotels, and the legal drinking age is 16 years.

The country is also famous for its Belgian waffles, which are usually smothered in marmalade, jam, cheese, fruits, honey or cream, with each region boasting its own specialty, such as Brussels’ waffles with chocolate. Belgian chocolates are also in close competition with their waffles, with some 175,000 tons of chocolate produced each year and over 2,000 chocolate shops located throughout the country.

As a gastronomic rival of France, Belgium boasts a different vision of food and beverage, as seen in the country’s high-quality beer and cuisine, served in most all taverns, pubs, cafes and restaurants. A service charge of 16 percent in restaurants is usually included in the bill, but tips are common as well.