Belgium Cheap Eats and Gourmet Delights on a Budget

Save a fortune gorging on chocolate, fries and beer!

Belgium is the ultimate holiday destination for beer and chocolate lovers. Belgians are immensely proud of their beer culture and historic breweries. Likewise, the chocolate scene is equally diverse, from dark chocolate tablets to pralines, there is no shortage of cocoa on the menu in Belgium.

Some people have described Belgium's cuisine as being like “French food with German portions” which is ideal if you're on a budget. Serving quality and quantity in equal measure, you can enjoy a spectacular range of chocolate, waffles and meat dishes for under €8.

Always a sucker for a bargain, our budget guide to Belgium's gourmet goodies will show you the way to foodie paradise.

#1 Belgian chocolate

Images by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Brussels is not called the ‘Chocolate city’ by accident. There are more than 2,000 chocolate makers in the country and they take it very seriously. They have a law insisting that all Belgium chocolate must include a minimum of 35% pure cocoa.

If you’re on a budget and wanting to buy some chocolate, then avoid the big tourist sites near the airport or train station, as they are expensive and inauthentic. We recommend you visit Mary’s or Elizabeth in the city centre for the real stuff.

After spending time in Brussels, head over to nearby Bruges – one of the prettiest towns in Europe and visit the ‘Chocolaterie De Burg’ where the chocolates are handmade and sold by family members.

#2 Waffles

Image by Visit Flanders (Flickr/Creative Common)

Belgium waffles can be found everywhere, with some going for as little as €1! They are the ideal snack if you’re travelling on a budget and want a sugary meal to keep you going throughout the day. You can buy them hot or cold with either fruits, nuts, honey or chocolate sauce on top!

#3 Frites

Image by maerzbow (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Belgium is the accidental home of ‘French fries’ after US soldiers in WWII spotted locals eating fries and speaking French…we'll let you work out the rest.

Back in 2016, you’ll find countless shops and stalls selling frites, with up to 15 sauces to choose from! They are the ultimate budget street food dish and come served in a lovely cone.

If you are travelling to Brussels on holiday, then one of the best places to eat is ‘Friterie Du Cafe Georgette’, where they fry their chips in beef fat! Yum!

#4 Chocolate Bread

Laced with dark chocolate chunks and crunchy nuts, Belgium’s chocolate bread is a divine chocolate experience. You can buy a loaf at all good supermarkets for about €6. It’s especially great if you want to eat cheap and enjoy chocolate at the same time.

#5 Belgium Beers

Image by AdamChandler86 (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Beer is everywhere you look in Belgium and it's one of the country's most famous symbols. Travellers should check out Delirium in Brussels, which has an incredible 3,000 brews available. If you’re still able to stand up, then a trip to the Beer Museum in Bruges is another must-see attraction.

Many Belgium beers have personalised glasses for which only that beer may be served. The individual shape of the glass enhances the flavour and gives you an even more aromatic experience than normal beers.

If you want to expand your waistline on a budget in Belgium, then why not save money on accommodation that could be better spent on beer! Sleep cheap with HostelsClub this festive season and make big savings on your future gourmet travels.

*Header image by Simon Q (Flickr/Creative Commons)