Ardennes, Belgium
Belgian cuisine, especially in Wallonia where Spa is located, unites French gastronomic tradition and hearty Germanic influences.
It often gets described as having "the quantity of German cuisine with the quality of French cuisine," with rich, comforting dishes.
Lunch typically runs from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Dinner usually gets served from 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM or later.
Making reservations for dinner, especially on weekends or in popular restaurants, is a suggested practice to secure a table.
Tipping is not mandatory but gains appreciation for good service (5-10% is common).
These are a culinary institution. Double-fried for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, served in a paper cone with various sauces.
Look for "friteries" or "fritkots" (fry stands) throughout town.
A denser, chewier, and sweeter waffle with irregular edges, made with a brioche-like dough and caramelized pearl sugar.
Best enjoyed warm from a street vendor, bakeries, or cafes.
Mussels steamed in white wine, herbs, and vegetables, served in a large pot with a side of Belgian fries. A national dish.
Find this at many traditional brasseries and restaurants.
Spiced shortbread biscuits, often enjoyed with coffee.
High-quality Belgian chocolates are available in Spa.
Some luxury hotels in Spa house fine dining restaurants.
Numerous brasseries and traditional restaurants populate Spa's town center.
For an authentic and inexpensive meal, visit a local friterie or bakery.
Spa is a weekly local market (typically on Tuesday and/or Friday mornings in the town center).
A good place to find fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and other local specialties.
The market presents a taste of local life and a chance to buy ingredients for a picnic or self-catered meal.
International cuisine options are limited in Spa; for more choice, consider a day trip to Liège.
Increasingly common, but selection may not always be extensive. Vegan options more challenging.
Awareness is growing. Communicate your needs clearly to staff.
Do not assume all vegetable dishes are vegan (may contain butter or cream).
Consider a small Translation card for allergies.
Always confirm your dietary requirements with the restaurant staff directly upon arrival.
This practice clarifies your needs and expectations.
Utilize apps like HappyCow to find vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants.
Checking restaurant websites for their menus before visiting is also a good approach.
Peket is a traditional Walloon juniper-flavored spirit, similar to Dutch Genever.
Naturally, the mineral water from Spa's famous springs is a must-try.
Some restaurants incorporate Spa's mineral water into their dishes.
During autumn and winter hunting seasons, restaurants often feature game dishes.
White asparagus is a seasonal delicacy in spring.
Discover fresh bread, pastries, and regional sweet treats from local bakeries.
Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
The Ardennes region has many artisanal producers of cheese and cured meats.
Look for signs advertising "produits du terroir" (local products).
Specific cooking classes for tourists are limited in Spa, but regional tours are available.
Some local farms and producers may present direct sales or small tours.
Local market days often feature food stalls and opportunities for sampling regional items.
Engaging with local markets and producers delivers a culinary experience.
