Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

What to eat in Flanders? Top 81 Traditional Foods in Flanders

Last update: Thu Mar 27 2025
Top 81 Traditional Foods in Flanders
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Flanders Foods

01

Stew

FLANDERS, Belgium
4.3
Carbonnade
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Carbonnade is a traditional stew made with beef and dark beer. Often referred to as carbonade flamande or stoverij, it features simple ingredients, but results in a rich and hearty dish. Although beef is the main ingredient in carbonnade, the crucial element for the dish is traditional Belgian dark beer.


It gives the dish certain sour and earthy flavors that perfectly complement the sweet onions and tender beef. Thyme, garlic, and bay leaves are added for extra flavor, while slices of mustard bread are sometimes added in order to thicken the sauce.


In Ghent, the dish often contains kidneys and liver. 

MOST ICONIC Carbonnade

1
02

Sweet Pie

GERAARDSBERGEN, Belgium and  one more region
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

A typical dessert of the East Flanders, mattentaart is a small puff pastry pie with a tender, almond-flavored cheese curd filling called mattenbrij. These delicious Flemish pies are traditionally made in the city of Geraardsbergen and the neighboring village of Lierde, and their production depends heavily on the Geraardsbergen area's dairy produce, since genuine mattentaarts are prepared using only fresh milk, butter, and buttermilk from the local farms.


Although the origins of mattentaart can be traced back to the Middle Ages, the oldest known recipe was found in Een Notabel Boecxken van Cokeryen, the first cookbook in Dutch, written and published in 1514 by Thomas van Der Noot. Later on, the famed mattentaarts were even depicted by the Flemish Renaissance painter and printmaker Pieter Bruegel the Elder in his 1567 painting The Peasant Wedding

MOST ICONIC Geraardsbergse mattentaart

1
03

Dry-cured Ham

GHENT, Belgium
4.1
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Traditionally produced using an age-old Flemish method, ganda ham is a dry-salted meat specialty hailing from Belgium. The meat product consists only of high-quality Belgian pork and dry sea salt (La Baleine) from Montpellier.


Entirely natural and free of any additives, the ham is typically dry-salted twice over a period of several weeks, then allowed to age for 8 weeks, and it is finally left to dry in special drying lockers for 10 or 16 months, a period during which it acquires its outstanding flavor, color, and aroma.


To retain their tenderness and avoid crust on their surface, the hams are typically thinly covered with lard, which is rinsed off after the natural drying process. Ganda ham is sold in a variety of forms, including whole hams, half hams, de-boned hams, or bone-in hams. 
04
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Asparagus a la Flamande is a Flemish dish consisting of cooked white asparagus topped with a combination of mashed hard-boiled eggs, butter, lemon juice, and parsley. There are other variations on the dish, so some cooks like to add ham, salmon, or shrimps as toppings.


It is recommended to additionally flavor this elegant dish with a sprinkle of smoked coarse salt on top.

05
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Flemish waffle is a traditional product consisting of flour, yeast, butter, milk, eggs, salt, and vanilla sugar. Unlike Brussels and Liège waffle, the Flemish variety is usually consumed without any toppings after it has cooled down. It is recommended to prepare the waffles in large batches as they can be preserved for a few weeks if stored properly.

06

Cheese

PASSENDALE, Belgium
3.9
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Named after the eponymous village where it originated, Passendale is a semi-soft Belgian cheese made from cow’s milk. It is characterized by a soft and creamy texture, sweet aroma, and mild flavor. Typically round in shape, it has a natural brown rind which is lightly dusted with white mold so it looks visually reminiscent of a bread loaf.

07

Appetizer

BRUGES, Belgium
3.9
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Tomate crevette is a Belgian specialty dish consisting of an uncooked tomato stuffed with a combination of shrimps, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, and tomato juice. It is believed that this appetizer is best when overflowing with shrimp, with the tomato tops acting as little decorative lids.


When served, tomate crevette can be accompanied by fries or freshly chopped vegetables.

08

Stew

GHENT, Belgium
3.8
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Waterzooi is a traditional seafood stew with a creamy consistency. It incorporates julienne-sliced vegetables, an egg, and a cream-based soup. The dish originated in the city of Ghent, and according to the most popular belief, the rivers around the city were abundant in fish, so the dish was invented as a new way to incorporate fish into traditional Belgian cuisine.


