The Flemish Region is the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, home to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, Mechelen, Hasselt, Ypres and the North Sea coast.
Flemish cuisine is hearty and butter-rich, built on beef, mussels, eels, endives, Belgian fries and beer. Chocolate, waffles and speculoos round out a dining culture that is strongly tied to brewing, with beer often used in cooking.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Flemish Region.
Moules-frites
Steamed mussels served with Belgian fries
Where to try: Brasseries in Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges; best September-April
Price: €18-30 (approx $21-34)
Gentse waterzooi
Creamy stew of chicken or fish and vegetables, a Ghent speciality
Where to try: Traditional restaurants in Ghent
Price: €20-30 (approx $23-34)
Vlaamse stoverij
Beef stewed slowly in dark beer, served with fries
Where to try: Brasseries and taverns throughout Flanders
Price: €18-26 (approx $21-30)
Belgian frieten
Twice-fried potatoes served in a paper cone with sauces
Where to try: Frietkot stands and frituren in every town
Price: €3-6 (approx $3-7)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Belgian
Beer Cuisine
Belgian And Brewery
Belgian Fine Dining
Flemish
Food tours & tastings in Flemish Region
Eat your way through Flemish Region with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Flemish RegionWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Frieten
Fries in a paper cone with mayonnaise or other sauces
Find it at: Frituren across Flanders
Belgian waffles
Liege and Brussels-style waffles sold from street stalls
Find it at: Tourist streets in Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp
Gentse neuzen
Traditional cone-shaped sweets from Ghent
Find it at: Confectioners near the Groentenmarkt in Ghent
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Vrijdagmarkt, Ghent
Friday morning market on Ghent's Vrijdagmarkt square with food stalls
Sunday market at Theaterplein, Antwerp
Antwerp's Sunday morning market with food and flowers
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is usually 12:00-14:00 and dinner 18:30-21:30; many kitchens close between meals
Service is included in the bill; rounding up is optional
Reserve evenings in Bruges and Ghent, especially Friday and Saturday
Many restaurants close one or two days a week, commonly Sunday evening or Monday
- Vegetarian
- Widely available, especially in Ghent, which promotes weekly vegetarian days
- Halal
- Available in Antwerp, which has a large halal dining scene
- Gluten free
- Ask for glutenvrij; larger restaurants accommodate it with notice
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €8-15 per meal (approx $9-17) | Frieten, sandwiches and lunch specials |
| Mid-range | €25-45 per meal (approx $29-52) | Brasseries and bistros serving Flemish dishes |
| Upscale | €80+ per meal (approx $92+) | Michelin-listed restaurants and tasting menus |