A gastronomic feast
When it comes to gastronomy, Flanders has a lot to offer. The food industry is a very dynamic sector with an excellent international reputation. Among our regional products are chocolate, beer, gin (jenever) and cheese (e.g. ‘Oud Brugge’).
Chocolate
Like everywhere in Belgium, chocolate is of superior quality and is the symbol of art and finesse with infinite taste. One of the most common Belgian specialties is the ‘pralines’ – bonbons with chocolate filling – which were made for the first time in 1912 and whose range of colours and flavours has grown spectacularly over the years (e.g. chocolate fruits de mer). Pralines are readily available in all cities, especially in tourist-minded Bruges, also referred to as 'the chocolate city', which is rife with chocolate makers/confectioner’s shops.
Beer
West Flanders is home to a great many famous breweries that have helped Belgium earn its reputation as ‘beer country’. These beers can be divided into two large groups. On the one hand, there is the classic beers, such as ale (‘Pils’), which is intended for mass consumption, and on the other hand, we have a whole host of different types of beer, including abbey beers, Trappist beers, Kriek (a cherry-based beer), etc. The latter make our breweries unique in the world.
Some of the famous beers brewed in West Flanders: Rodenbach (typical reddish brown beer from Roeselare), Westvleteren (Trappist beer brewed by the monks of the Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren. This beer was voted best beer in the world from 2005 to 2008), St-Bernardus (Trappist beer brewed in the Saint Bernardus brewery at Watou, Poperinge), Brugse Zot (golden beer with a fruity aroma which is brewed in Bruges), Brugse Tripel (Bruges), Straffe Hendrik (Bruges), …
West Flanders cuisine
Belgium’s number one dish remains, of course, fries. However, the province of West Flanders has plenty of other typical local dishes tourists love. There is a great variety of meat, vegetables and fish that is used to prepare exquisite dishes. Beer is also a popular ingredient in Flemish cuisine. The coastal region is especially known for its ‘Oostends vispannetje’ (Ostend fish dish), a delicious assortment of fresh fish. Oysters and stewed eel in chervil sauce, too, are typical specialties from the north of West Flanders.
Pastries
The province of West Flanders offers an abundance of delicious pastries, such as the widely known West Flemish ‘Lukken’, or butter waffles from the Westhoek. ‘Diksmuidse boterkoeken’ (butter biscuits from Diksmuide) are also very popular among West Flemings. Other famous pastries include: ‘Babelutten’ (sweets made from candy syrup and butter from the coastal region and Veurne) and delectable honey.
