Long weekend in Brussels

Brussels… the capital of a country famous for chocolate, fries, waffles, and of course, beer. Here in the bars, it seems that every beer has its dedicated glass, which further emphasizes the uniqueness of different varieties. Even as a wine enthusiast, I found something special here – gueuze, also known as Belgian champagne, surprised me with its refined taste. Gueuze is a sour beer originating from the Pajottenland region. Like lambic, which serves as the base for gueuze production, it is made using wild yeast. Both beers have a unique flavor and are the epitome of Belgian brewing craftsmanship.

Another thing Belgium is famous for is fries. What makes them so special? The secret lies in their double frying, which gives them a golden color and an incredible crispiness on the outside while maintaining fluffiness inside. Fries in Belgium are a mandatory accompaniment to mussels. Moules frites are so beloved by Belgians that they have become the national dish of the country. The history of this dish dates back to times when mussels were a cheaper and more readily available source of protein than meat and fish. This dish became popular among people of various social strata and is still loved by locals and tourists today.

Belgium is also famous for waffles, with Brussels and Liege varieties to choose from. Brussels waffles are delicate and fluffy, while Liege waffles are more crispy and sweet. Their dough is full of small sugar crystals that caramelize during cooking, giving the waffles a unique flavor and texture.

Belgium is known worldwide for its excellent chocolate, whose history dates back to colonial times. When Belgium had access to exotic ingredients such as cocoa, it paved the way for the development and perfection of chocolate craftsmanship.