Belgium, a country renowned for its exquisite high-end cuisine, also offers an array of street food that may surprise you. This article provides a glimpse into the typical prices for street food across Belgium, focusing on the most iconic meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert, with all prices indicated in euros.
Breakfast:
- Pastries and Coffee: In the morning, street vendors offer an assortment of pastries, with prices generally starting from around €1 to €3 for a pastry. A cup of coffee to complement your breakfast would typically cost about the same.
Lunch:
- Frites: Iconic Belgian fries are a must-try, usually costing between €3 to €5, served in a cone with a selection of sauces
- Moules-frites: For a heartier option, mussels with fries can be eaten, though this dish leans towards the upper end of street food pricing, sometimes reaching up to €10-€15 depending on the portion and the place.
Dinner:
Belgian dinners on the street are rich and satisfying, perfect for ending the day.
- Carbonade Flamande: This sweet-sour beef stew is traditionally made with beer and served with fries. On the streets, you may find it for around €15, especially if it’s part of a meal deal with a drink
- Pasta Boxes: For a quick and affordable dinner, pasta boxes with various sauces can be purchased for as low as €6 at places like Pasta Presto in Bruges.
Dessert: Sweet Belgian Classics
No Belgian culinary experience is complete without trying the nation’s beloved sweets.
- Belgian Waffles: A classic treat, these are often found at street vendors for €3 to €5, with a variety of toppings like chocolate or fruit
- Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream is typically priced at €2.5, offering a refreshing end to your street food journey
Compared to Restaurants
While restaurant dining in Belgium is a delightful experience, street food offers a more affordable and casual way to enjoy many of the same flavors. For example, a dish that might cost €20-€30 in a restaurant can often be found for less than €10 on the street. In general, Belgian street food is around 3 times less expensive than a restaurant.
