A Foodie’s Guide to Eating in Antwerp

Antwerp is a city of culture, art, and of course, food. There is an abundance of different cuisines to choose from, ranging from traditional Belgian dishes to more exotic fare. No matter what your taste, you can find something to satisfy your appetite in Antwerp. This guide will help you explore the city’s culinary scene, from the best restaurants to the hidden gems. So get ready to dig in, and let’s get started!

Traditional Belgian Dishes

When it comes to traditional Belgian dishes, you can’t go wrong with mussels and fries. This classic dish is served with a side of frites, or fries, and a variety of sauces. Another popular dish is stoofvlees, which is a stew made with beef, onions, and beer. Other popular dishes include beef carbonnade, a Flemish stew made with beef, onions, and beer; waterzooi, a creamy stew made with chicken, vegetables, and cream; and lapin a la Kriek, a rabbit stew flavored with cherries.

In addition to these classic dishes, you can also find a variety of local specialties in Antwerp. For starters, try the iconic waffles, which are served with a variety of sweet toppings. You can also find a variety of Belgian cheeses, such as Gouda, Gruyere, and Maasdammer. And last but not least, don’t forget to try the local beer, which is some of the best in the world.

So whether you’re in the mood for mussels and fries or a local specialty, Antwerp has something to satisfy your craving.

Seafood

Antwerp is a coastal city, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a big part of the local cuisine. Local favorites include shrimp croquettes, which are deep-fried balls of shrimp and potatoes; salted herring, which is served with onions and pickles; and salmon tartare, which is a dish of raw salmon mixed with mayonnaise and spices. Other seafood dishes include grilled fish, smoked eel, and seafood soup.

If you’re looking for something more exotic, you can also find a variety of dishes featuring squid, octopus, and mussels. You can also find sushi restaurants, which offer a variety of raw fish and other Japanese delicacies.

No matter what your tastes, you can find something delicious in Antwerp’s seafood restaurants. So why not give it a try?

International Cuisine

Antwerp is home to a wide variety of international cuisine. You can find Chinese, Indian, Italian, Spanish, and even Mexican restaurants. Each one has its own unique flavor, so you can find something to suit your tastes.

If you’re in the mood for something a little bit different, why not try a fusion restaurant? These restaurants combine different cuisines to create a unique flavor. For example, you might find a restaurant that serves French-Asian fusion, or Italian-Mexican fusion.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find something to satisfy your taste buds in Antwerp’s international restaurants.

Fine Dining

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Antwerp has plenty of fine-dining restaurants to choose from. These restaurants feature high-end cuisine, often with a modern twist. Some of the most popular restaurants include De Karmeliet, which serves French-Belgian cuisine; and In de Wulf, which serves modern Belgian cuisine.

These restaurants often feature a tasting menu, which is a selection of several different dishes served in small portions. This is a great way to try a variety of dishes from the same menu.

For a truly luxurious dining experience, Antwerp also has a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. These restaurants are some of the best in the city, and offer a unique and sophisticated dining experience.

Street Food

If you’re looking for a quick and easy bite to eat, Antwerp has plenty of street food to choose from. You can find hot dogs, kebabs, and waffles, as well as a variety of snacks such as fries, falafel, and Belgian chocolates. You can also find a variety of ethnic food, such as Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern dishes.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, there are also food trucks that serve gourmet sandwiches and salads.

Street food is a great way to sample the local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Cafes and Bakeries

If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, Antwerp has plenty of cafes and bakeries to choose from. Popular pastries include waffles, croissants, and speculoos. You can also find a variety of coffee and tea, as well as hot chocolate and chocolates.

If you want something a bit more substantial, there are also cafes that serve sandwiches, salads, and soups. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you can find a variety of ice cream, sorbets, and gelato.

Cafes and bakeries are a great way to take a break and enjoy some delicious treats.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food

If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan food, Antwerp has plenty of options to choose from. There are a number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, as well as cafes and bakeries that offer vegan pastries. You can also find a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes in many of the city’s traditional restaurants.

In addition, you can find a variety of vegetarian and vegan products in the local grocery stores. These include vegetarian and vegan meats, cheeses, and other products.

So no matter what your dietary needs, you can find something to satisfy your appetite in Antwerp.

Food Tours and Markets

If you want to explore the city’s culinary scene, you can take a food tour. These tours take you to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and markets. You can also find a variety of food-related events, such as cooking classes and wine tastings.

Antwerp also has a number of markets, where you can find fresh produce, as well as cheese, bread, and other specialty items. The most popular markets include the Boerenmarkt, which is open on Saturdays, and the Groenplaats Market, which is open on Sundays.

So if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city’s food scene, why not take a food tour or visit one of the markets?

Conclusion

Antwerp is a city of culture, art, and of course, food. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Belgian dishes, seafood, international cuisine, fine dining, street food, cafes and bakeries, vegetarian and vegan food, or food tours and markets, you can find something to satisfy your appetite in Antwerp. So why not dig in and explore the city’s culinary scene?

From traditional Belgian dishes to exotic international cuisine, Antwerp has something for everyone. So get ready to explore the city’s culinary scene, and let your taste buds take you on a delicious journey. Bon Appetit!