Food & Travel> Waffles, Frites and Belgium

Image: Melt-in-the-mouth waffles

Image by: Belgian Chocolate

Text by: Tanya Munshi


History has played a significant role in influencing the food habits in Belgium. German, French and Latin cultures have a dominant presence in their food habits. Over the years, the natives came across a wide range of people from all across Europe. Through several experiments they evolved their own food habits and style. With just five percent of agricultural population, Belgium produces over 165 different kinds’ food products, including cheeses. Follow the Eurail map and land up in Belgium to feast on the delicious cuisines!

While visiting Belgium try out the Frites (French fries) and Flemish beef stew. Sea food, especially mussels is a favorite, along with beer, waffles and chocolates. Don’t miss the carbonnades flamandes which is the traditional Belgium beef stew with beer.

Characterized by the medieval cooking style, Belgium cuisine incorporates a lot of dry fruits, almonds, herbs, spices, mustard and vinegar. The endive herb dishes such as gratin or in soup, are a must try.

More popularly known as the white gold, endive was first introduced in Paris in 1872. Today this herb is cultivated in Belgium, in a variety of patches, be it in the fields or in kitchen gardens.
During your trip to Belgium, try the Waterzooi which is a fish or a chicken stew, flavored with butter, cream and egg yolk and lots of veggies that makes this a wholesome meal.

Roasted chestnuts, waffles and frites are popular road side food! During a window shopping spree, pick up paper cones full of frites garnished with mayonnaise or a flavored sauce. Did we miss the waffles? The waffles taste divine, especially when they melt in your mouth. Take a lazy stroll while the aroma of roasted chestnuts adds to the ambience of gorgeous Belgium.

Note: Rail Pass and Rail Europe both have online booking for cheap point to point and select eurail passes.

Travel & Culture> A Vsit to Belgium

Image: Picture perfect from Bruges
Image by: Spo0nman

Text by: Tanya Munshi

The Kingdom of Belgium has something for every traveler. The beer and chocolate is just the tip of the ice berg, look closely and you’ll find a variety. While planning your Eurail trip, see if you can drop by at Belgium.

1. Antwerp: One of the largest sea ports of the world and the second largest in the European Union, Antwerp is one of the busiest ports for cargo shipping and oil refineries. Here, monuments bear testimony of the Golden Era of Antwerp dating back to the 16th century. Many of the monuments survived the harshness of the World War II, and today a tourist will be awed at some of the heritage that has been preserved. Apart from being the diamonds centre of the world, Antwerp is also famous for Belgian tapestry, a six century old art form is still popular today.

2. Brussels: It’s the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium, and the head quarters for the French and Flemish Communities. French and Dutch being the official languages of the city, you will notice all the street names and traffic signs written in these two languages. The Grand’Place is quite popular amongst the plenty of museums and sight seeing spots. Summer nights are times when the Grand’Place hosts the sound and light show. In fact, several events and shows are frequently held at the Grand’Place throughout the year. The best way to enjoy Brussels is to take long walks, dig into hot waffles or perhaps enjoy delicious seafood. With pubs and cafés aplenty, shop for souvenirs or designer clothes, whatever catches your fancy, Brussels is a good stop over.

3. Bruges: Its well preserved medieval architecture makes Bruges a popular tourist destination in Europe. More often known as the Venice of the North, Bruges has been listed in the World Heritage Site for the years 2000 and 2002. Hop on for guided canal boat trips, a visit to the brewery De Halve Maan (since 1856) and the Bruges Diamond house and complete it with a sightseeing tour.

4. Ghent: The fourth largest city in Belgium Ghent is also a popular hub for Flemish culture amongst the student population. Ghent is renowned for its export of the most beautiful begonias and azaleas all over the world. This flower city of Belgium draws in tourists and locals to the Gentse Floralien or the Ghent Flower Show, held once in every five years.

Editor’s note: Rail Pass and Rail Europe both have online booking for cheap point to point and select eurail passes.