However, the decrease in fish population and pollution have caused this dish to be reinvented once again, and today it is commonly prepared with chicken. Although it can be found in other Belgian regions and cities, Ghent has specialized in the preparation of the dish, and there are numerous restaurants across the city which offer waterzooi as their signature dish. 

MOST ICONIC Waterzooi

1
2
3
4
09

Cookie

ANTWERP, Belgium
3.8
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Antwerpse handjes are traditional Belgian hand-shaped cookies originating from Antwerp. The cookies date back to 1934 and they're made with a combination of flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and almonds. The dough is shaped into small hands and the cookies are then baked until golden.


Antwerpse handjes are a symbol of Antwerp and they're sold in bakeries across the city. The shape of a hand refers to the legend of Brabo, a Roman soldier who cut off the hand of the giant Antigoon who imposed a tax for each ship that wanted to enter the port. 
10

Vegetable Soup

FLANDERS, Belgium
3.7
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Flemish leek soup is one of Belgium's national dishes and a favorite during the cold and rainy winter months. To make this thick, nutritious and heartwarming dish, leeks are cooked with potatoes in a flavorful beef broth. Preisoep is most often prepared as a mere soup, but it can also be elevated to quite a meal when meaty beef bones are added to the pot, cooked until tender and reserved for the second course.

MOST ICONIC Preisoep

1
2
3
11
12
Cheese
DIKSMUIDE, Belgium
n/a
13
Cheese
WEST FLANDERS PROVINCE, Belgium
n/a
14
Cheese
LO-RENINGE, Belgium
n/a
15
Cheese
MOL, Belgium
4.0
16
Bread
GHENT, Belgium
n/a
17
Dessert
GHENT, Belgium
3.8
18
Cheese
NAZARETH, Belgium
3.6
19
20
Snack
GHENT, Belgium
n/a
21
Meat Product
WEST FLANDERS PROVINCE, Belgium
n/a
22
Meat Dish
FLANDERS, Belgium
n/a
23
Cookie
BRUGES, Belgium
n/a
24
Cheese
GHENT, Belgium
n/a
25
Cheese
BEAUVOORDE, Belgium
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Flanders Food Producers

01

Cheese

LOTENHULLE, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Little Cheese Farm is a family-owned artisanal cheese producer located in Belgium. They focus on creating high-quality, handcrafted cheeses using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Their range of products includes a variety of cheeses made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, all crafted with a passion for sustainability and authenticity.


Known for their dedication to preserving the unique flavors of the region, Little Cheese Farm emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, delivering exceptional cheeses that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Belgium.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024, 2022, 2021

BEST Little Cheese Farm Cheeses
02

Cheese

PASSENDALE, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023

BEST Kaasmakerij Passendale Cheeses
03
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Baliehof Kaas en Zuivelboerderij Jabbeke is a cheese producer located in Jabbeke, Belgium. This family-run farm specializes in producing a variety of dairy products, including cheese, made from the milk of their own cows. They are committed to sustainable farming practices and offer tours and tastings to visitors interested in learning more about dairy production.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024, 2023

BEST Baliehof Kaas En Zuivelboerderij Jabbeke Cheeses
04

Beer

GHENT, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024

Concours International de Lyon - Gold

2024

BEST Brouwerij Haeseveld Beers
05

Chocolate

DUISBURG, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Centho-Chocolates is a Belgian chocolate producer based in Duisburg, near Brussels. The company is known for crafting high-quality, artisan chocolates using traditional Belgian techniques. They source their cacao from select regions, ensuring a rich and diverse flavor profile in their products.


