Beer in cooking

Flemish cuisine is known for its use of beer in cooking. In fact, beer is often used in place of wine or other liquids in traditional Flemish dishes like carbonade flamande (a hearty beef stew) and waterzooi (a creamy fish or chicken stew). The use of beer in cooking is believed to date back to the medieval period when beer was a staple drink for many people in the region and was used in cooking as a way to add flavour and depth to dishes. Today, the tradition of using beer in cooking continues to be an important part of the Flemish culinary heritage.

Belgian fries

Belgian fries, or "frites," are a beloved staple in Flanders and are considered to be among the best fries in the world. But did you know that they were actually introduced to Belgium by Spanish soldiers in the 17th century? The Spanish had brought the tradition of frying potatoes with them to Belgium, and the dish quickly became popular in the region. Today, Belgian fries are enjoyed by people all over the world and are often paired with a variety of dips and sauces.

Hutsepot

Hutsepot is a traditional Flemish stew made with potatoes, carrots, onions, and either beef or mutton. It is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for cold weather and is a staple of Flemish cuisine. But did you know that the name "hutsepot" actually means “mixture pot”? This is because the dish is made by simply tossing all the ingredients into one pot and allowing them to cook together, resulting in a delicious blend of flavours.

Belgian chocolate

Flanders is known for its delicious chocolate, which is renowned for its high quality and rich flavour. But did you know that Belgian chocolate is actually a protected geographical indication (PGI)? This means that the name “Belgian chocolate” is protected by law, and only chocolate made in Belgium can be labelled as such. This helps to maintain the high standards of quality and tradition that are associated with Belgian chocolate and ensures that consumers are getting the real thing.

Carbonade flamande

Flemish cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting dishes that are perfect for cold weather. One of the most famous dishes is carbonade flamande, a slow-cooked beef stew made with beer, onions, and spices. But did you know that the name “carbonade” is derived from the French word “carbonade,” meaning “made with charcoal”? This is a nod to the dish's origin as a meal cooked by soldiers over open fires, who would use charcoal to cook the stew.

Info & content

We, Bas, Jung min and Thorre wanted to put the Flemish kitchen in the spotlight and share the culture of our region. We created this blog because we think the food is absolutely delicious and is undervalued worldwide.

In this blog, we will go over all the typical meals u find in Flanders and several facts about the region's rich food culture and history.

Name's origin

We thought of the name "Flavours of Flanders" to highlight the unique and diverse flavours found in the cuisine of Flanders, a region in the northern part of Belgium. Flanders is known for its traditional dishes that feature simple ingredients combined in creative ways to create bold and distinctive flavours. The name "Flavours of Flanders" seeks to capture this culinary greatness and celebrate the richness and diversity of the food culture.

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