Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and of course, delicious food. With its rich culinary heritage, Brussels offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. However, for travelers on a tight budget, finding affordable and authentic places to eat in Brussels can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat in Brussels on a budget, from traditional Belgian cuisine to international flavors and everything in between.
Traditional Belgian Cuisine on a Budget
Belgian cuisine is famous for its waffles, chocolate, and beer, but it’s also known for its hearty and comforting dishes like moules-frites (mussels with fries) and carbonade flamande (beef stew with mustard and beer). Here are some traditional Belgian restaurants that offer affordable options:
- Frites shops: You can find frites shops all over Brussels, and they’re a great place to grab a quick and affordable snack. Try “Friterie Antoine” or “Frites Atelier” for around €5-€10 per serving.
- Mussels: You can find mussels on the menu at many traditional Belgian restaurants. Try “Le Pain Quotidien” or “Le Comptoir des Moulins” for around €15-€25 per serving.
- Waffles: Waffles are a classic Belgian treat, and you can find them at many cafes and bakeries. Try “Wafel & Co” or “Le Wafel” for around €5-€10 per waffle.
International Cuisine on a Budget
Brussels is a multicultural city, and you can find international cuisine from all over the world. Here are some affordable options:
- Asian food: Try “Wok This Way” or “Sushi Shop” for affordable and delicious Asian cuisine. Prices start from around €10-€15 per meal.
- Italian food: “Pizzeria La Luna” or “Bistro Italia” offer affordable Italian cuisine, with prices starting from around €15-€25 per meal.
- Middle Eastern food: “Mama’s Kitchen” or “Shawarma Palace” offer affordable and flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine, with prices starting from around €10-€15 per meal.
Cafes and Bakeries
Cafes and bakeries are a great place to grab a quick and affordable bite in Brussels. Here are some recommendations:
Bakeries
Bakeries in Brussels offer a wide range of delicious pastries, sandwiches, and snacks. Here are some popular bakeries:
- “Le Pain Quotidien”: This international bakery chain offers a wide range of organic bread and pastries, starting from around €2-€5 per item.
- “Boulangerie de la Rue”: This local bakery offers a wide range of traditional Belgian bread and pastries, starting from around €2-€5 per item.
- “Gérard Mulot”: This French bakery offers a wide range of delicious pastries and sandwiches, starting from around €5-€10 per item.
Cafes (See Also: Where to Eat in Guimaraes Portugal? Top Hidden Gems)
Cafes in Brussels offer a wide range of coffee, tea, and snacks. Here are some popular cafes:
- “Café Central”: This historic cafe is a great place to grab a coffee or snack, with prices starting from around €2-€5 per item.
- “Café de la Presse”: This cozy cafe is a great place to grab a coffee or snack, with prices starting from around €2-€5 per item.
- “Café des Sciences”: This cafe is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide range of coffee and snacks, with prices starting from around €2-€5 per item.
Street Food and Markets
Street food and markets are a great way to try affordable and authentic food in Brussels. Here are some recommendations:
Street Food
Brussels has a number of street food stalls and trucks that offer a wide range of affordable and delicious food. Here are some popular options: (See Also: Where to Eat in Little Italy? Flavorful Finds)
- “Street Food Brussels”: This organization offers a number of street food stalls and trucks throughout the city, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item.
- “Frites and Waffles”: This street food stall offers a wide range of frites and waffles, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item.
- “Tacos”: This street food stall offers a wide range of tacos, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item.
Markets
Brussels has a number of markets that offer a wide range of affordable and authentic food. Here are some popular options:
- “Grand Place Market”: This market is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide range of food, including fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item.
- “Marché aux Puces”: This market is located in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood and offers a wide range of food, including fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item.
- “Marché de la Gare”: This market is located near the Gare du Nord train station and offers a wide range of food, including fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item.
Recap and Summary
In this article, we have explored the best places to eat in Brussels on a budget. From traditional Belgian cuisine to international flavors and street food, there are plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some key points to remember:
- Traditional Belgian cuisine is affordable and delicious, with options starting from around €10-€20 per meal.
- International cuisine is also affordable, with options starting from around €10-€20 per meal.
- Cafes and bakeries offer a wide range of affordable snacks and drinks, with prices starting from around €2-€5 per item.
- Street food and markets offer a wide range of affordable and authentic food, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item.
FAQs
What is the best way to find affordable food in Brussels?
The best way to find affordable food in Brussels is to try traditional Belgian cuisine, such as moules-frites or waffles, which are often priced around €10-€20 per meal. You can also try international cuisine, such as Asian or Italian food, which is often priced around €10-€20 per meal. Additionally, cafes and bakeries offer a wide range of affordable snacks and drinks, with prices starting from around €2-€5 per item.
Are there any affordable dining options near the city center?
Yes, there are many affordable dining options near the city center. Try “Frites Atelier” or “Wafel & Co” for affordable and delicious food, with prices starting from around €5-€10 per item. You can also try “Café Central” or “Café de la Presse” for affordable and cozy cafes, with prices starting from around €2-€5 per item.
Can I find vegan or gluten-free options in Brussels?
Yes, Brussels has a number of vegan and gluten-free options. Try “Veggie House” or “Green Kitchen” for vegan and gluten-free options, with prices starting from around €10-€20 per meal. You can also try “Boulangerie de la Rue” or “Gérard Mulot” for gluten-free bread and pastries, with prices starting from around €2-€5 per item. (See Also: Where to Eat in Los Angeles Right Now? Top Foodie Spots)
Are there any affordable food tours in Brussels?
Yes, there are many affordable food tours in Brussels. Try “Brussels Food Tours” or “Taste of Brussels” for a guided tour of the city’s best food spots, with prices starting from around €50-€100 per person. You can also try “Street Food Brussels” for a self-guided tour of the city’s street food scene, with prices starting from around €20-€50 per person.
Can I find affordable food delivery or takeout options in Brussels?
Yes, Brussels has a number of affordable food delivery and takeout options. Try “Foodora” or “Deliveroo” for a wide range of food delivery options, with prices starting from around €10-€20 per meal. You can also try “Just Eat” or “Takeaway.com” for a wide range of takeout options, with prices starting from around €10-€20 per meal.