What Belgians Really Eat for Breakfast: 16 Traditional Dishes You Need to Try

Belgian Breakfast – When people hear about having a Belgian breakfast, waffles come to mind really fast as the best traditional breakfast in Belgium.

The true thing is, even if waffles are still a big part of Belgian culture, breakfast in Belgium is actually more dominated by potato dishes! Have some butter and cheese with that, and you can have a great start to your day.

In this guide, we’ll give you 16 of the best and traditional breakfast in Belgium to try so you won’t miss out on your visit!

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Let’s begin with our Belgian breakfast top list…

Belgian Breakfast – 16 Best Traditional Breakfast in Belgium to Try

Belgians love to have really minimal, savory, and mild breakfasts. Let’s look at some of the main meals and see the choices of breakfast in Belgium you should try when visiting the country.

Most typical parts of a Belgian breakfast:

• Bread
• Cheese
• Jams

Belgians love their potatoes – which is why they have various versions of it, whether it’s breakfast or other main meals of the day.

1. Belgian Fries / Frites

The main difference between Belgian Frites or Belgian Fries to your typical American French fries is that with Belgian fries, potatoes are cut thicker, made with Bintje potatoes, and cooked twice in beef tallow. Belgian Frites get pre-fried at a much lower temperature before being deeply friend quickly just before serving.

Because of this process, the Belgian frites or Belgian fries don’t appear soft, mushy, and soggy. They’re thick and definitely stand out in Belgian breakfast we’d love to try.

2. French Fries

Since Belgians love their potatoes, you’ll still find typical French Fries in the country and can be a common Belgian breakfast or brunch option. Remember that Belgians try to keep their snacks light and still on the healthier side so you’ll expect your fries to be less oily and eaten with a side of vegetables.

3. Stoemp (Belgian Mashed Potatoes)

For the last potato Belgian breakfast option, you have the Stoemp or Belgian Mashed Potatoes. More commonly served with Belgian sausages and meat, this easily makes up for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

4. Liège Waffles

Ahh. The battle of the Belgian waffles. First, we have the beautiful and very typical of Belgium, the Liege waffles. Now, Belgians might see these more often as quick snacks in Belgian streets during the day, however, Belgian waffles can of course be consumed as part of your early morning ritual or your breakfast in Belgium.

But how are Liege waffles different from the usual waffles you see? Liege waddles are done with a much thicker batter, much closer to bread dough, and when you look at it, it has uneven edges, thus creating this very unique cute waffle shape.

5. Brussels Waffles

Brussels waffles can be just a way to start your day with a good Belgian breakfast or light snack. Brussels waffles resemble your typical waffle, with thinner batter than the Liege waffles, it’s also done with the typical rectangular waffles shape, made with a leavened batter, and has deeper pockets or holes.

6. Boudin: Belgium breakfast for you to try

Boudin is a type of Belgian sausage that you can have for breakfast in Belgium. It can be made from pork, but also chicken or veal. In Belgium, you have the white boudin or boudin blanc and the black boudin or boudin noir. The added spices definitely make Belgian Boudin very delicious and not to miss for your traditional Belgian breakfast.

7. Frikandel

Frikandel is popular in the country, and it’s easily known as the Belgian deep-fried sausage. Can be made with beef, chicken, or pork.

8. Filet Americain

A raw beef spread is known as Filet Américain. The difference between filet Américain and the more famous steak tartare is that filet Américain contains meat that is minced in a meat grinder. Filet Américain is commonly served as an appetizer spread over crackers, but it is also served as a main course with fries and a fresh salad on the side.

More Traditional Breakfast in Belgium

9. Cramique

Cramique as part of your Belgian breakfast is popularly eaten with butter. You can have it in the morning or for snacks as well, consumed with tea or coffee. It’s that delicious Belgian bread with raisins you should pass on.

10. Craquelin

Another of Belgians’ popular breads is the Craquelin. It’s filled with sugar pieces called nib sugar and a type of Belgian brioche. You popularly find flavors of Craquelin like orange, almond, lemon and vanilla. Perfect with Belgian coffee or tea!

11. Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolates come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including pralines, truffles, and chocolates fashion like eggs, animals, or other figures. They’re hugely common around the holidays. The Belgian chocolates business, which is famous around the world, began by adapting some of the techniques used by Swiss chocolatiers to create new chocolate mixes by blending rich, high-quality chocolate with nuts, liqueurs, and fruits.

More Belgian Breakfast/Brunch – Drinks in Belgium

12. Belgian Beer

Belgian beers are of course one of the most popular in the world, with such amazing breweries and taste, it’s definitely something everyone in the world sought out for a good beer. You will of course not typically have beers very early in the morning, but you can have it as part of your late brunch or snacks.

13. Jenever / Genever

Originally produced from malt wine, jenever is a Dutch spirit. Because the drink had such a strong and peculiar flavor, it was frequently infused with other herbs, including juniper, which gave rise to the name jenever. Now you’d probably not start your day with a Genever, however, no problem having one with your late brunch or Belgian afternoon snacks!

