Mussels in Brussels

On to the main event that people look forward to when they arrive in Belgium. Mussels (moules) are normally served in a large black pot with the shells still attached. The best thing about the Belgian style of cooking mussels is the range of sauces they use such as white wine, herb, cream and garlic.

To eat them the traditional way, use an empty pair of shells like tweezers to pick the mussels out of the other shells. Unfortunately mussels are not found on every restaurant menu. The best place to sample them is at the rows of seafood restaurants beside Saint Katherine’s church at Quai aux Brisques. Another is at Chez Leon, one of the few quality restaurants found near the Grand Place on Rue des Bouchers.

Fries in Brussels

Fries in Brussels are called frites, not French fries or chips. These delectable fried potatoes are truly popular in Belgium and can be found on the plates of many dishes or with a good steak. The best places to eat them though are at snack food trolleys. The most famous frites in Brussels is sold at a shop called Maison Antoine at Place Jourdain near the European Parliament. It is only open for a few hours around lunch time and the lines for this snack stand are long. Another favourite is a small trolley at Place Flagey, where the Café Belge is located.