Brussels: Food Tour with Full Meal & Belgian Beer Tasting

Summary

Brussels walking food tour with classic dishes beer and sweets

You’ll taste classic Brussels dishes like shrimp croquettes and boulettes à la gueuze on this walking food tour, along with fresh fries, local beer, waffles straight from the griddle, and rich Belgian chocolate. Expect friendly company, real conversation with your guide, and plenty of time to linger in cozy spots between bites.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about ordering shrimp croquettes in Brussels — but there I was, standing with our small group at Place Poelaert, watching our guide (Sophie) chat with the chef like they were old friends. The city felt busy and a little gray that day, but inside the restaurant it was all golden light and the smell of frying butter. I bit into the croquette and honestly, it was so creamy I almost forgot where I was for a second. Someone from Canada asked if you’re supposed to eat them with your hands or a fork — Sophie just shrugged and grinned. “Whatever feels right.”

We wandered through Marolles after that, past antique shops and people huddled over tiny coffees outside. The main course — boulettes à la gueuze — came at this old spot where the waiter had these wild sideburns and called everyone “mon ami.” The meatballs were soft and swimming in this tangy beer sauce (I probably got some on my shirt; nobody cared). Belgian fries are nothing like what you get back home — crispier? Thicker? Hard to explain unless you try them fresh. And yes, local beer is included (I learned gueuze is pronounced kind of like “herz,” which I still can’t say right).

Somewhere between the Sablon and Grande Place, we ducked into this café that apparently used to be full of artists — now it’s mostly laughter and clinking glasses. The beer tasted sharp and cold after all that food. There was a moment when we just sat quietly, watching people walk by outside in the drizzle. It felt good not to rush.

The last stops were pure sugar: first a gaufre dusted with nothing but sugar (no toppings, which surprised me), then Belgian chocolate that melted before I could even finish describing it to my sister on WhatsApp. Our guide told us about her grandmother making waffles every Sunday — she laughed when someone asked for Nutella (“That’s not how we do it here”). By the end, we’d eaten what felt like two meals but somehow still wanted more stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brussels food tour and tastings

• Meet guide at Place Poelaert
• Walk through central Brussels neighborhoods
• Taste shrimp croquettes appetizer
• Enjoy boulettes à la gueuze with fries
• Drink local beer with snacks
• Try classic Belgian gaufre with sugar
• Finish with Belgian chocolate tasting

Top questions

How long does the Brussels food tour last?

The tour covers several stops over a relaxed pace; expect enough time for a full meal spread across 4+ tastings.

Are drinks included on the Brussels food tour?

Yes, at least one alcoholic drink (local beer) is included for guests over 18.

Is lunch provided during the Brussels food tour?

This itinerant tour includes enough tastings to equal a full meal by the end.

Can vegetarians join this Brussels food tour?

Please contact before booking for any dietary restrictions or needs.

Is there hotel pickup for this Brussels food tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at Place Poelaert in central Brussels.

Are children allowed on the Brussels food tour?

Yes; infants/small children can join in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats available.

What neighborhoods does the Brussels food tour visit?

The route goes through Quartier Marolles, Sablon area, and near Grande Place.

Is public transportation nearby after the tour ends?

Yes; public transport options are available close to start/end points.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings across multiple stops—shrimp croquettes, boulettes à la gueuze with fries, local snacks with Belgian beer (for adults), fresh waffles and chocolates—plus water throughout. A friendly local guide leads you through central Brussels’ neighborhoods; simply meet at Place Poelaert and bring your appetite for both food and stories.