14. Juices

We love fresh juices and flavors coming from whatever is currently in season in Belgium! Can be easily partnered with any number of your favorite Belgian breakfast, Belgian juice is a must to try.

15. Belgian Coffee

Belgian coffee, fill the coffee cup halfway with coffee then sweeten to taste. Float the cream on top and finish with a sprinkling of shredded chocolate. To make Belgian coffee, pour a tiny amount of espresso into a small glass cup, then cut it with an equal amount of steaming milk to mitigate the bitterness.

16. Belgian Hot Chocolate

If Belgian chocolates are a must-have, so is the chocolate in hot creamy form! The cocoa content of Belgian hot chocolate is usually higher.

Belgian hot chocolate makers love higher cocoa content, which is found most naturally in dark Belgian chocolates. This easily makes for really good hot chocolate to be a part of your cold morning.

Origin and History

Belgian breakfast traditions grew out of a country shaped by small farms, regional trade routes, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Before modern cafés and bakeries, most families relied on simple, homemade morning foods built around dairy, grains, and seasonal produce. These early habits created the foundation for the rich breakfast culture Belgium is now known for.

As cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges became commercial hubs, the country’s breakfast offerings grew more diverse. Bakers perfected bread varieties, dairy farmers refined their cheeses, and chocolate makers introduced morning spreads that were once considered luxuries. These regional specialties eventually blended, creating a national breakfast style unique to Belgium.

Over the centuries, immigration and travel broadened Belgium’s breakfast identity even further. Influences from France, the Netherlands, and Germany layered on new techniques and flavors, yet the country maintained its focus on artisanal quality. Today’s Belgian breakfasts reflect this balance of old and new, showcasing ingredients and methods with roots that stretch back generations.

One controversy surrounding Belgian breakfast culture is the misconception that waffles are eaten daily. Many visitors assume Belgians start each morning with Liège or Brussels waffles, when in reality these foods are more commonly street snacks or weekend treats. Locals often find it puzzling when tourists expect waffles to appear on every breakfast table.

Another misunderstood area is the role of chocolate. While Belgium is globally celebrated for its chocolate craftsmanship, locals do not typically indulge in heavy, dessert-style chocolate early in the day. A thin layer of chocolate spread on bread is common, but elaborate chocolate pastries or pralines at breakfast are seen as excessive rather than traditional.

Finally, some travelers mistakenly believe Belgian breakfasts are always large and indulgent. In truth, weekday breakfasts are usually light and practical, often built around fresh bread, butter, cheese, and coffee. The bigger, more elaborate spreads are reserved for leisurely weekends or special occasions, not everyday life.

How Long It Takes to Prepare

Preparing a traditional Belgian breakfast generally takes very little time. Most households focus on fresh bread, simple spreads, cured meats, and cheeses, meaning the morning routine involves more assembly than cooking. This makes it easy to create an authentic Belgian-style meal even on busy mornings.

If you want to include regional specialties like smoutebollen, crêpes, or warm pastries, preparation time increases. These dishes can take anywhere from twenty minutes to over an hour, depending on the recipe and whether the dough or batter is made from scratch. Many Belgians purchase these items from local bakeries instead of making them at home.

For anyone recreating a full Belgian breakfast spread, expect to spend about thirty minutes arranging different breads, fruits, dairy items, and condiments. While not time-consuming, the key is quality: selecting fresh, artisanal ingredients gives your breakfast the same richness and authenticity found in Belgian homes.

Serving Suggestions

To serve a classic Belgian breakfast, start with a fresh assortment of bread. Add butter, jam, soft cheese, hard cheese, ham, and seasonal fruit. Coffee or hot chocolate rounds out the experience. This simple setup reflects the everyday style found in Belgian households.

For a more festive or brunch-like version, include pastries, warm waffles, pancakes, or regional specialties such as pistolets or cramique. Small bowls of yogurt with granola, honey, or fruit can add a lighter touch while still staying true to Belgian tastes.

If you want to showcase the country’s regional diversity, build a table featuring items from different provinces. Offer Ardennes ham, Limburg vlaai, Liège waffles, and Flemish cheeses. This approach creates a richer experience and introduces guests to the wide culinary range Belgium offers.

Final Thoughts

Belgian breakfasts stand out because they prioritize quality over complexity. Even the simplest meal becomes memorable when crafted with fresh bread, local dairy, and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. This mindset reflects Belgium’s broader culinary culture, where craftsmanship and tradition shape every meal.

Understanding what Belgians truly eat in the morning helps dispel myths and highlights the country’s understated approach to breakfast. Rather than relying on heavy dishes or sugary indulgences, the focus remains on balance, freshness, and flavor. It is a style that feels both comforting and refined.

Whether you are preparing a quick weekday breakfast or hosting a weekend brunch, Belgian traditions offer endless inspiration. With just a few well-chosen ingredients, you can bring the warmth and authenticity of a Belgian morning to your own table.