Each (Belgian) family has their own traditions for the holidays. Some of them all come together on Christmas Eve, or some on Christmas Day. Regardless of the date, the one thing that brings the whole family together is food. We have listed a few typical Belgian Dishes that are eaten during the holidays.
Gourmet
When most people hear the word gourmet, they imagine really high-quality, refined and often expensive food that requires exceptional ingredients. In Belgium, however, gourmetten means something quite different.
Gourmetten is a beloved social activity where family and friends gather around the table to cook their own food in small pans or on a tabletop grill, baking tray or similar, using various ingredients provided on the table.
Typical ingredients include grilled vegetables, fresh salads, eggs, boiled potatoes and an assortment of meats such as sausages, hamburgers, mini-steaks, chicken pieces and so much more. It’s considered a true festive classic. The joy lies in choosing, cooking and sharing together. Although you might want to watch out that no one steals your meat.
The only drawback? The smell of sizzling food lingers throughout the house. But in the spirit of the tradition, no one really minds.
The more classic meals
Since not everyone likes the smell of gourmet lingering in their living room for a whole week, many families prefer a more traditional, three course holiday meal.
The celebration often begins with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. For the children there is kidibull, also known as sparkling apple juice, but festive all the same. Nothing says the holidays quite like sipping bubbles while trying not to burn your tongue on freshly baked puff pastry bites. In some households, the beginning of the evening is a touch more refined, with oysters or foie gras served as appetizers.
The first course usually features a soup, often seafood-based, or a lighter starter such as smoked salmon, sole, or scampi in a creamy sauce.
For the main course, regional traditions play a role, but certain dishes are beloved everywhere. Stuffed turkey, roast beef, lamb, or fricandon (a Belgian-style meatloaf) with cherry sauce are among the favourites. Whatever meat graces the table, one thing is certain: it will be accompanied by crispy kroketten (potato croquettes), green beans wrapped in bacon, braised chicory, and other seasonal vegetables.
Dessert typically comes down to two classics. Either there’s an ice cream cake, customized with the family’s favorite flavors, or the traditional Bûche de Noël. This is a festive yule log cake filled with buttercream and often coated in rich Belgian chocolate.
Festive Beers
Belgium wouldn’t be Belgium if the holiday’s would not have specially brewed festive beers. Many breweries create special Christmas or winter editions, often darker, richer and stronger than their year-round classics. These seasonal brews are typacilly spiced with flavors like cinnamon, cloves or anise and balanced with notes of caramel, dried fruits and roasted malts. Classic holiday brews include St Bernardus Christmas Ale, Gouden Carolus Noël, N’ice chouffe or winter Leffe. Served in elegant glasses, these beers add warmth and character to the table, pairing beautifully with hearty festive dishes and sweet holiday desserts alike.