Centho-Chocolates has also gained recognition for its unique pairings and flavor combinations.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2013

BEST Centho-chocolates Chocolates
06

Liqueur

GHENT, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024

BEST Secro 29 Liqueurs
07

Beer

FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2022

BEST Brewery De Bie Beers
08

Beer

FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

European Beer Star - Gold

2022

BEST Brasserie Caulier Beers
09

Beer

FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

International Beer Challenge - Best Wheat Beer

2023

BEST AB-Inbev Hoegaarden Beers
10
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023

BEST Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie Beers
11
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
12
13
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
14
Beer
KORTRIJK, Belgium
4.7
15
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
16
Beer
POPERINGE, Belgium
4.7
17
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
18
19
20
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
21
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
22
23
24
25
26
27
Spirit
POPERINGE, Belgium
4.7
28
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
29
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
30
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
31
Wine
LIMBURG PROVINCE, Belgium
4.7
32
33
34
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
35
Cheese
ROESELARE, Belgium
4.6
36
Olive Oil
SINT-TRUIDEN, Belgium
4.6
37
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.6
38
Cheese
BRUGES, Belgium
4.6
39
40
Beer
MAASMECHELEN, Belgium
4.5
41
Beer
HALLE, Belgium
4.5
42
Liqueur
ANTWERP, Belgium
4.5
43
Beer
MECHELEN, Belgium
4.4
44
Beer
MELLE, Belgium
4.4
45
46
47
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.3
48
49
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Flanders Food Products

01
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Postel Mi-vieux Belegen is a semi-aged Belgian cheese, known for its smooth and creamy texture. It has a rich, slightly nutty flavor, which intensifies as it matures. Typically enjoyed with bread or on a cheese platter, Postel Belegen is a versatile cheese that pairs well with both light red wines and stronger beers.


It is a popular choice for those who enjoy semi-matured cheeses with a balanced taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

02

Cheese

ROESELARE, Belgium
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Barista is a distinctive cheese product crafted by Kaasboerderij't Groendal, a renowned dairy farm and cheesemaker. This farm-based company is known for producing high-quality artisanal cheeses, utilizing traditional cheesemaking techniques. Barista is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and complex flavor profile, which makes it an excellent choice for pairing with coffee or as a versatile ingredient in various culinary dishes.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2021

03
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Gentenaer by Little Cheese Farm is a handcrafted Belgian cheese that embodies the essence of traditional cheese-making. This artisanal cheese is made from the fresh, high-quality milk of cows that graze on lush pastures in the picturesque region of Meetjesland.


The cheese showcases a unique flavor profile influenced by the rich terroir and the natural diet of the cows, which directly impacts the taste of the milk.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022, 2021

04
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Maigre Des Flandres is a traditional Belgian cheese renowned for its rich flavor and unique texture. Originating from the Flanders region, this cheese is typically made from cow's milk and is characterized by its semi-soft consistency. The cheese has a pale yellow rind, which is often natural and slightly wrinkled, and a creamy, smooth interior that melts in the mouth.


Its flavor profile is pleasantly mild with subtle nutty and buttery notes, making it versatile for various culinary uses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

05
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Postel Reserve is a premium Belgian cheese, characterized by its firm texture and rich, complex flavors that develop as it matures. This cheese boasts a slightly crumbly consistency and a well-balanced, nutty taste. Ideal for cheese platters, it pairs excellently with robust wines and artisanal breads.


Postel Reserve is a great choice for those seeking a high-quality, flavorful cheese experience.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2021

06
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

07

Cheese

ROESELARE, Belgium
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Kaasboerderij 't Groendal produces a cheese called Og Goat, which is made from the milk of goats. This cheese offers a distinctive flavor profile, often characterized by earthy and slightly tangy notes. Og Goat is known for its creamy texture that complements the richness of the goat milk used in its production.


It is typically aged to develop a more complex flavor, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

08
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Boerejan 30m from Little Cheese Farm is a unique and flavorful artisanal cheese that highlights the rich agricultural heritage of Belgium. Made from high-quality cow's milk sourced from cows that graze on lush pastures, this cheese embodies the traditional methods of cheese-making that have been perfected over generations.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

09
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Ouwe Meetjeslander is a cheese product made by Little Cheese Farm. This cheese is known for its unique aging process, which contributes to its distinctive flavor profile. The farm emphasizes traditional cheese-making techniques, ensuring that each wheel of Ouwe Meetjeslander is crafted with care and attention to detail.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

10
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024

Concours International de Lyon - Gold

2024

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Olive Oil
SINT-TRUIDEN, Belgium
4.9
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
Beer
MECHELEN, Belgium
4.8
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.