Bruges is the perfect weekend getaway for any foodie and it should come as no surprise that two of Belgium’s favourite food passions are showcased here, namely chocolate and frites, which each have their own museums. Of course, there are a lot more edible and drinkable delights to be found throughout the city and here are some of our favourites.
You’ll find the locations of everywhere mentioned (and more) marked on the map at the end.
1. Chocolate
How many museums can you think of that hand out chocolate as you enter and when you leave? At Choco Story, you’ll also learn about the history of chocolate from the Mayas and the Aztecs through to modern times, as well as seeing (and smelling) chocolate being made. You can read more about the museum in our previous post Choco Story, the Chocolate Museum in Bruges.
For superb home-made chocolates using the finest organic ingredients visit The Chocolate Line. Their salted caramels come highly recommended!
2. Fries
Learn about the history of frying potatoes and why “Vlaamse Friets” are like no others at the Frietmuseum, and of course, taste them too, in the museum’s own café, in a 14th century setting, not far from Bruges’ famous Grote Markt.
3. Waffles
You can’t visit Belgium without trying a Belgian waffle and you’ll find them just as good but better value if you buy them from a street vendor rather than in a restaurant. We’d recommend a ‘wafel met slagroom,’ a waffle with whipped cream but there’s a huge variety of toppings you can choose from!
If you do prefer to sit down and relax in a café then try Humpty Dumpty’s, who make excellent waffles, which you can enjoy with a very good DIY hot chocolate (hot milk served with a stick of chocolate for you to melt down as required!)
4. Meatballs
Visit Balls of Glory to enjoy some seriously tasty, handcrafted meatballs to eat in, take-away or cook at home.
5. Beer
Open daily for visits, De Halve Maan is Bruges’only remaining independent brewery. You’ll find all the details of their tours and tastings on their website.
6. Bar
2be, a bar and beer shop, together with their beer wall (with hundreds of beers bottles framed behind glass) is well worth a visit and if you fancy a lively atmosphere in a pub with over 300 beers try Brugs Beertjes.
7. Café
It is nigh-on impossible to walk past the bakers Het Dagelijks Brood, without the smell of fresh baking drawing you in where you’ll find locals and visitors sitting at long wooden communal tables. Great for vegetarians and meat eaters, the menus are in various languages offering a great choice of breakfasts, brunches and lunches, pastries and cakes!
8. Brasserie
With over 400 beers to choose from, Bierbrasserie Cambrinus, is a great choice for beer with a good meal with each dish, through appetisers, mains and desserts, all cooked in beer. Sitting on long tables and benches you’ll find everyone from boisterous stag parties to couples with young children all enjoying the hearty beer-flavoured fare.
9. Restaurant
If you are looking for a more refined dinning experience try Park Restaurant. They serve great food in a stylish, atmospheric setting and the service is superb. Menus (in English) and prices are available on their website.
10. Food Markets
For great Flemish food for a picnic or some foodie souvenirs be sure to check-out one of the two local markets. On Saturday mornings go to ’t Zand and on Wednesdays Markt Square. The former is the largest with the best offers but both are worth a visit with plenty of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, roasted nuts, wine and more cheese than you could possible imagine. Many stalls will be happy to offer a free taster so do tuck-in!
You’ll find all the locations (marked by the green dots) of these great foodie finds, together with links to their websites on the map below. Why not make your own great escape to Bruges.
Great Escapes 